DMK government got Loan of 1,00,000 crores due to the Free Schemes in Tamilnadu
Tamilnadu Government is providing almost everything Free to the peoples of Tamilnadu. This free things provided by DMK for the welfare of Tamilnadu Peoples made Tamilnadu government has taken loan of more than One lakh Crores in Indian currency value. Till the March 2009, it was about Rs 74,858 crores, last year it became to Rs 89,149 crores, In this Financial Year It was raised by Rs12,479 crores extra for the development fund andwelfare fund of Tamilnadu. Indian Central Government has fixed the limit of Loans by each State government; It should be less than 25 % of the Total Production capacity Value of each state. Hence Tamilnadu Government also should have the loan value 25 percent less than the Production Income. But Financial experts are explaining the account for which the Incomes from various sources are spent not to the Long term development of Tamilnadu. Maximum of the Income is spent to the Free Schemes of Tamilnadu by DMK Government.
List of Free items given by Tamilnadu DMK government
• Free Gas Cylinder
• Free Gas Stove
• Free Cycle
• Free Bus pass
• Free Education up to PG courses
• Free clothes
• Free House
• Free Land
• Free Electricity
• Free Agricultural Motor.
• Free Colour Television
• Free Pongal items
• Monthly Unemployed youth aid and Many more.
FREE BICYCLE
FREE GAS STOVE
FREE LAND
Income Sources of Tamilnadu which is spent for the Free Schemes by DMK
• From Tamilnadu Excise department Tamilnadu Government earned Rs 7,508 crores.
• From Petrol sales Tax Tamilnadu Government earned Rs 6,000 crores.
• From Commercila Tax Tamilnadu Government earned Rs 26,851 crores.
• From sale of Bonds and Registration department Tamilnadu Government earned Rs 4,096 crores.
• From Motor Vehicle Tax Tamilnadu Government earned Rs 2400 crores.
Calculating the above sources, Total income for the Tamilnadu Government only from the Tax income is Rs 41, 483 crores. Apart from this from the Centralgovernment's Tax distribution Tamilnadu Government gets Rs 10,401 crores. From Central Government,Tamilnadu state government is getting extra fund around Rs 7,150 crores. From the Total Income of Tamilnadu 51 % is spent for the Government employees salaries and pension Schemes. However every year the Growth of State government is 15 % from the previous Year. Even lot of Income sources are available, Tamilnadu government is spending the remaining amount for Tamilnadu Free items schemes. Only for Food, Tamilnadu Government is spending Rs 4,000 crores. Due to this there is no fund in the Karuvoolam. So, for the Tamilnadu Future development Projects like, Chennai Metro rail and Hogenakkal Drinking water Project, Tamilnadu Government gets loan. If this is continued in the coming years Tamilnadu government loan will crossing 2 lakhs crores.
• From Tamilnadu Excise department Tamilnadu Government earned Rs 7,508 crores.
• From Petrol sales Tax Tamilnadu Government earned Rs 6,000 crores.
• From Commercila Tax Tamilnadu Government earned Rs 26,851 crores.
• From sale of Bonds and Registration department Tamilnadu Government earned Rs 4,096 crores.
• From Motor Vehicle Tax Tamilnadu Government earned Rs 2400 crores.
Calculating the above sources, Total income for the Tamilnadu Government only from the Tax income is Rs 41, 483 crores. Apart from this from the Centralgovernment's Tax distribution Tamilnadu Government gets Rs 10,401 crores. From Central Government,Tamilnadu state government is getting extra fund around Rs 7,150 crores. From the Total Income of Tamilnadu 51 % is spent for the Government employees salaries and pension Schemes. However every year the Growth of State government is 15 % from the previous Year. Even lot of Income sources are available, Tamilnadu government is spending the remaining amount for Tamilnadu Free items schemes. Only for Food, Tamilnadu Government is spending Rs 4,000 crores. Due to this there is no fund in the Karuvoolam. So, for the Tamilnadu Future development Projects like, Chennai Metro rail and Hogenakkal Drinking water Project, Tamilnadu Government gets loan. If this is continued in the coming years Tamilnadu government loan will crossing 2 lakhs crores.
State-of-the-art Secretariat draws on Tamil Nadu's democratic traditions
In the State which provided one of the earliest examples of a representative, grassroots democracy, the grand new Assembly complex has four circular buildings of diminishing size. This signifies the people and three pillars of representative democracy — the legislature, the judiciary, and the executive.
In his public invitation to the inaugural event of the Assembly slated for Saturday, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who has conceived the entire Assembly complex project, referred to the Uthiramerur inscription, which testifies to the existence of a highly refined electoral system and a written constitution on the mode of elections. The importance of the inscription, which historians date around 920 A.D., during the reign of Parantaka Chola.
Explaining the architectural concept behind the complex, a senior government official says the biggest of the four buildings will be the Public Plaza, to which people will have free access. The Chief Minister is for turning the Plaza into yet another place of tourist importance. An open-air museum is proposed to be set up there.
The Plaza is expected to be thrown open to the public on March 19 when the State budget will be presented in the new Assembly.
The circular Assembly Hall, where elected representatives of the people debate issues and problems concerning the State, will be the next biggest structure.
All eyes on new Assembly-Secretariat Complex
The third is the circular library structure that will essentially be used by the Law Department, which can be considered as representing the judiciary.
