CPI(M) State secretary Shanmugam releases official invitation for 24th party congress to be held in Madurai

The party congress is to be held from April 2 to 6, 2025

Tomato, brinjal prices drop due to increased market supply in Madurai

MADURAI: Increased arrival of tomatoes has brought down the prices to Rs 5 to Rs 7 in Madurai central market on Wednesday. Farmers said they are forced to sell the vegetables at very low prices or refrain from harvesting the vegetables. As on Wednesday, a 15-kg crate of tomato was sold at Rs 60 to Rs 120 and retail price of one kg stood at Rs 7 to Rs 10. Similarly, price of other vegetables, including ladies finger and brinjal, have also dropped below Rs 10 to Rs 15 per kg. Madurai Central Market All Traders Association, Mattuthavani president N Chinnamayan said, For tomatoes and brinjal, the Madurai market relies on farmers from Madurai and neighbouring districts, like Dindigul. On normal days, about 20 lorries would arrive but the present favourable climatic condition has brought a notable increase in vegetable supply. Till last week, the price of vegetables, like tomato and brinjal, were well above Rs 15 to Rs 20 per kg. But with increased supply, demand and price have dropped. He added that prices are likely to remain the same for the next couple of days. M Ramar, a traditional tomato and brinjal farmer, said, We have cultivated nearly 1,500 kg of tomatoes this week, but traders demand a mere Rs 4 per kg. We are left to bear the harvest cost and sell at very low prices. We have spent nearly Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 per acre for cultivation, but we are not able to recover even half the money. Considering the expenses, many have refrained from plucking harvest-ready tomatoes. He added that brinjal prices have also dropped with traders demanding Rs 300 for a 60 kg bag. Instead of selling it for Rs 5 per kg, farmers have left brinjal unharvested in the fields.

Madras HC reduces punishment of 3 ex-rly officials in misappropriation case with precondition to pay compensation

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently reduced the punishment imposed on three former officials of Southern Railway for misappropriating Rs 20.7 lakh funds in the guise of purchasing furniture for the broad gauge conversion work, which was undertaken at Villupuram-Vellore section between 2007 and 2011. Justice KK Ramakrishnan reduced the punishment on condition that the trio should pay compensation to the Southern Railway. The order was passed on a batch of appeals filed by the CBI and the three officials then senior divisional commercial manager AP Muthuramalingam, then divisional materials manager S Srinivasan and then store clerk R Inbaraj of Tiruchy division against the judgment passed by the CBI Special Court, Madurai on November 14, 2019. The special court had sentenced Inbaraj to four years rigorous imprisonment for corruption, cheating and conspiracy charges but Muthuramalingam and Srinivasan had received a lesser punishment of two years RI as they were acquitted from the corruption charges. While the trio challenged their conviction and punishment, the CBI challenged the acquittal of Muthuramalingam and Srinivasan under the corruption charges. Justice Ramakrishnan noted that the trio had falsified records and projected as if a huge amount of furniture was purchased but procured a lesser number of furniture and misappropriated the remaining Rs 20.7 lakh allotted for the purpose. The judge observed that the above actions clearly constitute misconduct as per Section 13(1)(d) read with 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. Holding that the acquittal of Muthuramalingam and Srinivasan from the above charges is unsustainable, the judge allowed CBI's appeal and reversed the acquittal. However, considering that Inbaraj was aged over 63 years and has already lost his job due to the above offence, the judge modified his punishment to one year RI on condition that he deposit Rs 7 lakh compensation in favour of the deputy chief engineer of the construction division of the SR in Tambaram within 15 days, failing which the earlier sentence would stand restored. Similarly, Muthuramalingam and Srinivasan were also sentenced to one year RI by directing them to pay Rs 5 lakh each to the aforesaid department with the above conditions.

Attenders, staff gape at large gap on iron ramp in GRH Madurai

MADURAI: Patients, attenders and staff at the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai have spotted a large hole in an iron ramp connecting two blocks on the first floor. Raviraj, a relative of a patient, told TNIE, A few days ago, I was walking to the burn injuries ward when I noticed a large hole with sharp edges. The gap is large enough for a mobile phone to pass through. When I spoke with the staff, they said they had taken up the issue with the authorities. GRH Dean Dr. L. Arul Sundaresh Kumar said, The iron ramp was constructed to connect the blocks, five years ago. Water flowing from the upper section of one block caused erosion in the ramp. We have received complaints from many attenders and have arranged for repair works. The estimation is ready, and after completing the work, anti-corrosion paint will be applied.

Madurai teacher selected for TN 'Best Chemistry Teacher Award'

MADURAI: N Meenakshi Sundaram, a Chemistry teacher working at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Othakadai, was selected for the state's 'Best Teacher Award'. The award will be presented during the Science Day Festival, 2025, organised by the Department of Higher Education, at Science City on Wednesday. Meenakshi (58), who started his career as a Chemistry teacher in a private school in 1989, later joined a government school in 2010. Earlier, he had bagged the state-level Dr Radha Krishnan Award for the year 2022-23. Explaining the selection criteria of the award, Meenakshi told TNIE that three rounds of interviews were conducted. After the first round, 29 teachers were shortlisted, and they were asked to appear for a written exam, followed by a personal interview. Meenakshi, who has also been working as a NEET coordinator for Chemistry in the district for the past five years, said he never teaches only the subject. I always make efforts to help my students develop interest in the subjects, he added. It may be noted that the Department of Higher Education's Science city honours the best teachers from government, government aided and private schools across the state, who have excelled in Science subjects, every year.

Waste-to-energy plants in Kovai, Madurai corpns

Cop murder suspect shot while attempting to escape police custody in Tamil Nadu

MADURAI: A Perungudi police SI on Monday shot a suspect in the leg, purportedly in self-defence, after he (suspect) allegedly tried to escape by attacking him (SI) with a sharp weapon at the scene of crime where he was taken to as part of the probe into the murder of a Sivaganga constable here. According to the police, the incident took place when autorickshaw driver M Moovendran (25) of Vallanendhalpuram from Avaniyapuram was taken to the crime spot located between Kilamkulam kanmai and Pudukulam kanmai. The suspect attacked Marikannan on his left hand with a sharp weapon that he had concealed, and also tried to escape. However, the SI, in an act of self-defence, shot the suspect in his leg and nabbed him. Both Marikannan and Moovendran are undergoing treatment at the government Rajaji hospital. The police were probing the murder case of constable P Malaiarasan (36) of Alagapuri in Virudhunagar. The constables half-charred body beyond recognition was found on March 18. A case was registered under Section 194 (3) of the BNSS. It was later confirmed that Malaiarasan was attached to Kalaiyarkoil police station in Sivaganga district. During inquiry, police found that Moovendran was behind the constables murder. According to the police, Malaiarasan took the autorickshaw of Moovendran and they had drinks together. When Moovendran found Malaiarsan was having money in his account, he poured kerosene on Malaiarasan and burnt him when the constable blacked out. Later, he roped in a YouTuber, T Siva (25) of Villapuram, to help him. Moovendran used Malaiarasans phone and transferred the money to two other persons who withdrew the cash and handed it over to him, the police said, adding that Siva was also arrested in the case.

Madras HC orders rigorous imprisonment for five including two RFP personnel in job fraud case

MADURAI: Unemployment is a menace to the society, and the unemployed youth, in a disadvantageous position, are easy prey to government employees who exploit their innocence and cheat them, observed the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently. Justice KK Ramakrishnan was hearing an appeal filed by the CBI against the acquittal order of the trial court in a job fraud case against five persons, including two railway protection force staff. In such job fraud cases, the trial court should have considered the evidence in a proper manner. However, it ordered an unmerited acquittal, leading the high court to set aside their acquittal order. The prosecution said the accused cheated unemployed youth on the pretext of arranging employment in the RPF, preparing forged applications for the post of police sub-inspector and constable. Upon learning of the job fraud, the CBI had booked the case in 2009. Of the six initial accused, R Bhaskaran held a supernumerary post with the RPF, while JMC Joyson was an inspector with the RPF. The other accused were Senthilkumar, his brother G Ayyanar, who died during the pendency of the case, their relative Kalidass, and R Thangam, a photocopy shop owner. After hearing both sides, the II Additional District Court for CBI Cases had acquitted all accused in 2017. Justice Ramakrishnan ordered the five accused to undergo rigorous imprisonment of four years and slapped fines between Rs 50,000 and Rs 2 lakh.

Karate expert Shihan Hussaini passes away after battling blood cancer

Shihan Hussaini, known for his skills in karate and archery, passed away in Chennai after battling blood cancer. His family announced on Facebook that his body would be kept at his residence for last respects before being taken to Madurai for final rites. He also shared his cancer journey online and planned to donate his body for medical research.

Shihan Hussaini No More: Tamil Actor And Karate Champion Succumbs to Blood Cancer

Actor and martial arts expert Shihan Hussaini passed away on March 25 after battling blood cancer. His body will be kept at his residence in Chennai for respects before final rites in Madurai.

Drinking water distribution to be suspended for three days in Madurai

Animal sacrifice row: Supreme Court rejects Bharath Hindu Munnani plea seeking permission for protest procession at Thiruparakundram Hill

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a Special Leave Petition filed by Bharath Hindu Munnani seeking permission to organise a protest procession at Thiruparakundram Hill in Madurai against animal sacrifices. The Bench of Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice PB Varale noted that the petition was filed for taking out a procession on February 18. [] The post Animal sacrifice row: Supreme Court rejects Bharath Hindu Munnani plea seeking permission for protest procession at Thiruparakundram Hill appeared first on India Legal .

Sivaganga police constable murder: Accused auto driver shot during escape bid

Sub-Inspector opened fire on the accused after he attacked him with knife at the scene of crime, says Madurai Superintendent of Police

Sivaganga Cop's murder: Police open fire at auto driver when he attempted to flee, nab him

MADURAI: The Perungudi police on Monday opened fire at an auto driver injuring him on the leg after he allegedly attempted to escape by attacking police at a crime scene, where he murdered a police constable on March 18. The injured auto driver, M Karthick alias Moovendran (25) of Avaniyapuram, was undergoing treatment at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai. Police said the police constable, Malaiarasan (36) attached with the Kalaiyarkoil police station in Sivaganga district was found murdered in Perungudi police station limit in the district last Tuesday. The incident came to light after his body was recovered in a half burnt state. The police said Malaiarasan and Karthick were friends. Karthick used to get money from Malaiarasan. Learning the police constable was wealthy, Karthick with help of another had murdered Malaiarasan before transferring Rs.80,000 to their account. The police nabbed Karthick on suspicious ground, who later confessed the crime. When he was taken to the crime scene, he attempted to escape by attacking police sub inspector Marikannan. Hence the police shot at his right leg before nabbing him again. Both injured police sub inspector and Karthick were admitted in Government Rajaji Hospital.

Gang hacks history-sheeter to death in Madurai

MADURAI: A 38-year-old history-sheeter, who is also the nephew of former DMK functionary VK Gurusamy, was murdered by unidentified persons near his house at Thanakankulam in Madurai district in the wee night hours of Saturday. The deceased P Kaleshwaran is a native of TNHB Colony in Mela Anuppanadi, but resided in Thanakankulam. The police are yet to confirm the role of Gurusamy's rival gang in the murder case. According to police, the incident occurred around 10 pm when Kaleshwaran was outside the house. A gang of unidentified individuals intercepted and hacked him. Kaleshwaran, who sustained multiple cut injuries, died on the spot, said the police, adding that there are numerous cases pending against him. Though Kaleshwaran is a close relative of VK Gurusamy, who has a long-standing rivalry with former AIADMK functionary Rajapandian, the police are yet to confirm the role of Rajapandian's close relative Vellaikali in the latest murder case. The two-decade-old gang rivalry between the functionaries had resulted in several murders and retaliatory murders on both sides over the years, claiming more than 20 lives. He could have been murdered for other reasons too, added the police. Based on a complaint lodged by Kaleshwaran's wife Meenatchi, the Austinpatti police registered a case against the unidentified persons under section 103 of BNS. So far, no one has been zeroed in. Measures are under way to examine CCTV footage and adopt other scientific methods to identify the suspects. After postmortem, the body was handed over to the family, who took his body to Gurusamy's house in Kamarajapuram, ahead of cremating him in a crematorium, the police added. Further investigation is under way

Activists urge action to declare Samanatham tank as bird sanctuary

MADURAI: The Samanatham tank, one of the major places in the district to receive a notable arrival of migratory birds every year, is yet to be declared as a bird sanctuary, despite the submission of a series of petitions. Owing to a variety of reasons, the proposal to declare the tank as a sanctuary, remains unaddressed. Thousands of birds, including pelicans and duck species, arrive in Madurai every year, to nest in the waterbodies. The recent synchronised bird census reported the presence of over 150 species of birds in the district. In spite of this, the district is devoid of any wildlife parks or bird sanctuaries. In 2024, the forest department had submitted a letter to the public works department seeking to declare Samanatham tank as a bird sanctuary. Following approval from PWD, the forest department planned to submit a proposal to the Tamil Nadu government in this regard. Despite the passing of a year, the project is still in the inter-department proposal stage. Speaking on the issue, N Raveendran, an environmentalist and bird researcher from Madurai, said, Samanatham tank saw a decent arrival of duck population this year. The tank has been receiving a decent bird arrival during every migratory season. The forest department could take action towards planting more native Karuvelam trees, as the removal of Seemai Karuvelam trees during tank maintenance works in 2018 had slightly affected nesting in the tank. He also sought action to increase greenery around the tank. Declaring the tank as a sanctuary would allow the forest department to preserve it further, he added. A local activist, K Karthik, told TNIE that the tank receives water through the Krithumal river canal, which has been mixed with sewage water. Action should be taken towards preventing the release of sewage mixed water into the tank. Moreover, declaring the tank as a bird sanctuary could boost tourist arrival in the district, he added.

110 old windmills in Tamil Nadu to be made into hybrid wind-solar plants

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL) is looking at converting 110 aged windmills, mainly in the western region of the state, into hybrid wind-solar plants. TNGECL was given the nod at a recent board of directors meeting held at the secretariat. As part of the project, old windmills installed in these regions decades ago will be dismantled to make way for the new hybrid units, officials said. An announcement is expected during the ongoing Assembly session, sources said. Speaking to TNIE , a senior TNGECL official said, Inspections have begun at five locations Sulthanpet in Coimbatore, Kethanur in Tiruppur, Puliyankulam in Madurai, Muppanthal in Kanniyakumari and Mullakkadu in Thoothukudi. These places have windmills installed during the 1980s and 1990s that have a combined capacity of 47 MW. We are conducting inspections with the help of private consultants. Explaining the plan, another official said the new hybrid power plants will include windmills with a capacity of 22 MW and solar panels generating 18 MW. The project will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. In the first phase, we will focus on the western region. The board has already given its nod, and a detailed project report has been submitted to the state government for final approval, the official said. Once the bidding process is completed, TNGECL will lease land to the selected private developers. The developers will set up the plants using their funds and will be responsible for maintenance for 25 years. The state-owned power distribution corporation (Discom) will purchase electricity from these hybrid plants. After this period, the entire facility will be handed over to TNGECL. Tenders will be floated after the formal announcement is made in the Assembly. Why hybrid plants? Solar panels mainly produce electricity during the day, while wind turbines perform better at night or during windy conditions. By combining both, hybrid systems can ensure a steady power supply even when sunlight or wind is low. To boost this, TNGECL has asked wind power generators to add solar panels to their existing units. The state government also introduced separate policies last year to promote hybrid energy plants.

