Chennai: The first session of the Tamilnadu Legislative Assembly for the calendar year 2020 began with the Governor’s customary address today.
During his speech, Governor Banwarilal Purohit listed out various achievements of the State government and also made a few requests to the Centre.
Purohit said since May 2011, 105 announcements were made in the Governor’s addresses. ”Out of this, 73 have been already implemented and the balance are under implementation. Since February 2017, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has made 453 announcements under Rule 110. Of this, 114 have been fully implemented, necessary sanction orders have been issued for 303 announcements. The schemes will be speedily implemented,” he said.
Urban polls soon
In his speech, Purohit said that the elections to the rural local bodies in 27 districts were completed despite many obstacles. ”The elections in the remaining nine districts and for the urban local bodies will be held shortly,” he said.
Financial status
The Governor said there has been a diminution in the overall flow of Central funds to Tamilnadu. ”Contrary to the belief that the Fourteenth Finance Commission’s recommendations increased the gross flow of resources from the Centre to the States, in reality there has been a reduction in the gross transfers from the Centre to States. Moreoever, Tamilnadu has faced a severe adverse impact due to the horizontal distribution formula of the Fourteenth Finance Commission. Tamilnadu is eagerly awaiting the recommendations of the Fifteenth Finance Commission. This government has made a detailed presentation before the Finance Commission and is very hopeful of fair and equitable distribution of resources, which rewards efficiency and performance,” he said. He also urged the Central government to settle the dues of Tamilnadu at the earliest.
Focus on rivers
The Governor said the Central government should ensure the detailed project report for the Mekedatu project submitted by the Karnataka Government is rejected and returned.
”The Karntaka government should be restrained from taking up any construction activity in the Cauvery basin of Karnataka without the prior cosent of Tamilnadu,” he added.
He also asked the Central government to constitute a tribunal under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 on the Pennaiyar dispute. ”I compliment Palaniswami for his amicable approach on the Parambikulam Aliyar Project and related issues and his initiative to visit Thriuvananthapuram to hold talks with his Kerala counter-part,” he added.
He also said the Union and the Kerala governments should give permission to strengthen Mullaiperiyar dam.
Dual citizenship for Lankan Tamils
Purohit said the Tamilnadu government will ensure that the interests of all citizens regardless of religion and creed are protected.”The State government will urge the Central government to provide dual citizenship to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees,” he said. He also sought a solution for fishermen row.
Investor friendly State
The Governor appreciated the efforts of Palaniswami for taking direct responsibility for attracting investments to Tamilnadu by visiting UK, USA and Dubai in September 2019.
”The Global Investors Meet held in January 2019 was a major success attracting Rs 3,00,501 crore worth of investments providing employment to 10.5 lakh persons. Till date 53 projects have already commenced commercial production and 219 projects are at various stages of implementation. After the Global Investors meet, 63 new MoUs have been signed, committing an investment of Rs 19,136 crore with employment potential for 83,837 new jobs,” he said.
Boost for transport
”The first phase of the Chennai Peripheral Ring Road (CPPR) project from Ennore Port to Thatchur has been taken up at a cost of Rs 2,673.42 crore and land acquisition for the remaining portions of the CPRR has also commenced,” Purohit said.
Education Empowerment
The Governor said the State government will launch a special initiative under the Tamilnadu Skill Development Mission to identify one lakh college dropouts and provide them special training which will enable them to either complete their higher education courses of find appropriate employment.