The smallest of the four circular components will house the Chief Minister's office, which is the highest institution of the executive branch. The official points out that the Chief Minister is particular that the circular building meant for his office should be the smallest, meaning that the executive should be modest.
The official says that after obtaining passes, people can come up to the seat of the government.
Four water fountains are being set up at the entrance of the complex, representing the four circular buildings symbolically. They are designed in proportion to the size of the buildings.
Ulaga Thamizh Semmozhi Manadu – World Classical Tamil Conference
In this part of the world, language is everything. Language is communication, language is commerce, language is politics, language is recreation and pretty much everything else.
The language is Tamil. You would be surprised to see the passion that the people here have for their native language. They also share a strong sense of brotherhood for all the Tamil speaking people around the country/ world.
To reflect their love for the language, a World Classical Tamil Conference (Ulaga Thamizh Semmozhi Manadu) is being conducted, this time in Coimbatore, TN, India from June 23rd to 27th, 2010. It is an opportunity for one and all to learn and exhibit their knowledge of the language and see for themselves the various forms that the language has taken from time immemorial
The seating capacity in the main hall is around 50,000 and there is also a provision for additional 30,000 people to stand/sit down on the ground to watch.
The total allocated budget for the 5 day conference is around 300 Crores. Arrangements for commutation has been made via 400 special busses and three special trains for people around TN and neighbouring states to attend the meet. Forty one marriage halls with food arrangements have been readied for the stay of people coming from other places.
In the venue itself (CODISSIA Grounds, Coimbatore), apart from the main hall, there is a museum hosting more than 700 artefacts detailing the history and forms the language has taken. There is also a book fair with around 130 publishers having their stalls and displaying their books. There is also a handicrafts exhibition cum fair organized by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Huge complexes (temporary ones) are being constructed for serving food – the complex is expected to cater to 4000 people in five minutes. The meals would cost Rs. 30/- per plate in the afternoon. There is also an audio-visual arena with twelve plasma TV’s for multimedia presentations / screening movies related to the language. Around 70 portable toilets have also been organized, since the place is an open air venue and huge crowds are expected to attend this meet.
As to what is going to happen in this conference – Around 1500 language experts would be presenting papers/ essays related to various aspects of the language. Numerous Patti Manrams/ Karuttarangugal would be organized (Debate sessions) to discuss the richness of the language and also the challenges facing the development of the language in this modern era. Cultural programmes like dramas, songs, folk arts, dances etc would also be organized. All the programmes are expected to be covered extensively by the media.
Semmozhi Poonga
Semmozhi Poonga, literally translated to "Classical Language Park", is the world-class botanical garden near Anna flyover in Chennai by the horticulture department. The garden was opened on 24 November 2010. The garden is located in the Cathedral Road-Anna Salai junction, opposite to the American Consulate, on the erstwhile Drive-in Woodlands Hotel. Encompassing an area of 20 acres, the botanical garden is being built at a cost of INR 80 million. More than 500 species of plants are being grown in the area, in addition to the 80 trees that was already in existence during the development of the park, some of them being more than 100 years old. The garden houses some of the popular exotic flora and rare plant species, medicinal and aromatic herbs. Many of the exotic plants are imported from countries like China and Thailand, including a plethora of bonsai varieties of ficus, microcarpa and ficus ginseng.
History
The area in which the botanical garden stands today was formerly the location of the Woodlands Drive-In restaurant. Early in 1989, the Tamil Nadu Government had set in motion the closure of the restaurant. After almost two decades, the restaurant ended its operation on 12 April 2008, and the land was handed over to the government.
The Garden
The garden has a wide variety of indigenous species across 22 exclusive areas including palm court, tree court, golden garden, rock garden, butterfly garden, fern garden and theme garden. Twenty-five thematic gardens, including herbal, aromatic, maze and cascade adorn every corner of the park. The garden boasts several exotic herbal species and 90-odd spiralshaped and multi-branched miniature trees grown in containers. The Bonsai garden is dotted with trees whose height range from 1 foot to 4 feet. At the fag end of the park is the Cascade garden.
The arch near the entrance plaza is a vertical garden which is a unique feature of the botanical garden. The vertical garden, with an inbuilt irrigation and drain system for easy maintenance, is 22 feet long and 14 feet high intended to improve the scenic beauty of the park at the entrance. The arch is covered by 7,000 plants from 35 different species including dracena, lilies, ophiopogon, schefflera, phylloden-dron and flowering plants like krishnagantha. The 10-feet-high green wall has plants raised in a poly trace imported from Canada. Micro-tube irrigation has been arranged for watering the plants. The plants cling to the 700-sq.ft. wall, which serves as the entry point. A butterfly garden near the cascade fountains along the Anna flyover has been carved up into the shape of a butterfly, with flowering plants of more than 30 species completely fenced. The aroma garden acts as a welcoming greenhouse for winged visitors, with species like parijatham and pavalamalli found to flock the place in bulk. An amphitheatre with concrete benches and covered by ferns has been built on the rear side of garden to host social and cultural functions. Other features of the garden include disabled-friendly ramps, a mural walk-through, and areas dotted with fountains, vertical gardens, ponds and cascades.
There is also a plan to build a 10-ft-high monolithic structure, with ‘Semmozhi Poonga’ carved on it to welcome the visitors. There is an open auditorium in the garden, which is available on hire, to organise functions.