Mom has share in deceased sons terminal benefits: Madras High Court

MADURAI: Observing that a mother, who offers affection to her son and enables him to secure a job, deserves a share from the deceased sons terminal benefits, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court ordered payment of financial assistance to a 60-year-old woman from Thoothukudi. Justice Shamim Ahmed passed the order on a plea filed by P Tamilselvi, daughter-in-law of C Kalaiarasi, seeking a direction for the disbursal of pending terminal benefits of C Murugesan, her husband. Murugesan, a person with 50% disability, was an assistant in the Thoothukudi treasury. He died due to Covid-19 in 2022. When the case was heard recently, the government counsel said a part of the pension benefits (Rs 17.5 lakh) was paid to Tamilselvi and the remaining Rs 15 lakh would be disbursed soon. At this juncture, Kalaiarasis counsel requested the court to grant her a share citing that her pension was not sufficient to bear her medical expenses and to care for her grandchildren.

Gangster hacked to death near Madurai

TNIE impact: Two quarries closed in Madurai as mining goes on after lease period

MADURAI: Following TNIE's subsequent reports on the impact of stone quarries functioning in Katchaikatti village in Vadipatti taluk, the Madurai district administration conducted an inspection and a drone survey, leading to the closing of two quarries as the lease period had expired. Similarly, the district administration is going to send a recommendation to the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to not permit a proposed quarry in Viralipatti village in Vadipatti taluk. TNIE carried reports titled ' Villagers in Tamil Nadu's Katchaikatti choke on dust of 15 stone quarries ' on January 10, 'Quarries in Tamil Nadu not permitted to function at night, says RTI reply ' on December 2, 'Residents, activists opposed setting up of stone quarry in Tamil Nadu's Viralipatti village' on August 7. Based on these reports, the district administration conducted an inspection and drone survey in Katchaikatti village. On request of anonymity, a district administration official said that based on the TNIE report, and petitions of Gnanasekar, a villager, the district administration closed two quarries on March 18, which were owned by two individuals in Katchaikatti village. Both their lease periods expired three months ago and till date mineral resources have been illegally mined. Tax evasion and loss of revenue running upto several crores has been caused to the government. Further action will be taken on the other quarries, that mined minerals above permitted limits. Similarly, the district administration is going to send a report to the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) for cancelling the proposed stone quarry at Viralipatti area in Vadipatti taluk. The proposed land for stone quarry situated near a waterbody and agricultural fertile land is against the Site Criteria and Tamil Nadu Minor Minerals Concession Rules 1959 section 36(1), which is mentioned in the report, the official added.

Madras High Court sentences former customs superintendent, wife to four years for corruption

MADURAI: If the homemaker spouse of a public servant is party to corruption, there would be no end to the menace. Instead, she must discourage her husband from receiving bribes, observed the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court while sentencing a former Customs superintendent and his wife to four years of rigorous imprisonment. Justice Ramakrishnan said such spouses must also face the consequences, such as conviction and the reasonable sentence of imprisonment as her life was a bed of roses with the ill-gotten wealth. The philosophy of life is not to take bribe. If anyone accepts bribe, he and his family will be ruined. Once they enjoyed the ill-gotten money, they should suffer as Jesus Christ prophesied in the following phrases: If you try to make a profit dishonestly, you will get your family into trouble. Dont take bribes and you will live longer. The person who gets money in a dishonest manner is like a bird hatching the eggs that it did not lay. In the prime of life, he will lose his riches and in the end, he is nothing but a fool, the judge said. He made the observations while hearing the appeal filed by the CBI against the acquittal order by the special judge for CBI cases in Madurai in 2018 in a case booked against V Govindaswamy, the then superintendent of Customs in Thoothukudi, and his wife Geetha, in 2012. The prosecution said that Govindaswamy amassed movable and immovable properties worth Rs 1.10 crore, which was disproportionate to his source of income, in the name of himself and his wife. The judge stated that the trial judge erred in relying on several immaterial circumstances. The function of the criminal court is to find out the truth, and it is not the right approach to pick up the minor lapses of an investigation, irrelevant omissions and minor contradictions to acquit the accused when the ring of the truth is undisturbed from the cogent. Considering the value of the disproportionate assets, the court imposed four years of rigorous imprisonment on the couple and also slapped a fine of Rs 75 lakh and Rs 25 lakh on them respectively. As the counsel appearing for Govindaswamy submitted that he is scheduled to undergo eye surgery on March 24 and there is no other family member available to assist him during the operation, the court directed the Superintendent of Prison in Madurai to grant leave for twenty days for the couple from March 22 to April 10, and directed them to surrender before the prison authorities before 4 pm on April 10.

Minister flags off 36 new TNSTC buses for Madurai

VinFast likely to start production in three months, Thoothukudi turns TNs fourth big auto cluster

CHENNAI: Thoothukudi is rapidly emerging as a key player in Indias automotive sector, with works of Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFasts new plant nearing completion in the region. According to sources in the Industries Department, 90% of the construction is complete, and production is expected to commence within the next two to three months. Thoothukudi is now emerging as the states fourth major auto cluster after Chennai, Krishnagiri, and Coimbatore, further strengthening our position in the sector, said Industries Minister TRB Rajaa. VinFast officials held discussions earlier this week regarding the import of crucial EV components. The talks also covered plans to establish shipping logistics and liner connectivity with Vietnams Port of Hai Phong. This will facilitate both the import of essential parts and the export of finished vehicles to markets across India and abroad. Industry insiders revealed that VinFast plans to bring in 2,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of components to kick-start production, set for May, with an official plant inauguration expected in June. Initially, the company will focus on the domestic market before expanding its exports globally. According to Tamil Nadus investment promotion agency, Guidance, Thoothukudi is on track to become the states next major hub for EV manufacturing and battery production. Phase I alone will produce 1,50,000 units annually, supported by a supplier park under development. With its superior seaport connectivity, Thoothukudi promises faster exports and greater efficiency. The project is also expected to generate 3,500 new jobs, Guidance announced on social media. The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and Guidance Tamil Nadu hosted an event here on Thursday, attended by Industries Minister TRB Rajaa. Speaking at the event, he highlighted Tamil Nadus leadership in auto manufacturing, with established clusters in Chennai, Krishnagiri, and Coimbatore. The minister also emphasised Tamil Nadus robust auto component ecosystem, comprising over 400 manufacturers and major tyre producers, achieving 70-80% localisation of vehicle components. The state has already identified Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Madurai, Salem, and Chennai for developing them as EV hubs. Some natural advantages that aid the sector include the vast availability of a highly competent, trained workforce, an excellent network and supply chain of ancillary suppliers, a vibrant auto and auto component manufacturing ecosystem, and TNs excellent infrastructure and logistic support systems. With Thoothukudis strategic port connectivity and expanding automotive infrastructure, the region will play a key role in EV revolution.

Kalaignar Kaivinai to replace centres caste-stained Vishwakarma Scheme: Min Thangam Thennarasu

CHENNAI: Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu on Friday announced that Chief Minister M K Stalin would launch the Kalaignar Kaivinai Thittam (KKT) devised by the state government as an alternative to the BJP-led union governments Vishwakarma Scheme, as the latter reinforces the casteist divisions further. Responding to questions on the state budget for the 2025-26 fiscal, Thennarasu said 7,297 people have registered for KKT so far and the scheme would soon be launched at an outlay of Rs 138 crore. Thennarasu said the Maharashtra government has removed 15 lakh beneficiaries from the list of monthly honorarium schemes and claimed that they have brought down the revenue deficit to Rs 46,000 crore. On the contrary, in Tamil Nadu, despite implementing several welfare schemes, we have reduced the revenue deficit from Rs 68,000 crore to Rs 41,000 crore. This shows how the state has given importance to fiscal management, he added. On the achievements of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, he said Rs 7,185-crore-worth temple lands and assets, which were under encroachment, have been retrieved during the last four years and consecration has been performed for 2,662 temples. He said the announcements on medical tourism, upgrading polytechnic institutes, and establishment of museums for Jain and Buddhist cultures in Kancheepuram or Nagapattinam would be made by the respective ministers during the demands for grants session in the coming days. Citing the union budget, which he said catered to only a few states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the minister said the TN budget, on the contrary, benefits everyone in the state. The union government is adopting a step-motherly attitude, giving more importance to Sanskrit and Hindi than Tamil. But the states budget gives importance to the languages spoken by tribals, he added. Further, he pointed out that the union government had allocated a total of Rs 19,068 crore to Tamil Nadu towards railway projects in the past three years, whereas it proposes to allocate Rs 19,858 crore to Uttar Pradesh just for this fiscal. Citing the book Chip War by economic historian Chris Miller, who said the country that leads the semiconductor sector would also lead in economic growth, the minister said the state government has announced a five-year scheme for the semiconductor sector. During the last four years, he said, the number of startups has grown five-fold, from 2,500 in 2021 to 10,649. Similarly, the number of MSME units that stood at 14.17 lakh in 2021, has gone up by 17.92 lakh, taking the total to around 32.1 lakh. Between 2011 and 2021, nine industrial parks were set up through the SIPCOT on 1,800 acres of land. However, in the last four years, 32 industrial parks have been established in around 16,880 acres. During the 10 years of the AIADMK regime, the SIDCO established 25 industrial estates. But the DMK government, within four years, have established 28 industrial estates, he added. Drawing a parallel with the lakhs of devotees who had gathered for the Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh, the minister said, We take pride in saying over 14 lakh people have visited the Kalaignar Centenary Library in Madurai, so far, adding that over six lakh people visited the Keeladi Museum in the last two years. Also, Thennarasu mentioned how the British in 1869 had ignored the advice of the then Madras governor to reduce tax on salt, which paved the way for Mahatma Gandhis salt satyagraha. Through this, I wish to convey that the Madras State has always been in the forefront in raising its voice against the anti-people moves taken from the national capital. I reiterate that we will continue to be on the side of the people, he added. FM presents final supplementary estimates for FY25 Thangam Thennarasu presented the final supplementary estimates for 2024-25 to the tune of Rs 19,287.44 crore in the Assembly on Friday. Of the total, Rs 2,000 crore has been provided as share capital assistance to TNCSC to enhance its financial sustainability and infrastructure. The other key allocations include: Rs 1,400 crore (for Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam Scheme); Rs 1,036 crore (electricity dues to power utilities); Rs 1,000 crore (Transport department); and Rs 901.84 crore for mitigation activities related to Cyclone Fengal and the rainfall last monsoon Students will get quality laptops worth Rs 20K each Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu clarified that the DMK government would provide quality laptops worth Rs 20,000 each to students. He was responding to AIADMK MLA P Thangamanis question on how could the state provide 20 lakh laptops in two years with an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore, as per unit cost would come to around Rs 10,000. Thennarasu said the Rs 2,000 crore allocation has been made in the first phase, and for the second year, an equal amount would be allocated. In a response, Thangamani said the finance minister, in the budget, did not mention that the allocation had been made for the just first phase and that was why he raised the doubt at the House

To address crowd surge, Southern Railways adds more general-class coaches to three trains

CHENNAI: To meet the growing demand for unreserved travel, Southern Railways has announced that one general class coach will be added to both the Chennai-Madurai Vaigai Express and the Chennai-Karaikudi Pallavan Express, effective from May. The updated coach configuration will apply to trains running in both directions. According to an official statement, the number of general class coaches, which accommodates unreserved passengers, will be increased from three to four. Consequently, the number of second-sitting reserved coaches will be reduced from 13 to 12. This revised arrangement will be in effect in the train journeys commencing on May 11 at Chennai Egmore (Pallavan Express) and Madurai (Vaigai express). Similarly, South Eastern Railway has announced that the Shalimar-Chennai Central SF Express will be augmented with two additional general second-class coaches. These coaches will replace one AC two-tier and one AC three-tier coach. The revised rake configuration will be implemented for trains departing from Shalimar on April 15 and from Chennai Central from April 16, as per the official statement.

Aavin milk agents in Madurai urged to halt collection of money online

MADURAI: Members of Madurai District Aavin Milk Agents & Retail Agents Welfare Association met Aavin's general manager, requesting her to give up the online process of collecting money. The association president KR Samy petitioned Aavin General Manager Sivagami on Friday, demanding the latter to give up the online process of money collection as many agents are senior citizens and they might face challenges in remitting the amount on time. Samy urged her to continue the existing method of money collection from Aavin agents. Speaking to TNIE, association secretary AS Prabhakar said they found out about Aavins plan to convert the online process of money collection from agents. Currently, there are five zonal offices in Arappalayam, Bibikulam, Palanganatham, Southveli street and Anna Nagar. Agents belonging to the concerned zones would remit the amount to the zone office the previous day according to the demand. if Aavin makes the process online, the agent will face difficulties. He further stated that considering the agents plight, Sivagami accepted their demand.

Over 120 child marriages reported annually in Madurai district for past four years: RTI reply

MADURAI: An RTI reply from the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the District Social Welfare Office in Madurai stated that over 120 child marriages were reported every year for the past four years in the district. RTI Activist NG Mohan had sought information from the PIO regarding the number of child marriages reported and prevented, cases registered, and funds allocated for prevention from April 2020 to November 2024. According to the reply, 79 child marriages were reported in 2020, with 60 prevented and 19 cases registered. Over 100 cases were reported annually from 2021 to November 2024. For the past four years, over 120 child marriages have been reported. From January to November, 2024, a record number of cases were reported, which totalled to 171. The RTI reply also revealed that no central or state government funds were allocated for preventing the marriages. Speaking to TNIE , Mohan said, Awareness campaigns describing the legal age, health complications, mental maturity, and need to mention the education status of the girl child are in place. However, stringent action is required to prevent child marriages. Hardly 2% of the marriages are reported and we continue to witness child marriages across rural areas. The department of School Education raised an awareness campaign through a mobile van with a counsellor. Films would also be screened on the consequences of child marriages but it has stopped now, said Health Activist Veronica Mary. She further said that child marriages could get converted to teenage pregnancies. However, village health nurses can ensure that husbands of minor girls are booked under the Pocso Act. On request of anonymity, an official from the social welfare department said, We receive several calls through 1098. Mostly, the girl child's partner informs us and most cases have been reported from rural areas. YEAR REPORTED PREVENTED CASES REGISTERED 2020 79 60 19 2021 183 145 38 2022 123 86 37 2023 134 81 53 Nov, 2024 171 135 36

Paddy procurement delayed by over two weeks in Ayyankottai, allege farmers; TNCSC denies claim

MADURAI: Due to the negligence of Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) officials, paddy procurement was delayed by over two weeks in Ayyankottai village, alleged a farmer during the agriculture grievance meeting, chaired by District Collector M S Sangeetha, in Madurai on Friday. M Murugan, a farmer from Ayyankottai village in Vadipatti block, who carried sprouted paddy in his hands, broke out in tears before the collector. Speaking to TNIE , he said, After months of hard work, we harvested Samba paddy in March. We took the paddy to the local DPC two weeks back. But till date, it has not been procured by TNCSC officials leaving it in the open. For procurement, TNCSC officials had demanded Rs 60-Rs 70/bag. But, since we refused to pay, our paddy was not procured. As it was left in the open for over two weeks, the paddy started to sprout, and a major portion of the paddy has gone waste. He added that only after the issues were brought to the attention of the collector that around 98 bags of paddy was procured on Friday. Farmers also demanded steps to prevent such issues in all DPCs and strict action against negligent officials. In response, the collector assured to speak with the TNCSC department to depute more officials to address the issues. Meanwhile, based on a petition submitted by Murugan, TNCSC officials conducted a special inspection inAyyankottai village on Friday. Officials stated that no such issues were found in the area, and procurement was done properly in the DPC. They further alleged that Murugan had made false allegations about the issue.

