BJP state president K. Annamalai has urged the ruling DMK government to take constructive steps to develop Tamil Nadu and not engage in diversionary efforts as usual.
Highlighting the latest Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) India Index 2023-24 released by NITI Aayog, Annamalai pointed out that Tamil Nadu is falling behind other states in multiple sectors.
According to the SDG India Index, Tamil Nadu ranks 10th in the Gender Equality Index, 9th in the Clean Water and Sanitation Index, 10th in the Sustainable Cities and Communities, 10th in Responsible Consumption and Production, 9th in Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and 15th in the Life on Land Index.
Annamalai expressed concern over the increasing violence against women, children, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes in the state over the past three years. He noted in a social media post that missing children cases have risen by about 11 percent, and deaths due to road accidents and suicides have also significantly increased during this period.
Criticizing the DMK government’s performance, Annamalai highlighted several areas of concern:
Employment: There has been a notable decline in employment in the manufacturing sector, with the rate of innovation dropping from 37.91 percent to 15.69 percent.
Education: The state’s gross enrolment ratio (GER) is low, and proficiency in language skills and mathematics for Class VIII students remains a major concern.
Crime and Safety: The increase in crimes and road accidents is attributed to the uncontrolled sale of liquor, illicit liquor, and the sale of drugs, including ganja.
Annamalai’s critique emphasizes the urgent need for the DMK government to address these pressing issues and implement effective measures to improve Tamil Nadu’s standing in these critical areas.