Rice at Re 1/kg in TN from Sept 15
Chennai, August 30:
The DMK Government in Tamil Nadu has decided to distribute rice through fair price shops at rupee one per kilogram from September 15, to fulfil the promise given by the party to win elections in the state for the first time over four decades ago.
A resolution to this effect was adopted on Saturday morning at a meeting of DMK district secretaries chaired by Chief Minister and party president M Karunanidhi. The Cabinet that met in the evening formalised the resolution and has decided to start distribution by September 15, the birth anniversary of party founder and the late Chief Minister C N Annadurai. The scheme would cover about 1.86 crore ration card holders and would cost an additional Rs 300-Rs 400 crore to the exchequer, said Karunanidhi.
Rice has always been a pet subject of the DMK right from the time it first contested elections. When the DMK first came to power in 1967 after defeating the Congress, the slogan was oru rupayku moontru padi arasu (three measures of rice for one rupee). However, after assuming power, the new Government soon realised that it was not feasible to give three padi (one padi is around 1.5 kg) rice for one rupee, and the slogan was dexterously rewritten to oru padi nitchayam, moontru padi latchiyam (one padi is for sure, three padi is our aim). The scheme was soon wound up.
DMK chief announces Rs 517-cr health cover for poor (kalaignar kaapettu thittam)
Chennai: After free colour TVs and rice at Re 1 per kg, Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Karunanidhi has another gift for the poor.
He's now giving them health cover and Union health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad was there to inaugurate the Kalaignar Insurance scheme for life saving treatments. The scheme will benefit 1 crore poor families who can now avail of medical services upto Rs 1 lakh. The premium of Rs 500 per year will be paid for by the government.
Minister for health and family welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad Govt of India said, "If the Kalaignar insurance scheme for life saving treatment reduces the out of pocket expenditure of our poor households and ensures quality health services for them, it would have alleviated the pauperization of poor households as health expenses are one of the leading causes for families remaining poor."
The government has allotted Rs 517 crore for this project for this year. Star Insurance, a private insurance provider, will implement the scheme.
It has already identified 6 hospitals in each district and 15 hospitals in major cities where the scheme will be made available.
M Karunanidhi said, "The DMK believes in starting schemes that will help the needy."
It's yet another populist measure from a party known for its sops. But there's more. The CM has said that after he and his wife dies, he wants a free hospital to be built on the land he owns in his native village.
He also wants his Chennai house to be converted into a free hospital. This one is sure to take Karunanidhi closer to the masses.
Free TV, Gas Cylinder and Cheap Rice–No formula for success, in Tamil Nadu atleast!
May 10th, 2009 | Election Trail Tamil Nadu
What happens in a state where there is no paucity of sops showered on the people? They will look for more! Tamil Nadu has been one State where successive governments have not only offered free sops, but have also successfully implemented them.
Right from the time, when the phenomenal film star, MG Ramachandran (MGR) entered politics and swept the State in the seventies, and introduced the free mid day meal scheme, the successive governments have tried out many schemes to woo voters.
Yet, when the DMK on the eve of the last Assembly elections in 2006, announced distribution of free TVs to all households which do not have a TV, it looked ridiculously ambitious.
It is quite amazing however that this scheme has not only been successfully implemented, but has gone on to make Tamil Nadu probably the most cable TV penetrated State in the country. A 14 inch colour TV, with no brand name adorns even the most humble abode in most parts of the State. Where it is still to reach, people are quietly confident that it is just a matter of time before it reaches their house or hut.
And this scheme, which no one had tried so far, is quite remarkably party-neutral, unlike any such schemes in other States, where complaints of them being only implemented to particular party sympathisers. In Ottakkal Mandapam, about 15 kms. from Coimbatore, for instance, Veeramuthu, a DMK sympathiser informs, that his parents are staunch AIADMK supporters, and still they have been given a TV. And wonder of wonders, who facilitated it? An AIADMK panchayat member, who ensured that all those did not own TV were listed and also saw to it that they were delivered.
In distant, Salem district, same is the story. Chinnaswamy, a hard core AIADMK supporter, confirms that he has got his colour TV at home. The humble agricultural worker, who survives on a decent Rs.125 to 150 per day working on the fields, says there is no bias in distribution of this sop. And it does not even depend on the economic status of the families. For instance, unlike Chinnaswamy, Veeramuthu is better off, and even owns a taxi, and works as a clerk in a Knit wear manufacturing unit.
The free TV has transformed the lives of families, however, as they all watch cable TV, with kids even in remote villages, where they are familiar with Tom and Jerry cartoons (translated into Tamil), while adults mouth their party propaganda, faithfully. Talking to an AIADMK supporter, one gets the feeling that he has imbibed fully, Ammas (Jayalalithaa) take on the ills of the DMK Government, and the family rule of the Karunanidhi dynasty, which is repeated ad nauseum on Jaya TV.
In fact for Karunanidhi this scheme may just prove to be a double edged sword, so as the Re.1 per kilo rice scheme. While the penetration of these schemes is hugely impressive, it has not changed much the affiliations of the beneficiaries, as far as their party loyalty is concerned. After all it is our own hard earned money, which they are using to give us all this, says Murugan, a staunch AIADMK supporter, living in a village near Peramanallur, about 15 kms. from Thiruppur. Murugan confesses that he gets the Re.1 per kilo rice (20 kgs per month for a family of four) as well as the other provisions including dal, which comes in a packet for Rs.50. But he has no intention to change his party loyalties. Across the State this is the constant refrain of the AIADMK supporters, who have benefited from these two hugely successful schemes.