Madras High Court bins plea seeking caste-wise survey in Tamil Nadu

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Friday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition, which sought a direction to the state government to conduct a caste-wise survey in the state. A bench of justices J Nisha Banu and S Srimathy observed that conducting the above survey comes within the purview of the central government and the state government has no role in it. Moreover, the issue is pending before the Supreme Court. Therefore, this petition cannot be entertained by the high court, the judges added, and dismissed the petition. The PIL was filed by one M Muniyasamy, member of Tamil Nadu Legal Safety Movement (Trust) in Ramanathapuram. Muniyasamy stated in his petition that the Tamil Nadu government passed a G.O. on December 21, 2020, appointing retired high court judge, Justice A Kulasekaran, to collect quantifiable data on castes, communities and tribes of Tamil Nadu. The commission was to submit its report within six months but the survey is still pending. Muniyasamy requested the court to direct the government to conduct the caste-wise survey by implementing the said G.O.

Activists raise concerns as 14 districts in Tamil Nadu lack Child Welfare Committees

MADURAI: There have been no Child Welfare Committees (CWC) for over two and a half years in 14 districts in the state, with the neighbouring districts CWC taking care of the responsibilities in such districts. Meanwhile, the tenure of the existing CWCs in 15 more districts is set to end in March and April 2025. Child welfare activists have urged the state government to expedite the process of appointing chairpersons and members of CWCs, as the vacancies violates the Juvenile Justice Act 2015. Former CWC Chairperson Zahiruddin Mohammed, who filed two PILs in the Madras High Court, said that the composition of CWC includes a chairperson and four other members, including a woman and an expert on matters concerning children. The selection process for CWC chairpersons and members was initially held at the district level, but this violated the Model Rules and Section 110 of the JJ Act. Consequently, Mohammed filed the first PIL seeking to reconstitute the selection committee from the district to the state level. The court issued orders that the selection must be done by a state-level committee. However, the appointment was delayed until 2022, and there was a further delay of one year before the state government constituted the state-level committee headed by a retired high court judge after he filed the second PIL. Mohammed filed a second PIL seeking to establish a timeframe for the appointment. He noted that if the state had constituted the committee promptly, there would have been no need for the second PIL. However, the state committee is delaying the appointment process for vacant districts, while the tenure of CWCs in other districts is ending in March-April 2025. Mohammed explained that the centre enacted the JJ Act in 2015 and notified the Model Rules in 2016. The state government framed the JJ Rules in 2017 and amended them vide GO in the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department in January 2024. Mohammed further noted apart from the lack of committees in 14 districts, there were four vacancies in Villupuram and three vacancies in Kancheepuram. An official from the Department of Children Welfare and Special Services said the department has scrutinized applications for the 14 vacant districts and placed the eligible applications before the selection committee. The selection committee conducted interviews between October 2024 and December 2024 for 14 CWCs, including in four newly-created districts. After police verification, the proposals are now under consideration by the government. The officer further stated that orders for constituting 14 CWCs will be issued soon. The selection committee has started the selection process for reconstituting CWCs since January for 15 other districts, where vacancies are slated to come up. A member of the CWC, speaking on the condition of anonymity, shared the challenges of covering one more CWC. He said the role of the CWC is to dispose of cases for the care, protection, development, and rehabilitation of children in need of care and protection, as well as to provide for their basic needs and protection.

Widening of carriageways usurping pedestrian pathways in Madurai

Tamil Nadu recorded lowest number of murders in 12 years in 2024: CM Stalin

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday asserted that the state police are functioning independently, taking legal action against anti-social elements irrespective of their status or political affiliations. He pointed out that of the total number of murders in the past 12 years in the state, the lowest (1,540) were reported in 2024, while the highest were reported in 2012 at 1,943. Replying to an issue raised by Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Edappadi K Palaniswami about multiple murders reported on Wednesday in various parts of the state, the CM said as part of the preventive steps to keep a check on crimes, additional police personnel have been deployed to places where festivals are taking place, mega entertainment spots and tourist places to ensure the safety of the people. On the LoP making certain remarks about the law and order issue, the CM said he wished to explain it with statistics. The police have been taking two complementary actions - expeditious action taken after a crime is committed and measures to prevent crimes. Particularly, the activities of criminals and gangsters who are involved in crimes repeatedly are being closely monitored and when necessary, arrests are being made under Goondas Act, the CM pointed out. Besides, this government is paying attention to ensuring punishment to the criminals. While 181 history-sheeters were convicted in 2023 through courts, the number of such convictions in 2024 was 242. Diligent concern shown by the police in conducting the court cases is the reason for the conviction of the criminals. In 2024, a total of 150 history-sheeters were awarded life sentence or imprisonment for more than 10 years, the CM added. Stating that the number of murders in 2012 (during the AIADMK regime) stood at 1,943, Stalin said, This was the highest number of murders that took place in the state in the past 12 years. In 2013 the number of murders stood at 1,927, while during the lockdown period it was 1,661. When compared to the past, the least murders were witnessed in 2024 at 1,540. The CM also said the police department, under his leadership, has been functioning efficiently in establishing peace by preventing crimes. Those who are trying to gain political mileage by referring to stray incidents should ponder over the state of law and order during the AIADMK regime which was at the lowest ebb based on the statistics, he added. He also elaborated on the incident that took place on Wednesday. On the LoP saying there were four murders reported on Wednesday, the CM said preliminary investigation of the incident in Coimbatore indicated it to be a case of suicide. He said a probe is under way in the case of a charred body of a constable found in Madurai. The murder that took place in Sivaganga district was due to a family feud, he added. On the brutal daylight murder of a history-sheeter named John, alias Chanakyan in Erode, the CM said the incident took place after he was returning from a police station, where he had to report as part of his bail condition. Highlighting that the police have arrested the key accused, Stalin said preliminary investigation indicated that John was murdered to avenge the death of another history-sheeter named Chelladurai in Salem in 2020.

3,300 driver-cum-conductors to be recruited across Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: With mounting debts amounting to several thousand crores of rupees, state transport corporations have halted the recruitment of conductors, and instead, initiated the recruitment for driver-cum-conductor (DCC) positions. The Institute of Road Transport (IRT) issued a notification on Thursday to fill 3,300 DCC roles across eight corporations in Tamil Nadu. This marks the first large-scale recruitment for permanent positions in the transport department in seven years. According to official sources, this initiative aims to optimise resource utilisation and reduce service cancellations caused by shortages of drivers and conductors. According to official data, the eight transport corporations are currently facing a shortage of 11,000 workers, including drivers, conductors, and technical staff. The combined strength of drivers and conductors across these corporations stands at 87,000. TNIE on March 11 reported that the government intended to remove the conductors position from future recruitments, instead to hire for a new combined role that merges the duties of both drivers and conductors. According to the IRT notification, candidates holding both conductor and driver licenses are eligible to apply for DCC positions online through https://www.arasubus.tn.gov.in/ from March 21 to April 21. The minimum education requirement is an SSLC qualification, and applicants must also possess a first-aid certificate. Among the allocations, MTC has been assigned 364 DCC positions, while the SETC, which manages long-distance buses, has been allotted 318 posts. The remaining vacancies are distributed across six Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporations: Madurai (322), Villupuram (322), Kumbakonam (756), Salem (486), Coimbatore (344), and Tirunelveli (362).

Madras HC commutes death penalty on four to life term in murder of three Dalits

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently commuted the death penalty imposed on four persons to life imprisonment in a case pertaining to the murder of three SC men in Udappankulam village of Tenkasi in 2014. A bench of Justices G Jayachandran and R Poornima observed that the prosecution failed to prove that the murder occurred due to communal hatred. The parameters laid down by the Supreme Court for imposing death penalty are not satisfied in this case, the judges added. Moreover, the gravity of the offence mentioned is also not a case for capital punishment, they said and modified the death penalty imposed on Ponnumani, Gurusamy, Kaliraj alias Thangaraj, and Muthukrishnan to life sentence. The bench also confirmed the life sentence imposed on three more accused. However, the bench acquitted four persons Suresh and three others of the same name Kannan in the case, as there was no evidence to prove their involvement except the conspiracy charge. The conviction under the latter was also found to be unsustainable by the high court owing to the improbable testimonies of the witnesses concerned, who were merely introduced to rope in innocent persons, the judges noted. The bench wondered how the police filed a final report against 25 people when the key eyewitness stated that a mob of nine persons had hacked the three victims to death. The fact that one of them, V Kannan, has been suffering from night blindness for the last 30 years, was also not considered by the trial court, though the incident took place at 7.15 pm (on June 1, 2014), they added. The bench took the decision on the Referred Trial case (when the death sentences are referred to the high court for approval) and two joint appeals filed by 11 people convicted in the case. According to the prosecution, on June 1, 2014, when the three victims Kaliraj, Venugopal and Murugan were travelling to Sankarankoil on their two-wheeler, a group of nine persons hacked them to death. Based on the statement of Kalirajs son, the police identified the nine persons. They also added 16 more people as accused through the statements of other witnesses using the conspiracy theory.

Do not release NIRF rank list: Madras HC to Education ministry

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday, in an interim stay order, restrained the Union Education Ministry and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) from publishing the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rank list for 2025. A bench of Justices J Nisha Banu and S Srimathy passed the order on a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by C Chellamuthu of Dindigul alleging malpractices and lack of transparency in calculation of scores for the rank list. Chellamuthu, in his petition, said the NIRF ranking is arrived at merely based on the data provided by the institutions without any verification or auditing. He said many institutions submit false data to boost their ranking to lure students and MNCs. He submitted comparative data of the National Assessment and Accreditation Councils (NAACs) AQAR (Annual Quality Assurance Report) reports and the NIRF reports, posted online by some institutions. He claimed the figures corresponding to the number of PhD students, faculties, R&D funds, consultancy project funds received, etc., are higher in the NIRF reports than the AQAR reports. Institutions with poor academic quality and infrastructure receive top rankings As the AQAR documents are verified by NAACs expert committees, the discrepancies in NIRF data suggest that institutions manipulated their submissions to secure higher rankings, Chellamuthu claimed. This, he alleged, allows institutions with poor academic quality and infrastructure to attain top rankings, while many reputed state universities are excluded. He warned that such manipulation could harm the quality of higher education in the country. The petitioner urged the court to direct the Union Ministry and NBA to publish NIRF rankingswhich assess educational institutions nationwideonly after thorough verification and full disclosure of the scoring methodology. After reviewing the submitted data, the bench issued an interim order. The government counsel requested time to submit a counter affidavit, and the case was adjourned to April 24.

Man dies after car hits truck on flyover in Madurai

MADURAI: A 38-year-old man was killed and six persons, including two children, were injured after a car they were travelling in rammed into a truck on a flyover at Natham Road in Madurai city on Thursday. The deceased was identified as Mathiyazhagan, the driver of the car. According to police sources, six members of a family from Chennai had rented a car and travelled to Arulmigu Kallalagar temple in Azhagar Kovil near Madurai city. The incident took place when the family was returning to Madurai after darshan. When the car was moving through the flyover at Natham Road, it rammed into the rear section of a truck parked on the flyover. In the impact of the collision, Mathiyalagan sustained severe injuries and died on the spot. Two children and four others, who susatined injuries were admitted to a private hospital. Police said that the truck was parked on the roadside, due to breakdown. A case has been registered with Thiruppalai police, sources added.

Policemen save youths life in Madurai

Businessman from Madurai cheated of 48 lakh in Rajapalayam

Madras HC tells collectors to ensure strict compliance of guidelines on online patta applications

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court recently directed the Registry of the court to inform district collectors of all districts in the state to comply with the guidelines issued by the court while dealing with online patta applications. The court told the collectors to instruct their respective revenue officials to strictly comply with the guidelines. Justice PB Balaji gave the direction while setting aside an order passed by the Rajapalayam tahsildar rejecting the online patta application of a woman, M Gomathi, on March 4, without stating reasons for rejection. Gomathi also claimed that she was not afforded an opportunity to submit documents relating to her application. However, the government counsel explained that only the final result of the application would be made available in the website and the aggrieved party can approach the authority concerned to get the detailed order. The judge noted that in a similar case recently, the court had imposed certain guidelines which included that the authorities should not reject an application merely for want of documents. If any clarification is required, the authorities should provide sufficient opportunity to the applicants to clarify it. The court had further added that if an application needs to be rejected, the authorities should pass speaking orders citing the reasons for rejection. Despite the issuance of detailed guidelines, the authorities continue to follow the earlier practice of rejecting the request without affording an opportunity to the petitioner concerned, the judge observed and passed the above order.

Appoint nodal officer to coordinate with all departments to prevent pollution of Vaigai river, HC to TN

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday directed the state government to appoint a nodal officer to coordinate with all the departments to prevent the pollution of Vaigai River. A division bench of justices GR Swaminathan and B Pugalendhi was hearing a batch of petitions seeking to prevent pollution in the river. The Madurai Corporation and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, in pursuant to the earlier directions, submitted status reports on the steps taken to prevent sewage inflow into the Vaigai. The state also submitted that a board meeting of the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Conservation and Rivers Restoration Corporation (TNWRC & RRC) is to be convened on March 26, in this regard. Taking this into account, the judges directed the state to ensure that both the status reports be placed before the TNWRC & RRC board meeting. The response of the board to the status reports shall be communicated to the court, they said, and also directed the state to come out with the proposal for appointing a nodal officer, who would have a fixed tenure for three years. The case has been adjourned to April 7.

Madras HC stays two weeks imprisonment imposed on two transport officials

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday stayed an order passed by a single judge of the court imposing two weeks simple imprisonment on the administrator of TN Transport Corporation Retired Employees Pension Trust and the managing director of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) - Kumbakonam division, for failing to disburse pending terminal benefits of two retired employees. The order of punishment was stayed the same day it was passed. A bench comprising justices J Nisha Banu and S Srimathy passed the interim order on the appeals filed by the two officials. The judges observed that the transport corporation had preferred appeals against the order directing payment of terminal benefits and the said appeals were supposed to be listed on Tuesday for hearing. Unfortunately, the appeals were not listed and in the meantime, the single judge imposed the above punishment in the contempt petitions, they noted. They ordered an interim stay against the punishment and adjourned the matter to April 1. The single judge had observed that the government had moved the appeals after a delay of 127 days, only in an attempt to defeat the contempt proceedings.

