Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today said law and order is maintained well in the State and the government will not hesitate to take action against anyone who violates it.
Speaking during the debate on demand for grants for Police and Fire & Rescue Services Department, Palaniswami said it is usual for crimes to happen during the tenure of any government.
“But this has considerably reduced now and Tamilnadu police have received best police award. The Police Department cannot be held responsible for the mistakes done by some individuals. The same officials who were present during the DMK rule are only present now. People do not have to fear for their safety,” he said.
During the discussion, DMK MLA I Periaswamy said proper arrangements were not made to assist idol wing special officer Pon Manickavel.
He said, “This government is boasting of identifying idol thefts. But you are not even able to bring the Natarajar statue from Australia.”
Responding to this, Palaniswami said Pon Manickavel has been given all the assistance he wanted. “Pon Manickavel has been asked by the court not to make any arrest independently. He has been provided vehicles and equipment. Apart from this, 204 officials have been appointed in the idol wing,” he added.
Periaswamy also said it was inhuman to arrest anti-alcohol activist Nandini just before her marriage.
Law Minister C Ve Shanmugam replied to this and said Nandini was not arrested by the police but it acted according to the verdict of a court.
“Nandini has come out on bail and has got married,” Shanmugam added.
Palaniswami also announced that new houses will be built for police personnel in 10 districts. The insurance cover for health check-up of police personnel will be increased to Rs 3 lakh.
Earlier in the day, Leader of the Opposition, M K Stalin, brought a calling attention motion seeking to exempt the State from NEXT exam. Stalin said it is the right of the State government to run medical colleges and this should not be given up.
“The State government should oppose the Central government’s NEXT exam,” he said. Replying to this, Health Minister C Vijayabaskar said the State government is also against NEXT.
“The Union government sought the opinion of holding NEXT exams and the State government has rejected it by saying it is against federal rule,” he said.
| Tenure of local body officials extended |
| Municipal Administration Minister S P Velumani today tabled a draft bill extending the tenure of the special officers for civic bodies for another six months till 31 December. This bill was opposed by the Opposition parties. |