In fact they even criticize the quality of the rice, and they even claim that they use it as chicken feed, apart from complaints of it being insufficient. These people are giving rice at Re.1, but how 20 kgs is sufficient for a family? We are forced to buy another 10 to 15 kgs from the open market, where the price has gone up to Rs.30 per kg forcing us to spend almost another Rs.1,000 per month, says Angamma, 70 year staunch AIADMK supporter, whose house walls are adorned with huge portraits of MGR and Jayalalithaa. They even see a conspiracy in this scheme, as they feel that Karunanidhi has allowed price of rice in the open market go upto Rs.30 to 35 per kilo to benefit certain sections of the traders. What they dont talk of course, is the benefit to the farmer from the rise in procurement prices.
Interestingly there is absolutely no sense of obligation at all. On the other hand, Perisami, a dalit in Kalayamputhur, about 5 kms. from Palani, a life long MGR fan and supporter of AIADMK, even goes further and says, when asked if he does not feel obliged to shift loyalties after having benefited from these schemes. Why should I, if Amma comes back, she will give us more probably.
It is this, what seems like, a insatiable demand for freebies or cheap stuff, which distinguishes the politics of Tamil Nadu from say a Bihar, where even a below average road built, is considered as a great achievement of the Government, and earns the sobriquet of a Vikas Purush to the Chief Minister.
It is not just free colour TV and Re.1 per Kg rice, which has been successfully implemented in these last three years of DMK rule. Karunanidhs other scheme of free gas cylinders is also a huge hit. Though not as widely implemented so far, as the other two schemes, it is well on the road for implementation. It has not yet come to our village, but it will soon. They have already collected details, about who needs it in our village, says Sonai, a driver, who lives in Thanijeyan, part of the Theni lok Sabha constituency, some 30 kms. from Madurai.
In fact Sonai reveals that some people in his village declined TV sets, as they already had one. However I think almost everyone will take the gas connection, he says. This scheme includes a free connection, and also a stove with the cylinder. Refills have to be paid for, and people are quite willing to do it, mercifully!
The other scheme which has been successfully implemented is the NREG. Many people confirm that the scheme is under operation and people who have enlisted are getting paid Rs.75 per day. It is a good scheme, and we are told that it would be increased to Rs.100 per day and for 180 days in a year, says Rangaswamy, a small time trader and an occasional agricultural worker, in Kalayamputhur.
He also confirms that many farmers in his area have also been benefited by the loan waiver scheme of the Government of India. It has also helped people like us, because with the weight of loans off their backs, the farmers are giving us more work now, after taking fresh loans. A staunch DMK supporter, he however feels that these schemes will benefit the DMK-Congress combine, as beneficiaries will vote for it.
However, all this successful schemes, endorsed even by the bitterest opponents of DMK, however does not mean that Karunanidhi and the Congress can automatically expect huge electoral gains. In any north Indian state like say Bihar, it would have ensured it without question. But not in Tamil Nadu. For here, these are not some gifts showered on them by a benevolent Government. It is just what they are entitled to, despite how Rangaswamy feels. No wonder the DMK-Congress combine is still keeping their fingers crossed anxiously, and there is no sign that they are anywhere near repeating the clean sweep of 2004.
DMK youth wing to organise meets highlighting Govt's achievements
With an eye on assembly polls scheduled in May this year in Tamil Nadu, ruling DMK has set the ball rolling for electioneering, with its youth wing scheduled to reach out to the masses highlighting achievements of the government.
DMK Youth Wing patron and deputy chief minister MK Stalin has directed it to stage street-corner meetings and public rallies to highlight achievements of the M Karunanidhi-led government.
Senior party leaders and well-known speakers, including Rajya Sabha MPs KP Ramalingam and TM Selvaganapathy, actors like V Chandrasekar and others will address these meetings scheduled between August 20 and 30, Stalin said in a release here.
The party will cover more than 30 districts in these youth wing-sponsored meetings.
DMK's flagship scheme of 1kg rice for Re 1 and Insurance Scheme named after Karunanidhi among others are expected to be highlighted by the speakers.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN DIFFERENT FIELD
For the first time in the country, this Government is implementing the scheme for growing trees on private farm lands since 2007-2008. In view of the good response to this scheme from the farmers, the provision for this scheme will be raised to Rs.15 crores in the coming financial year. The scheme for growing teak trees for preventing soil erosion on river banks will be continued in the coming financial year also with an allocation of Rs.10 crores. As announced in the Governor's address, ‘Environment Protection and Renewable Energy Development Fund’ has been established.
A sum of Rs.10 crores is allocated for this fund in the coming financial year. National Bamboo Mission is being implemented since 2007 for growing thornless Bamboo trees that absorb green house gas emissions, on the lands not used for growing food crops. Training and subsidy have been provided to farmers under this scheme for planting bamboo over an extent of 3,250 acres. This scheme will continue to be implemented in the coming financial year also and more area will be covered. Overall, a sum of Rs.385 crores has been allocated to Forest Department in this Budget.