Wife watching porn not valid ground for man to seek divorce, says Madras High Court

MADURAI: Can a man seek divorce on the ground that his wife has a sexually transmitted disease (STD), watches porn and masturbates? The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court answered in the negative. Dismissing the appeals filed by the husband against lower court orders that denied divorce to him, a bench comprising Justices GR Swaminathan and R Poornima observed on Wednesday that a womans individuality and sexual autonomy is not subsumed by her spousal status. When masturbation among men is acknowledged to be universal, masturbation by women cannot be stigmatised, the judges said. Moreover, indulging in self-pleasure cannot be a cause for dissolution of marriage and definitely cannot be termed cruelty against husband. It has not been established that the conjugal relationship between the spouses would suffer if the wife has the habit of masturbation, the judges said. Similarly, watching porn (other than the statutorily prohibited type) in a private setting does not constitute an offence, the court opined. While watching porn or addiction to porn may affect the viewer in the long run, it would not amount to treating the other spouse cruelly, unless it includes any additional act, like one compelling the other to join him or her, the judges reasoned. They also noted that the husband has not called for forensic examination of his wifes mobile phone to prove this allegation. Nor did he adduce any medical records to substantiate his charges that his wife suffers from STD, the court pointed out. While adultery can be a ground for seeking or granting divorce, the fact that the other party is suffering from STD is not sufficient by itself to call for divorce, the judges observed. Recalling how a pregnant woman contracted HIV during blood infusion in a GH a few years ago, the court asked would it be fair to dissolve her marriage through no fault of her own at the instance of her husband? The court also rejected other allegations made by the husband that his wife was a spendthrift, refused to do household chores, ill-treated in-laws and engaged in telephone conversations for long durations for want of evidence. Meanwhile, his wife denied all the allegations. Noting that even after careful re-appreciation of the evidence on record, the conclusion of the Family Court, Karur, that the husband failed to prove his case, cannot be faulted with, the judges dismissed the appeals.

Jewel loan rule spells debt trouble for customers in Tamil Nadu

MADURAI: A recent policy change introduced by the Reserve Bank of India regarding repayment of jewel loans has cast a new financial burden on the loanees and created windfall gain for loan sharks who charge even up to Rs 2,000 interest per lakh for two days (about 365% per year). Hitherto, banks allowed customers to renew their jewel loans after 12 months by just paying their interest alone. It was not mandatory to repay the loan principal to renew their loans. However, since last October, banks have made it mandatory for customers to pay the entire loan amount with interest after 12 months to re-pledge the loan for next 12 months. Moreover, the jewel loan once closed can be reopened only on the next working day. If customers fail to renew their loan as per this revised mandate, the banks can auction the jewels to recover their loan dues of principal and interest. This has landed the customers in a new debt trap as loan sharks, across Tamil Nadu, have started lending money at exorbitant interest rates for a few days to help people renew their loan accounts by paying the principal and the interest accrued. Aware of customers plight, but have to stick to RBIs rules: Banker S Syed, a customer from Madurai, told TNIE he took a gold loan for Rs 15 lakh from a nationalised bank by pledging 320g of gold at 9% interest. For mandatory renewal of the loan after 12 months, Syed had to pay the bank Rs 16,70,000 for one day, which was not easy for him. I found a middleman who was targeting gold loan customers. He gave the required amount but took Rs 1,000 as commission for Rs 1 lakh per day. To save my jewels from being auctioned, I had to pay him Rs 30,000 to get my Rs 15 lakh worth of jewellery. Eventually, I pledged the jewels that I got from the bank with a pawn broker at 24% interest, and paid the Rs 30,000 to the middle man. I underwent severe mental torture and financial loss because of this, he said. T Xavier Devasagayam, another customer, said, Gold appraisers of banks are working as touts for these loan sharks to mobilise funds for repayment, he added. A bank official said, Though we clearly know the plight of the customers, we have to strictly adhere to RBIs rules. Customers can re-pledge the jewels on the same day on their family members names if they want. If customers had paid their loan interest every month, they dont have to renew the loan, he said. Speaking to TNIE, All India Bank Employees Association district secretary M Kalidoss said the association has made a request to the RBI to relax the condition, considering the plight of the customers. Esan Murugasamy, founder of Tamilaga Vivasayigal Pathukappu Sangam, said, Banks used to provide jewel loans of up to Rs 3 lakh at 33 paise interest to farmers as the amount of crop loan given in cooperative societies is not sufficient to meet the cost of crop cultivation. Jewel loans are very useful to farmers. At the end of the year, farmers used to renew the loan by paying only the interest for that year. Now, the banks are refusing permission to do so, citing the RBI circular. Now farmers have to go to the banks and spend a few days to take the loan again and pay the full loan amount. This puts a heavy burden on the farmers. To arrange for the total sum to re-pledge the jewels, farmers are falling prey to money lenders. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Congress MP Manickam Tagore wrote to letter to Finance Minister Nirmala, drawing her attention to the issue. The recent policy changes introduced by the RBI regarding the repayment terms of jewel loans are likely to have a significant adverse impact on vulnerable sections of the society, including small businesses, farmers and low-income individuals, the MP said in his letter. Given the critical nature of this issue, I urge you to kindly intervene and request the RBI to amend this rule. The previous system of interest-only repayment with the option for loan renewal offered much-needed flexibility to borrowers and was vital in ensuring continued access to emergency funds, the MP said. MP sends letter to FM Congress MP Manickam Tagore, in a letter to Finance Minister Sitharaman, urged her to request RBI to amend rule. The policy may impact farmers, low-income individuals and small businesses, MP told the FM (With inputs from M Saravanan @ Coimbatore)

Drunk autodriver booked for fatally knocking down woman in Madurai

Wife watching porn privately, indulging in self-pleasure is not cruelty on husband: Madras High Court

The Madurai Bench of the High Court dismisses appeal and says the contours of spousal privacy will include various aspects of a womans sexual autonomy

Hundreds of job aspirants from Tamil Nadu disappointed as RRB cancels exam in Hyderabad at the last minute

They had travelled for over 20 hours from different parts of T.N. to reach Hyderabad, where the exam was supposed to take place;Madurai MP seeks a detailed inquiry into the cancellation of the recruitment test

Forest department to conduct drone survey to monitor deer migration in Ramanathapuram

MADURAI: In a bid to address the prolonged animal intrusion issues, the forest department is planning to initiate drone surveys to monitor deer migration in several places in Ramanathapuram. Stating that herds of deer have been damaging their crops, farmers urged the forest department to take immediate action to address the menace. Complaints about deer herds damaging crops are frequently raised in Paramakudi, R S Mangalam and Thiruvadanai blocks in the district. Though the forest department has taken a series of measures including the distribution of compensation for the affected farmers, many have urged the authorities to take steps to address animal intrusion issues ahead of the cultivation season this year. Speaking to TNIE, S Hemalatha, district forest official (DFO) from Ramanathapuram said, In order to identify the exact deer population and its actual habitat, the forest department is planning to conduct drone surveys in three to four locations of the district. As there are no vast reserve forest areas in the district, deer herds migrate from one place to another in search of food and water. The survey will clarify the location of the animals and its migratory paths. The DFO added that based on the survey, the forest department will take measures to prevent animal intrusion. She further said camera traps have been set at select locations to monitor animal intrusion and affected farmers have been provided with proper compensation. It may be noted that around 80 cases of animal intrusion in farming fields were reported in Ramanathapuram in the last one year, and the forest department has provided a total of Rs 7.5 lakh as compensation so far. Meanwhile, MSK Bakkiyanathan, president of TN Vaigai Irrigation Farmers Association, sought action to remove Seemai Karuvelam trees from the area as they house species like deers and wild boars. The forest department should conduct proper census to find out more about the wildlife species, and ensure proper feed and water for them to prevent the species from intruding into farming fields, he added.

Madurai GRH: Kin urge hospital admin to cover dead bodies in thick polythene sheets after postmortem

MADURAI: Citing difficulties in handling dead bodies wrapped in clothes after postmortem at the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai, family members urged the hospital administration to cover the dead bodies in thick polythene covers as they did during the Covid-19 outbreak. K Aandi (56) relative of a deceased said,My relative died in a road accident last week. We took the body after postmortem from the GRH in Madurai city for completing funeral rites. After paying homage to the victim, we laid the body in the burial ground. However, we found blood on the table, where the body rested for a few hours. If the bodies are covered are placed in thick polythene covers, such spillage can be reduced. Sources from the GRH said, We receive around 10 bodies for postmortem daily. Such requests have been made by many people who visit the hospital to receive bodies of their friends and relatives after the postmortem. Besides, some attenders waiting in the mortuary ward expressed discomfort over the staff forcing them to buy clothes from shops outside the hospital premises to wrap the bodies. GRH Dean Dr L Arul Sundaresh Kumar said, There is no definite procedure in the health department to cover the victims after postmortem with polythene bags. During COVID-19, victims were covered with plastic bags to prevent infection spread. Speaking to TNIE, RMO and Mortuary Ward In-Charge Dr J Saravanan said,When it comes to postmortem, the victim's body is completely stitched to avoid further damage or blood leakage. This a near perfect method and never lets out vital organs, even during transportation in the ambulance. Besides, the thick cloth covering the body from head to toe is very tight. He also added that no staff is authorised to ask or order relatives to buy cloth from shops outside the premises. The cloth is available in the ward itself and anyone can lodge a complaint to the RMO office in this regard.

SIPCOT: Vembur villagers to stage hunger strike on March 21 as talks fail

THOOTHUKUDI: After talks with government officials regarding the acquisition of land for a SIPCOT project in Vilathikulam taluk failed to make headway on Tuesday, residents of Vembur village are likely to stage a hunger strike on March 21. Earlier this year, the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) had announced plans to acquire over 2,700 acres of land at Vembur, Ramasamypatti in Ettayapuram and Pattithevanpatti villages of Vilathikulam taluk. However, the public have been opposing the project, and were planning to stage a protest on March 21. Amid this juncture, a peace meeting, chaired by tahsildar C Suba, was convened with farmers and land owners at Ettayapuram taluk office on Tuesday, but it failed to make progress. Subsequently, the farmers and land owners of Vembur decided to go ahead with the protest and decided to stage a hunger strike at Kandhavel Sithar temple along the Thoothukudi-Madurai National Highways (NH) on March 21. It may be noted that earlier, the residents of Vembur had sent over 300 post cards mentioning their objections against acquiring land for the SIPCOT project.

Include Tamil instructions on bed kit wrapper, Madurai railway division tells bidder

MADURAI: Following a complaint that instructions in Tamil were missing from the biodegradable paper covers that are used to wrap the bed roll kits of AC coaches in trains, the Madurai railway division ordered the bidder concerned to include instructions in Tamil, along with Hindi and English. According to a communication to the bidder from the Divisional Environment and Housekeeping Manager (DEnHM) of Madurai, Gundewar Badal Kishorrao, on March 17, it would be followed in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd AC coaches of 13 trains primarily maintained by the Madurai, Tirunelveli and Rameswaram coaching depots. The communication said that in compliance with the official language policy, the instructions on the bags are required to be printed in 3 languages. In the new specification, the bidder will include Tamil as first language, followed by Hindi and English. The Tamil messages on the cover will also contain a complaint number and a few other instructions. The Madurai railway division said the instructions in Tamil were missed out due to oversight, and has been rectified after a complaint was received. The colour of the paper cover must be khaki/brown. The bed roll kits contain two bedsheets and a hand towel.

Punctuality on track as Vaishnaw tears into Opposition

NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday dismissed Opposition allegations regarding train punctuality, informing the Lok Sabha that 32 railway divisions have achieved over 90% punctuality while 17 out of 68 divisions maintain more than 80% punctuality. The Bhavnagar rail division under Western Railway holds the top position for punctuality, maintaining a rate of over 99.6%. Following closely are the Madurai division at 99.2%, Ratlam at 98.9%, Bikaner at 98.1%, Sealdah at 98%, Rajkot at 97.7%, Ajmer at 97.1%, and Jodhpur at 96.1%. Other divisions among the 32 that have surpassed 90% punctuality include Kota and Guntur, both with 95.7%, Ahmedabad at 95.1%, Bangalore and Alipur Duar at 94.4%, Guntakal at 94.3%, Mumbai Central at 92.9%, and Trivandrum at 91.3%, among others. The Vijayawada rail division, with 89.5% punctuality, leads the 17 divisions that have achieved over 80% punctuality. It is followed by Firozpur division at 89.2%, Sonpur at 88.6%, Agra at 88.3%, Rangiya at 88.3%, Malda at 88.1%, Nagpur at 87.8%, Ranchi at 87.7%, Bhusaval at 87.4%, and Samastipur at 86.7%. He said over 13,000 passenger trains are currently in operation, including 4,111 mail and express trains, 3,313 passenger trains, and 5,774 suburban trains. Vaishnaw stated 17,330 trains were operated during the Mahakumbh period. Additionally, 1,107 special trains were arranged to accommodate the Holi rush. The number of Holi special trains has consistently increased, from 604 in 2023-24 to 1,107 in 2024-25.

Madurais bird count hits new highs

DHS Madurai Various Posts Recruitment 2025 - Apply Offline for 123 Driver, DEO and More Posts

DHS Madurai Recruitment 2025 Apply Offline: District Health Society Madurai (DHS Madurai) has announced the recruitment of 123 Various Posts in 2025. Candidates With Graduate, B.Ed, B.Sc, MBBS, 12TH, 10TH, GNM, 8TH, M.Ed, M.Sc, MS/MD, MSW, ANM, D.Pharm, MOT, BOT Can Apply Offline on or before 24-03-2025.