The Government of Tamil Nadu has been implementing the scheme of nationalisation of books of Tamil scholars who have rendered great service to the Tamil language and Tamil society by way of their creations with a view to ensuring their works benefit not only the present but also the future generations. Government of Tamil Nadu has nationalised works of 117 Tamil Scholars so far.
The credit for nationalising the works of 110 of these scholars goes to DMK Government alone. In that, books of 87 Tamil scholars such as Parithimarkalaignar who was the first to give a call that Tamil meets the criteria of a classical language, Pulavar Kuzhanthai, Muttamil Kavalar K. A. P. Visvanatham, Sollin Selvar R.P.Sethupillai have been nationalised after this Government assumed office since 2006 paying a solatium of Rs.5.70 crores to their legal heirs.
In continuation of this exemplary service to Tamil, works of 22 Tamil Scholars, namely, Prof.A.M. Paramasivanandam, Prof. A. Krishnamurthi, Dr. S.M. Kamal, P.Ramasami, Prof. R.Seenivasan, V.S.Sengalvaraya Pillai, Kavignar Velliyangattan, N.D.Sundaravadivelu, Dr.C. Balasubramanian, Mayilai Sivamuthu, Kazhi Siv. Kannusami Pillai, K.P.Neelamani, Kaviraj Pandit Jagaveerpandiyan, A.Thirumlaimuthusami, Navraj Chellayya, Thirukudasundharam, Prof. Sundara Sanmuganar, Thanjai Ramayyadas, Kavignar Tharabharathi, Aruthanakutti Adigalar, Saroja Ramamurthi and A.Seenivasan will be nationalised in the year 2010-2011. The solatium to be paid to the legal heirs of these scholars will be decided on the basis of the number of books written by these scholars, their impact on the society and their significance.
It was this DMK government, which after forming the Government under Perarignar Anna in 1967 renamed the Madras State as ‘Tamil Nadu’; conducted the Second World Tamil Conference in 1968 proclaiming the principle "Tamil everywhere, Tamil in everything"; installed the statues of ten Tamil savants on the Chennai Beach Kamarajar Road; displayed Thirukkural along with the picture of Saint Thiruvalluvar on government buses; established the system of commencing the daily business of the Legislative Assembly after reciting Thirukkural; started mentioning the Thiruvalluvar Year in the Diary of the State Government from January 1971 and the Gazette of the State Government from the January 1972 based on the opinion of the scholars that Saint Thiruvalluvar was born in 31 B.C.; erected the world famous 133 feet high statue of Saint Thiruvalluvar at the Cape in Kanyakumari in addition to establishing the Valluvar Kottam in Chennai; introduced the practice of celebrating the next day after Pongal as Thiruvalluvar Day; added to the glory of Tamil culture by enacting a law and declaring that the first day of Thai will be the Tamil New Year day; established the Silappadikaram Art Gallery in Poompuhar; erected memorials, statues and memorial halls in the memory of Tamil kings, poets and great men; created a separate department for Tamil development; along with the teaching of Tamil as first language in schools and colleges, enacted the law that learning of Tamil language will be compulsory in schools till Class X with a view to further improving the situation that about 75% of the 1.49 crore students studying in the 53,548 schools, that is, 1.10 crore students are studying in Tamil medium; honoured Tamil scholars by instituting government awards in the names of Tamil scholars; nationalised the works of 110 Tamil scholars including Parithimar Kalaignar, Devaneya Pavanar, Thiru.Vi.Ka, Maraimalai Adigal and Pulavar Kuzhanthai; conducted the World Internet Tamil Conference in 1999; established the Tamil Virtual University to promote the growth of Tamil in computing; secured the status of Classical Language for Tamil from the Union Government, a landmark achievement in the development of Tamil; took efforts to establish the Central Institute of Classical Tamil in Chennai and succeeding in it; facilitated the award of the President’s "Kuralpeeda Award" and "Tholkappiar Award" on nationally and internationally renowned Tamil Scholars and is now going to conduct the World Classical Tamil Conference in June 2010 in a grand manner astonishing the entire world, thus establishing the greatness of Classical Tamil. The credit for the most of these achievements goes to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Muthamil Arignar Kalaignar.
All these have been possible due to the good fortune of having the scholar Kalaignar in power who has been working faster than the wheels of time, day and night without rest and sleep, and with a zeal that even if seasons fail, he shall not fail in his duty.
It is for this reason that, the Union Government and the media compliment the State Government and commend that in terms of achievements in various sectors, the Tamil Nadu Government stands first in the country and in some sectors it is a role model for other states. I am very happy to see the entire country being amazed at the welfare promoting achievements of Hon’ble Chief Minister Kalaignar who has been working in accordance with the truths in the Kurals,
‘For those pursuing the path of rectitude and perfection, whatever is good.
Will become a bounden duty to be performed’.
This Government will continue to strive for making Tamil one of the official languages of the Union Government and a language of transaction in the Madras High Court.
The facility for pursuing engineering degree in Tamil medium will be introduced in Anna University engineering colleges from the coming academic year.
This Government has decided to establish ‘Tolkappiar World Tamil Sangam’ on an extent of 14.15 acres of levelled land in Tallakulam area in Madurai ordered earlier to be earmarked for establishing World Tamil Sangam in 1982. A museum depicting the pinnacle of arts, literature and culture of Tamil Nadu and a convention centre for Tamils all over the world which will also facilitate research in Tamil with the statues of poets of Sangam age and Tamil Scholars in chronological order duly installed therein.
The World Classical Tamil Conference was held on Coimbatore from 23rd June to 27th June, 2010 in a grand manner. In this connection, 21 committees consisting of Hon’ble Ministers, Tamil scholars and eminent persons have been constituted and the Hon’ble Chief Minister has been providing necessary guidance and leadership to them for identifying the necessary tasks and executing them well. Under his leadership, preparations are being made to conduct this conference in a manner which would find a permanent place in the hearts of Tamils all over the world. Works amounting to Rs.300 crores have been approved by various departments for this purpose and they are under different stages of execution.
This is the first World Classical Tamil Conference been held after the Union Government honoured our mother tongue Tamil by declaring it as a classical language. Opportunities have been provided for all Tamil scholars to participate in this conference and for presenting papers on their views regarding literary heritage and greatness of Tamil and evidence thereof, present trends and its future needs under 56 broad subjects. As never before, 6,086 scholars proposing to present research papers and 1,270 delegates belonging to 50 countries including India have registered their participation signifying the tremendous response accorded by the Tamil speaking world to this historic event being held under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Kalaignar. Several seminar halls will be erected in the CODISSIA complex at Coimbatore where research papers, selected by committees of experts, will be presented by their authors. A Tamil Internet Conference will also be held as a part of this conference.
In connection with the World Classical Tamil Conference being held with the motto ‘All beings are born equal’, it is proposed to establish a large botanical garden named ‘Garden of Classical Tamil’ on the 165 acres of land presently occupied by the Coimbatore Central Prison. In the first phase, works will be commenced soon on 49.4 acres of land at this site. In consultation with reputed landscape architects, this garden will be established at a cost of Rs.20 crores in a manner that would allow the general public to see and enjoy all plant species at a single place.
A number of new initiatives have been undertaken such as development of lesser known tourist destinations, eco-tourism, adventure tourism, rural tourism, inculcating the culture of hospitality among those employed in tourism related industry under the ‘Virunthinar Potruthum, Virunthinar Potruthum’ (care for the guest) scheme.
Various tourist destinations have been developed at a cost of Rs.219 crores over the last four years. Significant development works have been undertaken at the tourist places like Yelagiri, Kollimalai, Tharangambadi, Mamallapuram, Puliancholai, Valparai, Hogenakal, Courtallam, Tirukkadaiyur, Pazhaverkadu, Tirparappu, Suruli falls, Kovai Courtallam, Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple complex, Marina Beach, Chettinad, Kancheepuram, Arupadai Veedugal, Chozhanadu thirupathigal, Kodaikanal, Udhagamandalam, Mudumalai, Anaimalai, Rameswaram, Tiruvannamalai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarangam, Kumbakonam, Sapthavidanga thalangal and Tiruchendur.
An Eco-Park will be established at Tirupparankunram in Madurai district at an estimated cost of Rs.4 crores.
The scheme for providing financial assistance to the entrepreneurs who undertake hotel and tourism projects in lesser known tourist destinations will be extended to Kalvarayan hills, Thali, Parali, Kodiveri, Pollachi, Pachaimalai, Koothanur, Pichhavaram, Kurangani, Vaigai dam, Srivilliputhur, Kattabomman fort, Tiruchengode, Sikkal.
It has been brought to the notice of the Government that memorial of martyr Vanchinathan - who shot dead Mr.Ashe, the then British District Collector of Tirunelveli, at Maniyachi Railway station and killed himself - for which the foundation stone was laid on 8.8.1957 still remains unbuilt. This Government has decided to build a memorial in Shenkottai the birth place of this martyr.
Virupatchi Gopal Naicker fought from the frontline in the battle against the British in Dindigul area. He provided military assistance and protection to Rani Velu Nachiyar of Sivaganga and Umaidurai of Panchalankurichi. He had established contact with the ruler of Mysore Tipu Sultan and was of great support to him in the battle against British. Gopal Naicker was the one who brought together Marudu brothers, Kannada chieftain Tundajiwagh, Keralavarma and Haji Khan of Kovai to fight the South Indian war of independence against the British. Finally, he and his son Muthuvellaia Naicker were hanged by the British. A memorial will be constructed at Virupatchi in memory of Gopal Naicker who sacrificed his life for the independence of the country.
If one facet of history is that of Sundaralingam- one of the illustrious generals of Veerapandiya Kattabomman in his fight against the British- who belonged to Adi Dravidar community and finally ending his own life, the other facet of history is that of the great warrior Nelkatumseval Pooli Thevan who fought against the British in Nellai region even prior to Veerapandiya Kattabomman. ‘Ondiveeran’ belonging to Arundhatiar community, was commander-in-chief of Pooli Thevan’s army in various fights against the British. Having erected the memorials for Kattabomman, Pooli Thevan and Sundaralingam,this Government which provided three percent reservation within the overall reservation to Arundhatiars, will build a befitting memorial for Ondiveeran- freedom fighter belonging to Arundhatiar community- in Tirunelveli region.
Everyone is well aware of the fact that it was this Government which named the Government Estate on the Anna Salai at Chennai as Omandurar Government Estate in 1998. As an everlasting tribute to Omandur Ramasami Reddiar, who was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1947 to 1949, this Government will construct a memorial at Omandur, his native village.