Toilet built 1.5 km away from hamlet, SC residents of TN's Thiruvedagam continue to defecate in open spaces

MADURAI: Forced to defecate in the open for decades, the SC residents of Thiruvedagam heaved a short sigh of relief when a common public toilet was built recently. But the catch? The toilet is located 1.5 km from their hamlet. Should we take an auto or bus to reach the toilet? The panchayat has constructed the common toilet at Balakrishnanpuram, 1.5km away from our hamlet, where there are no SC residents. This may pave the way for communal issues. We are forced to defecate in the open due to the lack of facilities. The toilet will be opened soon, but neither the panchayat authorities nor the rural development department officials consulted us. Why was the toilet built so far away when we have government land in this village? This seems to be an eye-wash, said R Nagamani (38), a resident of the hamlet. A video showing the residents of SC colonies in Thiruvedagam speaking about the common toilet also went viral on social media. K Aarthiga (25), another resident of a SC colony said, We had no option but to defecate in the open before dawn, and after dusk. It is dangerous to step out at night as there are many poisonous snakes and insects. Women and girls are often subject to harassment when they step out to attend natures call. Moreover, there are no lights in the common areas. While we are happy that the toilet was built, it is not practically viable due to the distance. Again, we are forced to defecate in open spaces. Toilets remain a distant dream for us. Vadipatti Block Development Officer Krishnaveni said the panchayat president had refused to cancel the project. Moreover, there is no land available in the village limit, nor is there space to construct a sewage treatment plant. Using a pump, they are clearing the sewage water from the panchayat, she added. It may be noted that in 2020, Tamil Nadu bagged the Open Defecation Free (ODF) tag under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Madras HC quashes chargesheet against Canadian national for using 'forged' documents

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court quashed a chargesheet, filed by the Tiruchy airport police against a Canadian citizen for producing forget documents while attempting to depart from the airport in 2007, as the police has failed to produce any prima facie material to prove that the document is forged. Justice K Murali Shankar was hearing a petition filed by a Canadian citizen, Zakaria Farah, seeking to quash the final report filed by the airport police before Judicial Magistrate VI in Tiruchy. The prosecution said Farah carried a forged travel document issued by commissioner of police and foreigners registration officer of Hyderabad and attempted to board a flight to Sri Lanka. The petitioner said he was not able to visit his home country for 16 years due to the pendency of the FIR, which affected his personal and professional life. The delay prejudiced his right to a fair trial due to the deterioration of evidence and potential loss of witnesses, and moreover, the police have not recovered the forged travel document. The judge stated that the police have enclosed eight documents, including forged residential permit documents but the documents were not produced along with the chargesheet. They got a reply from the commissioner of police through fax on the incident day that it was forged. The police registered a case and an FIR was registered only based on the fax, the judge said. The judge further noted that the FIR was registered in October 2007, but the chargesheet was filed in April 2023, after 16 years. The prosecution had also not offered any acceptable explanation for the inordinate delay. The court felt that permitting the prosecution to continue would be an abuse of the court process.

Changing times: Women dominating the Koodiyattam theatre in Kerala

KOCHI: The male domination in koodiyattam, one of Indias oldest living theatre traditions that reflects Keralas rich cultural heritage, is slowly fading. Reflecting the decline in enthusiasm among males to learn koodiyattam, only four boys have joined the course at Kalamandalam cultural varsity this year. At the same time, around 40 girl students are pursuing the course at Kalamandalam. Koodiyattam artists cite lack of patronage and limited opportunities as reasons for the male candidates poor response to the courses. There is a popular belief that the Sanskrit theatre is indigestible to the common man. It is a reflection of the changing taste of society, says Jishnu Pratap, assistant professor in koodiyattam, Kalamandalam. Parents want their wards to pursue a course that can help them get a job with lucrative salary. They realise that there is lack of patronage for traditional art forms and this profession cannot provide a steady income, he says. It is disappointing to note that there are hardly any one below the age of 50 in the audience at koodiyattam performances. Also, a majority of the audience is koodiyattam artists and their relatives, says Jishnu Pratap. Though women used to play female characters in koodiyattam traditionally, the roles were limited to complementing the male characters. However, drawing inspiration from Kalamandalam Girija, Usha Nangiar and Margi Sathi who reflect the changing face of koodiyattam the new generation of women has started portraying male characters. While Usha Nangiar redefined the role of women in koodiyattam through the Panchakanya Mahotsav organised in Thrissur in 2024, Aparna Nangiar reintroduced Dasamam Koothu, a ritualistic art form that was never performed in the past 150 years. Kapila Venu brought the stories of Madurai Veeran and Rabindranath Tagores Chitra to the stage. The trio, who arrived in Tripunithura to participate in the 80th birthday celebration of K G Poulose and T K Sarala, the patrons of Sanskrit theatre, shared with TNIE their views on redefining the intangible heritage of koodiyattam. It is true that the patronage for koodiyattam among male students has been declining for the past three decades, says Usha Nangiar. We need to preserve this tradition for future generations: says Aparna It may be because of the difficulty to pursue the art course along with academic classes. A majority of the girls arrive at Kalamandalam to learn Bharatanatyam and other classical dance forms. Koodiyattam artists Kapila Venu, Aparna Nangiar and Usha Nangiar during a conversation with TNIE. As there are only limited seats for these courses, they join koodiyattam and Kathakali courses. The increasing popularity of Nangiar Koothu is also attracting girl students. But considering the poor patronage, I am concerned how many of them will be able to continue as professional artists, says Usha Nangiar. Aparna Nangiar said unlike Kathakali, women have been performing the role of female characters traditionally. The girl students at Ammannur Gurukulam in Irinjalakuda and Kalamandalam have the opportunity to get trained in performing male characters. The biggest concern is the lack of patronage for the art in Keralas cultural sphere. We need to preserve this tradition for future generations, she says. Observing that Sanskrit plays, from which koodiyattam derives its tradition, were written by male authors for male connoisseurs, artist Kapila Venu highlight the need for interventions to redefine the art in the perspective of women. Like all traditional arts, koodiyattam is also passing through an age of reformation. We have brought Shakespeares King Lear and Rabindranath Tagores Chitra to the koodiyatam stage, which have received much patronage. In my opinion, female artists in koodiyatam have the responsibility of complementing the women audience as we are reflecting their expectations, says Kapila Venu.

Madurai Campus Connect - The Hindu

Madurai Campus Connect The Hindu

Fire at Thoothukudi plant, 630 MW of power generation hit

THOOTHUKUDI: A major fire broke out at the Thoothukudi Thermal Power Station (TTPS) late on Saturday night, leading to the halting of 630 MW of power production at three of its units. Following several hours of effort, fire and rescue service personnel managed to put out the blaze by 5 pm on Sunday. The fire at the cable gallery, however, is still smoldering. Two firefighters have been hospitalised due to suffocation. TTPS is among the oldest thermal plants in operation, comprising five 210-MW units, with a total production capacity of 1050 MW. According to sources, the fire broke out at the control room of unit I around 9.40 pm, and spread to the nearby departments and godown, impacting power production at units I, II and III. Smoke billowing out of chimneys caused panic among the public, they said. Upon information, at least 10 fire engines and 50 personnel under the deputy director of fire and rescue service from stations in Thoothukudi and neighbouring districts arrived at the spot to douse the flames. As smoke filled the plant, the firefighters struggled to move closer to spray foam, leading to the suffocation and hospitalisation of two. Fire broke out at the #Thoothukudi government thermal power plant. Express video and photos | @KARTHIKALAGU86 pic.twitter.com/jOSQ66dt7X TNIE Tamil Nadu (@xpresstn) March 16, 2025 Units I, II & III turned off; IV & V still operational Subsequently, Thoothukudi Collector K Elambahavath inspected the plant, along with revenue officials and TTPS engineers. Speaking to reporters, he said that the cable gallery of units I and II is where the fire broke out initially. However, following swift action, the spread of fire to the other units has been arrested successfully, he said. The two firefighters admitted to the Thoothukudi Medical College Hospital are safe, he said. Since the cables are still fuming, Elambahavath added, additional fire safety equipment and advanced fire tender vehicles have been brought in from Madurai. The firefighters were forced to drill a hole into the walls of unit one, to put off the smoke emanating from the wires, cables and other machinery, he said. TTPS Chief Engineer Sridhar told TNIE that the firefighters extinguished the flames and fumes by 5 pm on Sunday. Power cables of unit one have been gutted, the cause of which is yet to be ascertained. While units I, II and III have been turned off, units IV and V are still operational, he said, adding that operations in unit III may resume in a few days. The extent of damage is yet to be assessed, Sridhar said.

Madras HC directs state to extend time limit for 11 PG medical students to join duty

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently granted relief to 11 post graduate medical students by directing the state government to grant them time extension, till the completion of their course, to join duty as Assistant Surgeons (general) in various government primary health centres (PHCs) in the state. Justice Battu Devanand passed the order on a batch of petitions filed by the 11 PG students seeking the above relief. The petitioners had received appointment orders for the aforesaid post on February 25, 2025. The appointment orders mentioned that if the appointed individual fails to join duty within 15 days of receiving the order, the same will be cancelled and their name will be removed from the approved list. Stating that they can neither forgo the appointment nor discontinue the course, the petitioners requested the government to relax the above condition and grant them an extension of time for a few months. As there was no response, they moved the court. The judge acknowledged the difficulties involved in getting a seat to study a postgraduate medical course. The state government also allocates substantial resources and funds to train PG medical students as having medical specialists in different subjects has become essential in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and the rising number of non-communicable diseases, the judge observed. Hence, denying the petitioners' request would not only result in them losing their time, effort and money but would adversely impact the state exchequer, the judge added. Noting that the proviso to Section 7(5) of the Tamil Nadu Government Servants (Conditions of Service) Act, 2016 grants power to the appointing authority to extend the time-limit up to six months in case of special circumstances for valid reasons, the judge allowed the petitions by directing the Director of Public Health to extend the time limit in the petitioners' appointment orders.

25-year-old bull tamer gored to death at Keelakarai jallikattu

MADURAI: A 25-year-old bull tamer died after being gored during the jallikattu event at the Kalaignar Centenary Jallikattu arena in Keelakarai, Madurai, on Sunday. Over 70 participants sustained injuries at the event, organised by DMK cadres for Chief Minister M K Stalins birthday. Police sources said M Mahesh Pandi (25) of Katcharairuppu village near Sholavandan was gored while trying to tame a bull that charged through the vadi vasal. He suffered chest injuries and was rushed to the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH), where he was declared brought dead. A total of 71 persons, including 33 bull owners, 37 tamers, and one spectator, were injured. Among them, 20 suffered major injuries and were referred to GRH. Of the 1,051 bulls registered, three were rejected after medical checks. Among 600 tamers, 22 were disqualified. Minister P Moorthy said the event aimed to give more bulls a chance to participate.

Madras High Court orders status quo in land acquisition for aero park

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court recently ordered status quo against the land acquisition proceedings initiated by the state government for the establishment of the Aerospace Industrial Park in Athiyakurichi village in Thoothukudi. A two-judge bench passed the interim order on a petition filed by G T Chandrasekaran, secretary of a local farmers association. Chandrasekaran said the government has proposed to acquire 985.75 acres of patta lands and 26.5 acres of poramboke lands, for the project under the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Industrial Purposes Act, 1997. He said the acquisition would affect the local population. The same project was introduced previously and following protests by the villagers, peace committee talks were held in September 2023 and the project was to be dropped. The government has acquired substantial amount of lands for various other projects including 2,350 acres for the Kulasekarapattinam rocket launch site, resulting in the displacement of many villagers, he added. He also wanted the court to ensure that the villagers are safeguarded and rehabilitated sufficiently before the government proceeds with the land acquisition. The case was adjourned to March 20.

Fund allocation for desilting rivers, canals insufficient: Farmers

MADURAI: Allocating Rs 120 crore to take up 1,071 desilting works in rivers, canals, channels and drains is sufficient for the PWD to plan but not execute the works, said representatives of farmers' associations. In the agriculture budget, Rs 120 crore was allocated for implementing the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project. Under the project, 1,071 desilting works was proposed at a cost of Rs 120 crore to facilitate uninterrupted flow of water from dams to tail end areas. About 6,179.6 km length of rivers, channels, canals and drains in Chennai, Tiruchy, Madurai and Coimbatore will be desilted to benefit irrigated lands in 25 districts including the Cauvery delta districts, as per the proposal. Speaking to TNIE, Periyar Vaigai Irrigation Farmers Association Coordinator S Anvar Balasingam said the fund allotment is insufficient, and needs to be increased. Surge in heat waves and climate change makes the river water evaporate. The Vaigai flows through Valliparai and Varsanadu, after which the river evaporates. About 40% of the total budget must be allocated for desilting projects. While planning to implement the neutrino project, 18th canal was extended till Devaram on a war footing. Similar efforts is required in the desilting projects for the welfare of farmers. In order to mitigate water theft and evaporation, concrete walls must be constructed on both sides of the river path as part of the Parambikulam Aliyar Project (PAP), he said. Tamilaga Vivasayigal Pathugappu Sangam deputy president C Nethaji said, The proposal for desilting rivers and canals is only for name-sake as fund allocation is only enough for the PWD to plan and not execute the project. It would not bring any prospects to the farmers or people. Rivers in the state are contaminated due to mixing of sewage, factories effluents and waste, which must be prohibited. Fund allocation must be revised in order to implement the announcement appropriately, he added.

Bringing voices to verses: A journey through poetry

NELLORE: With a literary career spanning over five decades, Telugu poet Dr Perugu Ramakrishna has made a significant mark in Indian literature. Author of 26 books across multiple genres, he has received prestigious awards, including the Saraswati Samman and Jatiya Rajya Bhasha Gaurav Samman. Honoured with titles such as Matru Bhasha Seva Shiromani and Bharat Bhasha Bhushan, Ramakrishnas works have been widely translated and studied across India and beyond. His poem on flamingos, released during the 2006 Flamingo Festival, is a landmark in environmental literature, translated into six Indian and two global languages. In 2023, 52 lines from this poem were included in Class nine Telugu textbook Telugu Parimalam, a rare honour for any poet. Born on May 27, 1960, in Nellore, Ramakrishna studied English Literature at Andhra University (AU) and completed MA in Public Administration from Osmania University. He also earned postgraduate diplomas in Industrial Relations, Personnel Management, and Computer Applications. His literary journey began in 1975 when his first poem was published in a local journal. During the 1980s, he edited Manasa Veena magazine, fostering literary talent. Ramakrishnas poetic excellence has earned him over 150 national and 60 international awards, including the Andhra Pradesh Governments Visishta Kavi Ugadi Puraskaram, the Telugu University Keerthi Puraskaram, and the Telangana Sahitya Akademi Puraskaram. His translations for the National Book Trust of India and Sahitya Akademi have further enriched literary discourse. Madurai Kamaraj University and Madras University awarded him two M.Phil degrees and a Ph.D, while Prague honoured him with a D Litt in 2016, presented by Nobel laureate Professor Ernesto Kahan. Representing Telugu poetry globally, he has participated in Sahitya Akademi sessions, SAARC Writers Conferences, and international poetry festivals. In 2011, he introduced Telugu poetry to an international audience in Greece and has since toured the US, Europe, and the Middle East. His contributions have been recognised in the Wonder Book of World Records as a distinguished regional language poet. Beyond poetry, he edits a progressive farmers monthly magazine and manages several literary pages. Since 2018, he has served as a State executive member of the Andhra Pradesh Progressive Writers Association and as State president of Akhila Bharatiya Bhasha Sahitya Sammelan, established in 1966 in Bhopal. My mother told me my father wrote poetry in structured verse. My elder brother, Phanibhushan Kumar, who passed away at 22, wrote poems in both Telugu and English. I admired and drew inspiration from the great poet Gunturu Seshendra Sarma, a literary guru from Thotapalli Gudur in Nellore district. He wrote the foreword for my first poetry collection, Vennela Jalapatham (Moonlight Cascade), said Ramakrishna. His journey is not just that of a poet but of a visionary who has elevated Telugu literature on a global scale. His poetry, deeply rooted in cultural ethos yet universally resonant, continues to inspire generations, leaving a legacy that will flourish for years to come.

Lodging complaint at husband's work place with wild allegations is mental cruelty: Madras HC

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court observed that mental cruelty created by the wife by lodging a complaint at his working place with wild allegations cannot be ignored as ordinary. The husband, who is aggrieved by the trial court's findings and the dismissal of his divorce petition, had approached the Madurai bench seeking to set aside the trial court order and dissolve the marriage. According to the case facts, they were married in 2012 and had a male child. At the time of marriage, he was a police constable and was pressured by her to get a transfer to Coimbatore from Sivaganga to stay with her sister. When he refused, a police complaint was registered, which had created mental cruelty. Hence, he filed a petition before the family court in Sivaganga seeking dissolution of marriage on the grounds of cruelty. The trial court however was not satisfied with cruelty as a reason citing that giving a complaint cannot amount to cruelty. A division bench of Justices G Jayachandran and R Poornima noted the complaint made by her to his higher officials, mentioning wild allegations by branding him as a terrorist and had contacts with foreign outfits. The complaint was given after he instituted the divorce petition. The allegations against him included that he had connection with a terrorist group, which the judges refused to ignore. The court felt that such a complaint would naturally cause severe mental torture and stated that it covers the definition of cruelty. The judges also found that she was not interested in saving the marital relationship through her conduct and that she had left the minor child, and also placed him under mental cruelty. The marital relationship is unworkable among them. The appellant counsel also produced a marriage certificate that showed she married another person in 2020. Hence, the court dissolved their marriage.

Boost to organic farming in 37 districts in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI: A slew of measures will be implemented to promote natural/organic farming in the state. This includes the establishment of natural farming clusters, marketing organic and natural farming products, providing full subsidies to organic farmers for pesticide residue testing, exemption from certification fees for organic farming certification, and setting up quality control laboratories in four districts. Presenting the exclusive budget for agriculture in the Assembly, Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam said several activities will be carried out in 37 districts to promote organic farming by allocating Rs 12 crore. The National Mission on Natural Farming will be implemented as a two-year programme to establish natural farming clusters with interested farmers, benefiting 7,500 farmers. Marketing of organic and natural farming products in government buildings like the Poomalai market complex will be facilitated, which will help farmers have easy access to consumers for their natural farming products. Panneerselvam said awareness of organic farming and related technologies will be created for farmers across 37 districts. Besides, exposure visits to organic farms will be organised for 38,600 higher secondary school and college students, he added. Incentives will be provided to encourage farmers who have attained organic status. Further, full exemption from certification fee will be given to farmers seeking organic certification, he added. The minister said the Nammazhvar Award for Best Organic Farmer will be given to three farmers in 2025-26, wherein each will receive a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh. The minister said maintaining the quality of organically-cultivated products such as traditional rice varieties, vegetables and spices is essential to fetch premium prices in local and international markets. To facilitate farmers in testing their organic produce, four quality control laboratories will be established at four centres of TNAU Chennai, Thoothukudi, Coimbatore and Madurai with an allocation of Rs 6.16 crore, he said. Besides, to promote organic manure production, Rs 3.5 crore will be allocated. In a bid to increase paddy cultivation area and food grain production, a special package for 29 non-delta districts was announced on Saturday. Paddy is currently cultivated on 34 lakh acres in 29 non-delta districts. To increase the paddy area and foodgrain production during kar, kuruvai and sornavari seasons, a special package, including subsidy for machine planting and quality certified seeds will be provided to the farmers in these districts. Rs 102 crore will be allocated for this purpose, he added.

New Zealand education fair held in Madurai

Trade bodies welcome agriculture budget; farmers disappointed in Madurai

Tiruchy metro rail project missing from TN Budget 2025 disappoints residents

TIRUCHY: The lack of any announcement regarding the much-anticipated metro rail for Tiruchy in the 2025-26 state budget has left residents disappointed. Many had expected a proposal for the project, especially after the 2023-24 budget sanctioned metro rail for Coimbatore and Madurai. However, the latest budget remained silent on Tiruchys metro and instead focused on metro projects for Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai. It is a huge disappointment that the budget didnt mention anything about the Tiruchy metro. There was also no proposal on electric buses for Tiruchy. The budget mentions electric buses only for Coimbatore, Madurai, and Chennai, said H Ghouse Baig, a retired railway official and city resident. TN Budget 2025: Budget that counts all While some viewed the announcement of a 250-acre industrial park as a positive development, others were unimpressed, citing the lack of details on its location or cost. However, the budget did allocate Rs 400 crore for riverside development, including sewage treatment plants, footpaths, and streetlights in Tiruchy, Madurai, Erode, Coimbatore, and Tirunelveli corporations. Since Tiruchy had already done riverfront development in prime areas using the smart city fund, it should use this budget allocation for riverfront development in underdeveloped areas like Palakkarai, Alwarthoppu, etc., suggested RK Regupathy, a senior citizen and retired PWD officer. Additionally, Tiruchy city has been allocated an 'Anbucholai'a care centre for senior citizensone of the 25 announced in the budget. The proposals for an Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Mudhalvar Padaippagam (a centre for students preparing for competitive examinations), and measures to ensure women's safety were also welcomed. There has been no major project allocation to Tiruchy. Though most ministers have often asserted that the development of centrally located Tiruchy district is crucial for the state, the budget proposals dont do justice to such claims. The government has to clarify the likelihood of a metro project for Tiruchy, said Sangeetha Karthikeyan, a resident and school teacher.

Hosur to become global IT and research hub with new Tidel Park and Knowledge Corridor

DHARMAPURI: The setting up of a Knowlegde Corridor and Tidel park in Hosur will transform the region into a hub for global IT and research. Hosur is predominantly an industrial city and houses big names such as TVS Motor. Ashok Leyland, Titan Company, Delta and Tata Electronics, Sundram Fasteners, besides around 3000 MSMEs. The TIDEL park and the Knowledge corridor will complement the manufacturing sector. In his budget speech, Minister Thangam Thenarasu said, The government plans to position Hosur, which has been witnessing tremendous industrial development, as a new hub for GCCs, research and development. With this vision, a Hosur Knowledge Corridor with world-class infrastructure facilities will be set up. This will have all facilities to support the establishment of GCCs and R&D centres of leading global IT firms. Regarding Tidel park. Thenarasu said, It will come up on 5 lakh sq. ft. and would be set up at `400 crore. Around 6,600 jobs would be generated. S Moothi, President of the Hosur Small and Tiny Industries Association (HOSTIA) said, The Knowledge Corridor is something which we have been looking forward to. Hosur needs innovation, to create new products as manufacturers. At present, we are effectively just producers of standard modules or components based out of a blueprint. We need creativity and innovative components, which will make the current production line obsolete and improve our market. The knowledge corridor will provide that opportunity. Hosur Industries Association committee member S Sundarayya, We wanted to replicate the success of Bengalurus electronic city, and push for IT sectors to take roots in Hosur. But companies did not invest here, which forced local talent to move there. The Tidel Park and the Knowledge Corridor will bring more opportunities. As opposed to a cost in tier 1 city like Bengaluru, operational costs will be lower in a tier 2 city like Hosur. Hosurs proximity to Bengaluru also provides an advantage. It would be difficult for the IT sector to invest in other tier 2 cities like say Madurai or Dindigul. Infrastructure wise, there are talks that the Bengaluru Metro will eventually reach the Hosur corporation. Further she said the Knowledge Corridor will play a crucial role in knowledge, research and skill development, and spur automation of production.

TN Budget 2025: 25 elderly daycare centres to be set up, Rs 2000 aid for orphaned children

CHENNAI: In a first, the state government will establish 25 Anbucholai centres elderly daycare services across municipal corporations, including Madurai, Coimbatore, Tiruchy, Salem, Tiruppur, Erode, Thoothukudi, Vellore, Thanjavur, and Dindigul, at a cost of Rs 10 crore. According to the social welfare departments 2022 estimate, Tamil Nadu had 75 lakh elderly individuals, a figure expected to double to 1.5 crore (18% of the population) by 2031. The Anbucholai centres aim to address key issues such as loneliness, medical care needs, and financial dependency among senior citizens. In these centres, the elderly can engage in companionship and meaningful activities. It will offer day-care assistance, essential medical care, and recreational activities, with support from voluntary organisations, the budget stated. P Sethuseshan, general secretary of the senior citizen bureau, however, emphasised the need for effective implementation. Government-run centres will benefit those who cannot afford private facilities and have ageing parents at home. However, the government must ensure that adequate staff are deployed so that the centres function efficiently, rather than just for namesake, he said. Orphaned kids to get monthly stipend of Rs 2,000 for education The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 120 crore to provide a monthly stipend of Rs 2,000 to children who have lost both parents and are being raised by relatives, to continue their education without any interruption until they reach 18 years of age. The allocation is a part of the Chief Ministers Thayumanavar Thittam scheme. Around 50,000 children from the poorest of poor families have been identified for the first phase of the scheme. Steps to make six beaches in state blue flag compliant The minister said measures will be taken to ensure that six beaches, Tiruvanmiyur, Palavakkam, Uthandi in Chennai, Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district, Keezhputhupattu in Villupuram district and Samiyarpettai in Cuddalore district, meet the 33 various criteria under marine water quality, environmental education, overall environmental management, safety and services, to receive Blue Flag certification in 2025-26.

TN Budget 2025: 70 per cent more funds for industries department

CHENNAI: In its bid to make Tamil Nadu a global hub for high-tech industries, Rs 3,915 crore has been allocated to the department of industries, investment promotion, and commerce. This is nearly 70% more than the Rs 2,295 crore announced for the department in the 2024-25 budget. The state has announced key initiatives, including a semiconductor fabless lab in Chennai, a new airport at Rameswaram, and a knowledge corridor in Hosur. To cement its status in semiconductor manufacturing, the government will develop semiconductor manufacturing parks in Sulur, Coimbatore, and near Palladam each spread over 100 acres. These hubs will be developed in partnership with companies from the US, Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan, positioning Coimbatore as a key economic driver. Additionally, the Tamil Nadu Maritime Transport Manufacturing Policy 2025 will drive investments in ship and boat design, hull fabrication, and engine production, creating 30,000 jobs. The semiconductor lab will be established at a cost of Rs 100 crore in collaboration with leading industry players and academic institutions. This initiative is part of the Rs 500 crore Tamil Nadu Semiconductor Mission 2030, which will be implemented over the next five years to boost semiconductor manufacturing and exports. With semiconductor foundries requiring massive capital investments, experts suggested an alternative approach focusing on testing, packaging, and design. These segments not only demand relatively lower investments, but also offer significant opportunities for high-end job creation, finance secretary T Udayachandran said. Following the success of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Chennai and Coimbatore, the government plans to position Hosur as the next hub for GCCs, and research and development centres. This initiative is expected to attract global IT firms and further industrial development in Hosur. The state also plans to set up two new footwear parks one each in Melur (Madurai) and Cuddalore generating 20,000 jobs. The total investment for these projects is estimated at Rs 250 crore. Additionally, SIPCOT will establish a dedicated footwear skill training facility in Kallakurichi to enhance workforce capabilities in the sector. Industrial Drive Rs 20,000 subsidy for 2,000 gig workers to buy electric scooters. Group insurance for 1.5 lakh gig workers Rs 500 crore investment for Semiconductor Mission 2030 Non-leather footwear hubs to create one lakh jobs, 80% for women Industrial parks in Tiruchy, Thoothukudi, Cuddalore, and Pudukkottai New airport planned in Rameswaram Rs 2,938 cr for expanding Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchy, and Thoothukudi airports Bioscience Park near Chennai with high-end infrastructure for biotech and life sciences manufacturing

TN Budget 2025: Rs 300 crore to improve infrastructure at major tourist hubs

CHENNAI: To attract more investments and promote economic growth across all sections of society and hospitality industries, the state government will introduce the Tamil Nadu Tourism Promotion and Facilitation Act, said Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, presenting the budget on Friday. An eco park, covering an extent of 52 acres, will be established at the Race Course area in Nilgiris district, at an estimated cost of Rs 70 crore. A spice garden, urban forestry, bird watching areas and nature trails will also be developed in tune with the natural environment of the Blue Hills, to attract more tourists. Realising the need for infrastructural development in tourist spots across the state, the government has allocated Rs 300 crore for setting up modern facilities in major tourist hubs such as Mamallapuram, Tiruvannamalai, Rameswaram, Kanniyakumari, Tiruchendur, Palani and Nagore-Velankanni. To ensure effective coordination and implementation of these projects across various government departments, dedicated development authorities will be established for these cities. In the first phase, separate development authorities will be formed for Mamallapuram, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchendur and Rameswaram. Additionally, to promote lesser-known tourist destinations across the state, a sum of Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the development of tourism infrastructure in these areas. Further, in order to encourage private investment in the tourism sector, key areas including the Mamallapuram-Marakanam Coastal trail, the Tiruchy-Thanjavur-Nagapattinam Chola trail, the Madurai-Sivaganga Heritage trail, and the Coimbatore-Pollachi Nature trail have been identified. Appropriate steps will be taken to attract both public and private sector investments in these areas, the minister said. Boost to tourism Rs 70 crore allocated for eco park Rs 150 crore for renovation of 17 heritage structures TN Budget 2025: Budget that counts all

TN Budget 2025: Rs 310 crore flyover to link Guindy, Gurunanak junction in Chennai

CHENNAI: To ease the increasing traffic congestion in Velachery and Guindy, the Tamil Nadu government has announced the construction of a new four-lane flyover connecting five furlong road (Guindy) with Gurunanak college junction on Velachery main road. The flyover, spanning 3 km, will be built at a cost of Rs 310 crore. Velachery Main Road and the bypass have been experiencing heavy vehicular snarl-ups during peak hours due to increased traffic volume, encroachments on the service roads and lack of parking space for commercial establishments. Similarly, the Tamil Nadu State Highways Authority (TANSHA) will be constructing the states longest elevated flyover (14.2 km) from Thiruvanmiyur to Uthandi along the East Coast Road (ECR) at a cost of Rs 2,100 crore. The road will be built in partnership with private companies and likely to be tolled. Currently, the states longest elevated corridor is located on Madurai-Natham road - from Madurai (Gokhale road) to Chettikulam (7.3 km). The proposed elevated corridor is expected to start either at Marundeeswarar temple bus stop or near Jayanthi theatre junction on ECR, and end at Uthandi. The elevated corridor will have 16 to 20 metres width along with footpaths. Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu disclosed this while presenting the state budget on Friday. The proposed flyover primarily aims to decongest Velachery Bypass, Velachery Main Road, and other arterial roads. The project is expected to benefit nearly 7 lakh residents in Guindy and Velachery. Similarly, a ROB will be constructed at Korukkupet by the GCC in collaboration with Southern Railway at a cost of Rs 70 crore. The ROB will benefit around 1 lakh residents of Korukkupet and nearby areas. ON THE GROWTH PATH Rs 250 crore for developing road facilities for Oragadam-Cheyyar Industrial Corridor Construction of new 4-lane road for 28 km from Karunguzhi to Mamallapuram on ECR via Thirukazhukundram will be examined Construction of 14 bypasses will begin at a cost of Rs 1,713 crore 6,483 km of roads across local bodies will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 3,750 crore