Having constituted a welfare board for the Transgenders living on the margins of the society, welfare benefits such as family cards, house site pattas, housing, job training and financial assistance to start a business either individually or through self help groups are provided to them. Further, a sum of Rs.one crore is provided in this Budget for their welfare.
The scheme for establishing playgrounds and supplying sports material to village panchayats is being implemented through the Rural Development Department. By the end of the coming financial year, all the village panchayats will have this facility. In addition to this, sports stadiums and swimming pools have been built in many towns of Tamil Nadu over the last four years. Further, two swimming pools and two sports stadiums and sports grounds at five Taluk headquarters will be established in the coming financial year.
Since this Government assumed office, 4,020 temples have been renovated at a cost Rs.387 crores in the last four years and Kudamuzhukku has been performed. In the coming financial year, 1,100 temples will be renovated at a cost Rs.100 crores and Kudamuzhukku will be performed.
This Government is implementing welfare schemes for journalists by increasing their pension to Rs.4,000 and their family pension to Rs.2,000; establishing a Journalists Welfare Fund with a corpus of Rs.one crore and providing house site pattas to 203 journalists at concessional prices. These welfare schemes will continue to be implemented in the coming financial year. After this Government assumed charge, journalists have been given house site pattas in cities like Chennai, Tirunelveli, Dindigul, Trichy, Thanjavur, Vellore and Salem. On similar lines, eligible journalists in Coimbatore also will be provided house site pattas in the coming financial year.
Accepting the demand of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu, Government of Tamil Nadu will provide an one time grant of Rs.two crores to enable disbursement of financial assistance to the family members of deceased advocates from Advocates Welfare Fund administered by this council.
This Government has provided 90 acres of land near Chennai for constructing multistoried residential apartments for those engaged in film and television industry including workers. A welfare fund for television artists with a corpus of Rs.one crore and a welfare board for artists from film and television industries have been established. With a view to encouraging film industry which generates thousands of jobs, films having title in Tamil will continue to be exempted from the entertainment tax.
This Government has decided that the birth centenary of M. K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar who was a master of the seven notes of music and an outstanding actor of Tamil film industry of yesteryears, will be celebrated in a grand manner.
This Government has not only restored the benefits withdrawn from government employees, but has also implemented the revised pay scales based on the recommendations of the central 6th pay commission. Services of about three lakh employees who were on consolidated pay have been regularised by granting time scale of pay. 10,413 legal heirs of deceased government employees have been provided with government jobs. Maximum amount provided to government employees as house building advance has been increased from Rs.6 lakhs to Rs.15 lakhs. Noon Meal Workers who were getting consolidated pay have been given special time scale of pay and retired Noon Meal Workers have been provided with special pension.
I would like to inform that, the report of the one man commission constituted to examine anomalies, if any, in the revised pay scales and make suitable recommendations to the Government is expected to be received by the end of this month and appropriate orders will be passed shortly. Tamil Nadu is the first state in India where a health insurance scheme has been started for government employees. Under this scheme, 12 lakh employees have enrolled and so far 73,648 employees have benefited with medical treatment worth Rs.227 crores.
Besides sanctioning revised pension to the pensioners, this Government has been showing its concern for the welfare of pensioners by various measures like increasing the ceiling on financial assistance form Rs.50,000 to Rs.one lakh under the Pensioners Health Fund scheme for medical treatment, declaring the spouse of the pensioner also eligible for assistance under this scheme, extending this scheme to the family pensioners as well and providing Rs.27 crores to make good the shortfall in this scheme.
With the objectives of ensuring social justice and inclusive growth, the Eleventh Five Year Plan is being implemented with an outlay of Rs.85,344 crores from the year 2007-2008. Annual Plans have been implemented at an outlay of Rs.14,000 crores in the year 2007-2008, Rs.16,000 crores in the year 2008-2009 and Rs.17,500 crores in the year 2009-2010. It is proposed to enhance the annual plan outlay further and implement the Annual Plan for 2010-2011 with an outlay of Rs.20,000 crores.
Value Added Tax (VAT) was introduced in our state with effect from 1.1.2007. In the last four Budgets, this Government has announced exemptions from and reductions of tax on several commodities, giving priority to essential food items to contain the rise in price. Considering various representations, the Government has granted exemption on major food items like Pulses and Grams, Flour of Pulses and Grams, Edible oil, Tamarind, Chillies, Coriander, Turmeric, Asafoetida, Mustard and Spices. Jaggery and Gur (including Nattu sakkarai) were fully exempted from tax. The small manufacturers of other goods like Flour were also granted exemption in respect of the tax payable on the purchase of Pulses and Grams, Peas and Peas Dhall.
Further the standard rate of 12.5% applicable to the following commodities was reduced to 4%.
Unbranded Coffee, Masala Powder with Brand Name, Bajji Flour, Energy Flour (Sathu Mavu), Ghee Vanaspathi, Unbranded Bakery Products, Branded Pickles Dry Grapes.
To benefit the small manufacturers, the rate of tax was also reduced to 4% on sale of Wet Grinders, unbranded Steel Furniture, All Plastic Goods (Other than Doors, Windows, Frames, Profiles, Automobile, Industrial and Sanitary Items), Mop made of Cotton Yarn, Fasteners, including Nails, Bushes, Washers and Rivets, unbranded Footwear (exceeding sale value of Rs.200/-), Mosaic Chips, Files and Plastic Photo Frames.