TN Budget 2025: Chennai to get sixth reservoir with 1.6 tmcft capacity

CHENNAI: A new reservoir will be built in the Kovalam sub-basin near Chennai covering 4,375 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore to augment the drinking water supply for the city, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu said during budget presentation on Friday. This will be the sixth reservoir of Chennai. The reservoir, which will utilise a portion of floodwater available during the monsoon, will come up on land already available with the government between Old Mamallapuram Road and East Coast Road in Thiruporur taluk, Chengalpattu. The proposed reservoir will have a storage capacity of 1.6 tmcft, with an annual capacity of 2.25 tmcft. The project is expected to provide a long-term drinking water supply to Chennai, ensuring 170 MLD of water every year. At present, the drinking water needs of Chennai are met through water sources in and around the city, and from desalination projects. However, with the citys growing population and changing climate, it is crucial to construct new reservoirs to prevent occasional shortages and ensure a reliable water supply, Thennarasu said. Talking to TNIE, a senior official said, As of now, five reservoirs -- Cholavaram, Chembarambakkam, Poondi, Red Hills, and Kannankottai-Thervaikandigai -- with a combined capacity of 11.757 tmcft cater to the drinking water needs of Chennai citys residents. However, this storage capacity is far below the citys annual drinking and industrial water demand of 24 tmcft, which is expected to rise to 34 tmcft by 2035. So, we planned to increase water storage capacity in and around the city and the state government is gradually planning to add 21 tmcft of storage. As part of this initiative, a new reservoir will be built in Chengalpattu with a capacity of 1.6 tmcft. TN Budget 2025: Budget that counts all Highlighting the key aspects of the project, another official said acquiring land is usually a challenge in reservoir construction. However, in this case, the WRD has access to 4,375 acres of land belonging to Tamil Nadu Salt Corporation Limited. Hence, the construction work can be started without any delay. The reservoir is expected to be completed within two to four years, he added. WRD has conducted a feasibility study and identified the location for the reservoir. A DPR will be submitted to the government before fund allocation, the official added. Kannankottai-Thervaikandigai is the fifth reservoir built by merging Thervoy Kandigai and Kannankottai lakes in Tiruvallur district. With a storage capacity of 0.5 tmcft, it was inaugurated on November 21, 2020, by Union Minister Amit Shah. A sum of Rs 9,460 crore has been allocated for Water Resources Department. SAVING WATER Works to prevent sewage inflow into rivers will be carried out in Tiruchy, Madurai, Erode, Coimbatore, and Tirunelveli at a cost of Rs 400 crore Govt to revive Combined Water Supply Schemes in Pudukai, Mayiladuthurai, Tenkasi, Erode, Thoothukudi, Tiruppur, Tiruvallur

TN Budget 2025: Budget that counts all

CHENNAI: Amid language war with the centre and with just a year left for the Tamil Nadu Assembly poll, the DMK governments last full-budget stayed true to its theme of everything for everyone and gave the pride of place for Tamil. The ruling DMK has resisted the temptation to go for big-bang announcements, perhaps constrained by its financial situation, and appears to have gone for targeted interventions in key sectors while maintaining the existing allocations for its flagship social-security measures. An exception was the allocation of Rs 2,000 crore for 2025-26 to revive the free distribution of laptops to students, a flagship scheme of the previous AIADMK government, which had been stopped for the past five years. Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, who presented the budget on Friday, said 20 lakh students of government-run institutions will either get a tablet or a laptop in the next two years. It is hard to miss the political significance as the targeted beneficiaries are likely to be first-time voters in the 2026 polls. To showcase the excellence of Tamil culture to the world, new archaeological excavations in eight locations, Indus Valley Cultural Gallery in Chennai, Agaram - Museum of Languages in Madurai, World Tamil Olympiad competition every year, and deep-sea excavations along coastal Tamil Nadu have been proposed in the budget. The financial statement accorded particular focus to industries and higher education with the allocation for the former going up by 70%. A Rs 500-crore Semiconductor Mission-2030 and industrial parks in Tiruchy, Madurai, Pudukkottai, Cuddalore and Thanjavur districts to tackle intra-state disparities, and Knowledge Corridor in Hosur were among the key announcements. While there were expectations that the state government may widen the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme for women, the fund allocation for the scheme remained the same although the FM announced that measures will be taken to add more beneficiaries. Allocation for most other social-welfare schemes also remained the same, with marginal increase for a few. It did announce an exemption of 1% in registration fee for properties registered in the name of women if the value is within Rs 10 lakh. As expected, the finance minister attacked the union government for its refusal to allot funds for Samagra Shiksha scheme and reiterated firmly that the state would never budge from preventing the imposition of three-language formula and instead foot the bill of Rs 2,152 crore from its own kitty. He, however, expressed hope that the union government would release the funds in the coming year without imposing any conditions. With many of the state-run universities in deep financial crisis, the government seems to have shrugged off its ambivalence in offering grants to these universities. The FM announced that block grant to universities will be enhanced to Rs 700 crore. The budget also proposed to raise Rs 500 crore for Anna University by tapping into alumni network and partnering with industries to foster research and make the university a globally-recognised one. While a new city has been planned near Chennai on 2,000 acres, the states longest elevated flyover (14.2 km) will be built from Thiruvanmiyur to Uthandi along ECR at a cost of Rs 2,100 crore. The new city will feature a variety of modern amenities, including IT parks, fintech trade zones, research and development centres, high-tech companies, banking and insurance firms, shopping complexes, trade centres, and conference halls. While a new airport is planned near Rameswaram, the Tamil Nadu Maritime Transport Manufacturing Policy 2025 will drive investments in ship and boat design, hull fabrication, and engine production, creating 30,000 jobs. Thennarasu also announced a significant increase of 22.4% in the capital expenditure for 2025-26 (Rs 57,231 crore) even though the revised estimates for 2024-25 did not show any marked increase in states revenues. Detailed project reports for metro rail projects on the Avinashi Road and Sathyamangalam Road routes in Coimbatore estimated at Rs 10,740 crore, and for the Thirumangalam-Othakadai corridor in Madurai estimated at Rs 11,368 crore have been submitted for equity contribution from the centre. Construction work in both the cities will commence after the approval is granted, the FM said. Sources in the corridors of power, however, said that though populist announcements were largely missing in the budget, it would not be surprising if some are made under Rule 110 by the CM during the budget session. Technology Knowledge Corridor in Hosur Semiconductor Mission at a cost of Rs 500 crore to be implemented over the next five years to boost semiconductor exports. Hosur to have Knowledge Corridor Education Laptops for college students 20 lakh college students will be provided free tablet or laptop, based on their preference, over the next two years at a total cost of Rs 2,000 crore Language Excavations at eight locations Archaeological excavations to be carried out in eight locations. A language museum announced in Madurai, with the conduct of World Tamil Olympiad every year Infra New city on 2,000 acres near Chennai A 2,000-acre new city to come up near Chennai. TN to build its longest elevated flyover (14.2 km) from Uthandi to Thiruvanmiyur at a cost of Rs 2,100 crore Welfare More women to get Rs 1,000 honorarium The state has allocated about Rs 13,807 crore for the Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme for women. More beneficiaries to be added this fiscal year

Madurai District Police crack murder of unidentified woman with pair of silver anklets

Traffic policemen in Madurai to get buttermilk or lemon juice during summer

Holi celebrated with pomp and gaiety in Madurai

T.N. Budget 2025: Govt. to submit DPRs of 3 Chennai Metro Rail projects to Union govt. for equity contribution

DPRs for the Avinashi Road-Sathyamangalam Road Metro Rail corridor in Coimbatore and the Thirumangalam-Othakadai Metro Rail corridor in Madurai will also be submitted to the Union government, the FM said

TN Budget 2025: Tamil book fairs to be held in other Indian cities, foreign countries

CHENNAI: Building on the initiative of Chennai International Book Fair and books fairs in each district, finance minister Thangam Thennarasu on Friday announced that Tamil book fairs will be conducted from this year in major Indian metropolitan cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Thiruvananthapuram, where Tamils reside in significant numbers, as well as in foreign countries, particularly in cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Dubai. The state government has allocated Rs 2 crore for this purpose. The minister also announced various initiatives to promote Tamil language around the world. He said that Thirukkural has been translated into 28 Indian languages and 35 world languages so far. At the recently concluded Chennai International Book Fair, international publishers have come forward to translate the Thirukkural into 28 different Asian, African and European languages. Subsequently, when Thirukkural is translated into 45 additional world languages, it will achieve the distinction of being translated into all official languages of 193 member nations recognised by the United Nations, he said and allocated Rs 1.33 crore for aiding the translation work. Apart from this, the Tamil Nadu textbook corporation will also collaborate with leading national and international publishing houses to translate 500 select Tamil literary masterpieces into English. Accordingly, 100 books will be translated annually, and 500 books will be translated into English in the next five years, for which the initial allocated Rs 10 crore has been made. To promote Tamil heritage among young Tamils abroad, Rs 10 crore has been allocated for in-person classes through the Non-Resident Tamils' Welfare Board, engaging 100 Tamil teachers and artists. The 'World Tamil Olympiad' will be held annually as a computer-based exam for students worldwide, with Rs 1 crore set aside for those who secure top positions. Agaram Museum of Languages will be established at Madurai World Tamil Sangam to showcase Tamils antiquity, its ties with other Indian languages, and its evolution from rock paintings to digital computing.

TN Budget 2025: Dhanushkodi to be notified as Greater Flamingo Sanctuary

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to notify Dhanushkodi, located at the tip of Rameswaram Island, as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary. This initiative, part of the 2025-26 budget , aims to safeguard the areas diverse ecosystemsincluding sand dunes, marshes, and mangrove forestswhile protecting its role as a critical stopover for migratory birds along the Central Asian Flyway. To safeguard this vital habitat and maintain biodiversity balance, steps will be taken to notify Dhanushkodi as a Greater Flamingo Sanctuary, ensuring the protection of migratory wetland birds and their natural ecosystem, said Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu while presenting the DMK governments fifth budget. The government also announced the establishment of a Raptors Research Foundation with an allocation of Rs 1 crore from the Endangered Species Conservation Fund. This foundation will focus on conserving birds of preysuch as eagles, hawks, and vultureswhose presence in regions like the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Madurai-Arittapatti, and Pallikaranai serves as a vital indicator of ecological health. Threatened by habitat destruction and toxic substances, these raptors will benefit from targeted conservation strategies and community awareness programmes. Another highlight of the budget is the creation of a biodiversity park spanning 1,000 hectares in the Chengam landscape of Tiruvannamalai district. Known for its historical significance in Sangam literature, the area has suffered from habitat degradation over the years. With an initial investment of Rs 10 crore in the first phase, the Melchengam park will focus on restoring endangered native tree species, boosting eco-tourism, and enhancing biodiversity conservation. The park will also feature nature tourism facilities, offering visitors a blend of green spaces and educational experiences. Beyond these flagship projects, the budget allocates Rs 50 crore for a Marine Resource Foundation to protect Tamil Nadus 1,076 km coastline, emphasising mangrove conservation and sustainable fishing practices. Six beaches, including Tiruvanmiyur and Uthandi, are slated to achieve Blue Flag certification in 2025-26 at a cost of Rs 24 crore, meeting stringent environmental and safety standards. Additionally, Rs 70 crore will fund the conversion of 700 diesel buses to CNG to curb air pollution, while Rs 250 crore will upgrade 500 km of forest roads to improve forest management and support tribal communities. TN Budget 2025: No compromise on two-language policy, one lakh new houses, boost for womens welfare

TN Budget 2025: Anna University to be transformed as a top global institution, says Thangam Thennarasu

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu government will take measures to make Anna University one of the top 10 institutions in the country and among the top 150 in the global QS rankings within the next five years, said Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, in his budget speech in the Assembly on Friday. The minister made the ambitious announcement while allocating Rs.8,494 crore for the higher education department this year, which is almost Rs 280 crores more than previous year. The State government had allocated Rs 8,212 crore for higher education for the fiscal year 2024-25. The minister said that a roadmap will be drawn up to achieve the goal set for Anna University. Under this initiative, smart classrooms, state-of-the-art technology labs, new research and development centres, start-up parks, and virtual labs will be established with the support of leading technology companies in Anna University, said the minister. He further said that to enhance the learning and teaching experience, leading technical experts and foreign professors will be engaged in special short-term research programs of up to three months. New schemes will be introduced to strengthen the research of PhD and postdoctoral students. Tackling financial crisis The budget for 2025-26 also showed the state governments intent in tackling the financial crisis being faced by various state universities. To mitigate the fiscal constraints faced by State Universities, block grant will be enhanced to Rs.700 crore, announced the minister. To enhance academic performance, strengthen research and development, provide continuous teacher training, modernize the curricula, reform the examination system and administration in State universities across Tamil Nadu, a dedicated corpus fund of Rs.200 crore will be established. Global Capability Centres and manufacturing industries will be provided incentive grants to conduct research in product design, development and innovation in collaboration with State Universities, colleges and research Centres. For this, Rs.25 crore has been allocated towards setting up the Industrial Research and Innovation Fund to facilitate industry-academia partnership. The state government has announced to increase an additional 15,000 seats in Government Arts and Science Colleges from the upcoming academic year with an allocation of Rs.15 crore. New govt arts and Science Colleges will be started in Coonoor in the Nilgiris district, Natham in Dindigul, Alandur in Chennai, Vikravandi in Villupuram, Cheyyur in Chengalpattu, Manamadurai in Sivagangai, Muthupettai in Tiruvarur, Thiruvidaimaruthur in Thanjavur, Perambalur, and Ottapidaram in Thoothukudi district, said the minister. Focussing on strengthening research activities in Basic Sciences and Mathematics, the state government has decided to set up two Basic Sciences and Mathematics Research Centres in Chennai and Coimbatore, in collaboration with renowned research institutes like Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) at a cost of Rs 100 crore. To meet the evolving technological advancements and industry demands in Government Engineering Colleges across Tamil Nadu, new degree courses in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Robotics, Electric Vehicles Technology and Environmental Engineering will be introduced from the next academic year.

Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26: Transpersons to be inducted into Home Guard force

The Finance Minister said the government planned to establish three hostels for girl students with modern facilities in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai

TN Budget 2025: No compromise on two-language policy, one lakh new houses, boost for womens welfare

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu on Friday presented the 2025-26 state Budget in the Assembly, unveiling a series of schemes, including the construction of one lakh new houses under the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam housing scheme. The Budget also made significant allocations for the state's flagship welfare initiatives for women , such as the fare-free bus travel scheme and the ' Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam . ' Thenarasu accused the Union government of withholding Rs 2,152 crore in funds due to Tamil Nadus refusal to implement the three-language policy, further escalating tensions between the state and Centre. Despite this, the finance minister asserted that the state will continue to uphold its bilingual policy, even if it means bearing the financial burden. He assured that the government will cover the costs to ensure uninterrupted funding for teachers' salaries and other educational expenses. The announcement comes amid an ongoing dispute between the Union and state governments over the National Education Policy (NEP), following Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhans remarks that funds will be withheld until Tamil Nadu accepts the policy. Noisy scenes were witnessed in the Assembly as the main opposition AIADMK walked out after attempting to raise alleged graft in state-run liquor corporation TASMAC as the Enforcement Directorate has held searches related to the state-owned company. Key announcements from the Budget: Transportation and infrastructure Regarding public transportation, Thenarasu announced a Rs 3,600 crore subsidy for the 'Vidiyal' bus travel scheme for women. Under this fare-free scheme, an average of 50 lakh women use the service daily, with a woman beneficiary saving an average of Rs 888 per month. The minister said the percentage of women using the service has risen from 40% to 65%. He also announced the introduction of 1,125 electric buses across Tamil Nadu, with Chennai receiving 950, Madurai 100, and Coimbatore 75. Tamil Nadu will explore the possibility of setting up a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), modeled after the Semi High-Speed Railway (SHR) between New Delhi and Meerut, Thennarasu announced. The government has allocated significant funds for metro rail expansion projects, including Rs 9,335 crore for the Airport-Kilambakkam corridor, Rs 9,744 crore for the Koyambedu-Pattabiram route, and Rs 8,779 crore for the Poonamallee-Sriperumbudur stretch. Additionally, Rs 2,200 crore has been set aside for the Chief Ministers Rural Roads Development Scheme. TN Budget 2025: State debt to rise to 9.29 lakh crore by March 2026 Housing and urban development The finance minister announed a sum of Rs 3,500 crore for one lakh new houses under the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam housing scheme, with an additional Rs 600 crore earmarked to build 25,000 new houses for the poor whose existing homes are beyond repair. Chennai will also see the development of 'sponge parks' with an allocation of Rs 88 crore to manage urban flooding and help with grounwater recharge. A new world-class city is planned near Chennai, while combined drinking water schemes in seven districts will be implemented at a cost of Rs 6,668 crore. A new reservoir covering 3,010 acres will be developed in the Kovalam sub-basin at a cost of Rs 350 crore. Industrial development and employment Thennarasu announced plans to boost industrial development across Tamil Nadu. Two new footwear parks will be set upone in Melur, Madurai district, and another in Cuddaloreeach generating 10,000 jobs with a total investment of Rs 250 crore. Additionally, SIPCOT will establish a dedicated footwear skill training facility in Kallakurichi. A dedicated industrial park for the engineering and fabrication industry will be developed in Trichy district, covering 250 acres and creating 5,000 jobs in the central region. In Thoothukudi, a Man-Made Fibers (MMF) and Technical Textiles Industrial Park will be established, complementing the districts existing green hydrogen and automobile investments. New industrial parks will also be developed in Cuddalore (500 acres) and Pudukottai (200 acres). To further strengthen these sectors, TIDCO will establish a Centre of Excellence for advanced pump motor manufacturing and a Centre of Excellence for foundry in Coimbatore, in collaboration with private industry and associations. Additionally, a new TIDEL Park will be set up in Hosur at a cost of Rs 400 crore to expand IT infrastructure. TN Budget 2025: Govt allocates Rs 3,915 crore to Industries sector, 70 per cent higher than previous year Technology and semiconductor sector The finance minister announced the launch of the Tamil Nadu Semiconductor Mission-2030, a five-year initiative with an estimated allocation of Rs 500 crore. As part of this mission, a Semiconductor Fabless Lab will be set up in Chennai at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore in collaboration with leading industry and academic institutions. The initiative aims to attract world-class semiconductor design companies and domestic start-ups to establish their design centres in Tamil Nadu. To drive industrial transformation in Coimbatore, semiconductor manufacturing parks will be established in Sulur and near Palladam, each spanning 100 acres. These parks will be developed in collaboration with companies from the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan, boosting the regions economic growth. Additionally, a Hosur Knowledge Corridor will be developed with world-class infrastructure to support Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and R&D hubs of leading IT firms, similar to Chennais Old Mamallapuram Road (OMR) IT corridor. Education Thennarasu highlighted Anna Universitys legacy as a premier educational institution in India over the past 47 years. To further elevate its standing, the government will draft a comprehensive roadmap to position Anna University among the top 10 institutions in India and secure a place in the top 150 of the global QS rankings within the next five years. Further, the minister said that under the 'Samagra Shiksha' scheme, the state government has been successfully implementing various student welfare schemes for the past seven years. Notably, initiatives such as the 'Ennum Ezhuthum Thittam' to ensure foundational literacy, special education for differently-abled children, transport allowances for students from remote areas, salary for teachers, guidance for higher education to shape students' future, art festivals to nurture unique talents, educational tours and infrastructure development, including internet facilities in schools, are in progress. TN Budget 2025: State allocates funds to continue Samagra Shiksha schemes in schools A major point of contention in the Budget was the Union governments decision to withhold Rs 2,152 crore due to Tamil Nadu over its refusal to adopt the Centres NEP, which includes a three-language formula. Despite this, keeping in mind the welfare of students, the state government has allocated funds, including salaries of teachers, from its own resources to ensure that the education of government school students remains unaffected, even in the slightest way, he said. Even at this critical juncture, the people of Tamil Nadu have wholeheartedly rallied behind the chief minister for upholding the dignity of the State by standing firm on the bilingual policy, even at the cost of foregoing two thousand crore rupees, the minister said. Women and social welfare schemes On the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam of Rs 1,000 monthly assistance for 1.15 crore women, he said Rs 13,807 crore has been allocated and announced that women, who are eligible but have not yet received Rs 1,000 assistance, will soon get opportunity to apply. He announced 10 more 'Thozhi' working women's hostels at a cost of Rs 77 crore, adding to the 13 such hostels already operational. Additionally, new hostels for girl students will be constructed in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai at a cost of Rs 275 crore. The Budget includes Rs 600 crore for the Chief Ministers Breakfast Scheme. Similarly, a Rs 20,000 grant has also been allocated for 2,000 gig workers to purchase two-wheelers. Energy and environmental initiatives The state will set up new hydel power stations in Vellimalai (1,100MW) and Azhiyaru (1,800MW) with a combined investment of Rs 11,721 crore. Additionally, energy storage systems with a capacity of 4,000MW will be established. The government has also allocated Rs 70 crore to convert diesel-driven buses into LPG-driven vehicles. Seven biodiversity parks will be set up in Chennai with an allocation of Rs 88 crore. A trust for marine resources will be formed at a cost of Rs 50 crore, while a research centre for hunting birds will be set up at Rs 1 crore. Aviation and maritime development The finance minister announced that work has been expedited regarding the new airport at Parandur near Chennai. Additionally, a new airport will be developed in the Rameswaram area of Ramanathapuram district. The government will introduce the Tamil Nadu Maritime Transport Manufacturing Policy 2025 to promote investment and innovation in ship and boat design, ship hull fabrication, and ship engine production. This initiative is expected to generate 30,000 jobs in districts such as Cuddalore and Thoothukudi while fostering growth in the micro, small, and medium enterprises sector. Thennarasu also announced several key initiatives, including a Rs 1 crore prize for the World Tamil Olympiad and the translation of Thirukkural into 45 more languages, bringing its total to 93 languages recognised by the United Nations. The Budget includes a Rs 10 crore fund for space technology and plans to establish Mudhaval Padaippagam in all municipal corporations, each at a cost of Rs 5 crore. TN Budget 2025: Dhanushkodi to be notified as Greater Flamingo Sanctuary

Thanjavur corporation to set up eco-park at Chekkadi dumpyard

THANJAVUR: The Thanjavur city corporation is planning to convert its garbage dump in the Chekkadi area into an eco-park after bio-capping the accumulated solid waste. The project will be implemented under the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate, and Sustain (CITIIS 2.0) programme of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. A key component of the plan is bio-capping the legacy waste at the 28-acre Chekkadi compost yard, where an estimated 2 lakh cubic metres of waste has accumulated. We plan to level the mounds and cap them with layers of soil and waste, an official from a consulting firm engaged by the corporation told TNIE. The site will also feature a leachate collection system and methane gas vents to prevent groundwater contamination. The bio-capping process is expected to cost Rs 30 crore, official sources said. The project also includes setting up a Waste Processing Facility (WPF) at a cost of Rs 20-Rs 30 crore within the same premises. This unit will process non-biodegradable waste collected across the city, while 12 existing and six proposed micro-composting centres (MCCs) will handle wet waste, converting it into manure. Additionally, a Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) unit will convert combustible waste into fuel, sources added. The initiative is part of a broader Rs 135-crore grant sanctioned for Thanjavur under the CITIIS 2.0, a sub-component of the Union government's Smart Cities Mission, for waste management and climate action. Thanjavur is among 18 cities nationwide and one of the two selected from Tamil Nadu, alongside Madurai. A quadrilateral agreement formalising the funding was signed during the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, which concluded on March 5. The agreement was signed by representatives of the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Municipal Administration and Water Supply department of the state government, CEO of the Thanjavur smart city scheme and commissioner of the Thanjavur corporation. Besides, 200 battery-operated vehicles will be introduced for door-to-door waste collection, replacing the existing pushcarts, under the CITIIS 2.0 scheme. Additional funding of Rs 30 crore from other sources, including the state government, is expected to support the solid waste management initiative, an official told TNIE. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for these initiatives are being prepared and the projects is expected to be completed within two years, officials stated.

Reckless waste dumping in Vaigai continues despite Madras HC directives

MADURAI: Indiscriminate and rampant dumping of garbage in the Vaigai in Madurai has highlighted the absence of frequent cleaning and lack of monitoring by the officials. Garbage dumping is a very prevalent issue in the Vaigai, which flows for nearly 12 km under the city corporations limits. Waste is dumped at several points such as the AV Bridge and Kuruvikaran Road, among other places. Apart from household waste, commercial waste is also rampantly dumped in the river. On various occasions, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has flagged the garbage dumping in the Vaigai and also directed action to prevent the same. Yet, periodic clean-up drives are not carried out in the river. A large volume of waste is dumped in the Vaigai, and at some places, the waste is burnt and the smoke gives a hard time for passersby. Even when clean-up drives are carried out, the waste is left behind in the river. Waste dumping, growth of invasive species and sewage flow are greatly affecting the Vaigai, said M Raja, an environmental worker associated with the Vaigai Makkal Iyakkam in Madurai. However, stating that the Madurai corporation has taken several steps to prevent garbage dumping in the river, a senior official told TNIE that the corporation has submitted proposals to install AI cameras for better monitoring, adding that CCTV cameras have been installed in many locations. The AI cameras will automatically capture images of the violators who dump waste in the river, the official said. Corporation officials also said they plan to initiate a trash boom project for better cleaning of the Vaigai. A series of measures has helped reduce waste dumping in the river, the officials said. Poultry waste dumped in Vaigai On the complaints of poultry waste being dumped in the river, officials said designated vehicles are operated multiple times a day to collect meat waste from traders in Nellupettai area, which is taken to the Vellakkal dumping yard for safe disposal. City Corporation Commissioner Chitra Vijayan warned people against dumping waste in the river, stating that violations will invite legal action. Further, she assured that the corporation is taking serious measures to protect the Vaigai.

Madras High Court orders interim stay on CBI proceedings against former IGP Pon Manickavel

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday stayed the criminal proceedings initiated by the CBI against retired inspector general of Police Idol Wing CID AG Pon Manickavel on charges that he falsely implicated former DSP Kader Batcha in an idol theft case. Justice B Pugalendhi passed the interim order on a petition filed by Manickavel seeking to quash the FIR registered against him by the CBI. Kader Batcha had filed a petition before the high court seeking a direction to register a case against the IGP for falsely implicating him in the case involving the theft of 13 idols from Palavoor temple in Tirunelveli. Manickavel had added Batcha as an accused in the case on charges that Batcha and a few other officers sold two of the idols recovered by them during their investigation. Since Batcha denied the allegations and claimed false implication, the high court directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry and file a report before the lower court. But the CBI, instead of filing a report, registered an FIR against him, Manickavel claimed. Though the FIR was registered based on the preliminary inquiry, the said inquiry report was not annexed as a part of the FIR, he further alleged. Batcha was making the allegations due to his personal grudge and to escape the charges against him, Manickavel said, and sought to quash the FIR. Justice Pugalendhi stayed the proceedings on the FIR and adjourned the case to Monday.

Madras HC bins order allowing devotees to roll over plantain leaves in temple ritual

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Thursday set aside an order passed by a single judge of the court last year, permitting devotees to roll over used plantain leaves left on the floor by other devotees after Annadhanam at Saint Sadhasiva Shrine in Nerur in Karur district. The court also directed the Karur district administration not to permit the practice till the Supreme Court takes a decision in a similar matter in Karnataka. A division bench of justices R Suresh Kumar and G Arul Murugan passed the order on the appeals filed by the Karur district collector and one V Aranganathan, state president of Tamil Nadu Government Trained Archagar Association, challenging the aforesaid single bench order passed by Justice GR Swaminathan on May 17, 2024. The aforesaid ritual had been banned from 2015, following an order passed by another division bench, led by Justice S Manikumar, on the grounds that it affected the dignity of life guaranteed under the Constitution. Though no appeal was filed against the said order for nine years, P Naveen Kumar filed a petition last year, seeking a direction to the authorities to consider permitting the ritual on May 18, 2024. Justice Swaminathan had allowed the plea by observing that the right to privacy includes ones spiritual orientation as well, and the state cannot impinge on it unless it affects the rights of others. Noting that the petitioner in the 2015 case did not make Nerur Adhishtanam as a party, the single judge had declared the old division benchs order null. Allowing the appeals against the said order, the division bench observed that the judicial discipline in higher judiciary dictates that when a single bench doubts a division bench order, it can only refer the matter to a larger forum. The single bench cannot assume jurisdiction and declare such a division bench judgment a nullity. The judges further opined that while the above ritual may not affect public order or create any health hazard, it is not clear whether it would affect constitutional morality.

Woman passenger killed, 23 injured as speeding private bus rams against stationary truck on Rameswaram highway in Madurai

Anthropologists inspect tribal areas to ascertain ST identity in TN

MADURAI: After residents claimed themselves as members of Kattu Naicker and Malaidevan communities, a newly-formed committee of anthropologists inspected the areas over two days and said it was only a preliminary inspection. They said various anthropology techniques of observation, focus group intervention and others were adopted. The committee, consisting of Pondicherry Central University retired professor and anthropologist A Chellaperumal, anthropologists D Venkatesan, A Bhagatsingh and Prof. S Girigori re-inspected the areas in Sathyamoorthi Nagar, Kadachanendal, Puttuthoppu and Mannadimangalam on Monday and Tuesday. Speaking to TNIE , Chellaperumal said that they conducted a re-inspection in a scientific manner using anthropological techniques of observation, focus group interviews, and collecting documents from the targeted group. Observation is very important in anthropology. We observed everything including their food habits, oral culture and ancestral stories. It is only a preliminary inspection, and a detailed inspection will be conducted very soon, he said. As tribes are associated with hunting, we look into the targeted groups ancestral hunting habits, lifestyle rituals, worship patterns, food habits and other factors. Even as they have mingled with other people and their life patterns may have changed, a few cultural aspects remain. We have compiled our observations and will submit a single report, said anthropologist Bhagatsingh. Earlier, for the past two years, Madurai RDO R T Shalini had refused to issue ST certificates to them citing that they belong to the 'Thottiya Naciker' community, following which the people had held various protests. Adi Dravidar Welfare Director S Annadurai had constituted the committee on March 4.