Ever since this Government has assumed office, Pre-Budget meeting is convened every year with representatives of the trade and industry. Taking into consideration the requests made during the Pre-Budget meeting on 1.3.2010, the following tax concessions are announced for the benefit of the consumers:-
The exemption granted to pepper, cumin seed and aniseed with some condition in the previous Budgets is now extended to the powders of these items. Besides, there will be no levy of purchase tax on the inputs (raw materials).
Aloe Vera, an agricultural product with medicinal properties is used for manufacturing of juices, cosmetics and laxatives. To encourage small manufacturers of these products, exemption from tax will be granted to dealers of Aloe Vera products whose aggregate annual turnover does not exceed Rs.one crore in a year.
Considering the demand for sugar, exemption will be granted on imported sugar for a period of one year from tax to contain the open market price.
To encourage use of non-conventional energy and facilitate pollution-free atmosphere, fuel manufactured out of municipal solid dry waste will be granted exemption from tax.
To encourage use of bio-degradable goods, exemption from tax will be granted on plates, cups, including thonnai manufactured out of areca palm leaf.
To benefit poor people, Palmyra rafters used as beams in huts and small houses will be granted exemption from tax.
To benefit fishermen, exemption from tax will be granted on Ice bars/blocks.
To benefit weavers and also to promote handloom textiles, exemption will be granted from levy of tax on sale or purchase of Zari excluding polyester film yarn and radiant yarn.
Further, I am glad to announce that the existing rate of 12.5% will be reduced to 4% in respect of the following commodities:-
(1) Branded coffee powder (other than instant coffee).
(2) Paint brush
(3) Branded sweets and savouries
(4) Knives, scissors and tailoring items such as hand needles, hooks and buttons.
(5) Branded ready mix food products ( in the form of flour, powder or wet dough)
The announcement of tax exemptions and reductions made now, will take effect from 1.4.2010.
As announced in the Budget for the year 2008-09, the Tamil Nadu Sales Tax (Settlement of Arrears) Act was enacted. This Act was in force from 1.11.2008 to 31.3.2009 and was extended further from 3.8.2009 to 2.11.2009 based on the requests made by the trading community. Under this scheme, 10,250 applications for settlement of arrears were received and an amount of Rs.85.39 crores was collected. This is the highest collection made under such similar schemes introduced in the past. Now, representations have been received for introduction of a similar scheme to settle the arrears for further period. Considering the introduction of TNVAT Act from 1.1.2007 and also the representations from the associations of trade and industry, a scheme for settlement of arrears under the Tamil Nadu General Sales Tax Act and Central Sales Tax Act will be introduced during this session.
Necessary amendments will be brought relating to the provisions of Tamil Nadu Value Added Tax Act, 2006 and its rules in order to further simplify and fine-tune the procedures. The details of such amendments will be announced when the Demand for Grant of the Commercial Taxes Department is taken up.
Hon’ble Speaker Sir, I am now presenting the fiscal projections for the Budget Estimates for the year 2010-2011. The total revenue receipts of the Government for 2010-2011 are estimated at Rs.63,091.74 crores and the total revenue expenditure is estimated at Rs.66,488.19 crores. Accordingly, revenue deficit is estimated at Rs.3,396.45 crores. Implementation of recommendations of Sixth Pay Commission is the main reason for this deficit.
The total capital expenditure of the Government, including loans and advances (net) in 2010-2011 is projected at Rs.12,825.68 crores. The projected fiscal deficit for the coming financial year will be Rs.16,222.13 crores. This would constitute 3.7 per cent of the Gross State Domestic Product. Taking into account the net Public Account, the overall deficit will be
Rs.8 crores. This deficit will be made good by economy in expenditure and better tax administration.
Rs.8 crores. This deficit will be made good by economy in expenditure and better tax administration.
I wish to inform the Hon’ble Members that this Government has achieved all the targets set by the Union Government regarding revenue deficit and fiscal deficit in the last four years. The fiscal deficit for the year 2010-2011 is permissible as per the recommendations of the Thirteenth Finance Commission. The Medium Term Fiscal Plan is given as annexure to the Budget Speech. I request that this may be taken as read as part of the Budget Speech.
The new schemes announced in this Budget will not be applicable to the Dharmapuri district where model code of conduct for elections is in force.
Treating those who appreciate us from their hearts as well as those who criticise alike and availing their advice, we assure that we will continue to implement schemes benefiting the people and the state in such a manner that the people of Tamil Nadu feel proud that this Government elected by them exists for ordinary people like them and common man only and works and serves for them alone and this Government under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Kalaignar considers the service to people as a sacred duty, I place the Budget for the year 2010-2011 before this House, conveying my heartfelt thanks to Thiru K. Gnanadesikan, IAS, Principal Secretary, Finance Department and other officials of all Government Departments including Finance Department who have worked tirelessly and assisted me in preparing this Budget.
Vanakkam
K. Anbazhagan
Minister for Finance
DR.KARUNANIDHI, our honourable chief minister had made several promises and put various schemes to help the poor. And so he did win the election in 2006 by a great vote difference with other competitors. He gradually started his promised schemes one by one and showed a marvelous record in the history of INDIA which no other chief minister has done before except him. Hats off to you sir. Tamil nadu people will surely support rising sun as they have seen the rising tamil nadu throughout the 5 year rule of DMK.
vankkam
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