CHENNAI: All steps would be taken to achieve the 17 sustainable development goals, prerequisites for building the nation’s future, as specified by the United Nations, in the villages of Tamil Nadu and the world would be shown what the ‘Dravidian model’ is capable of, said chief minister M K Stalin.
The chief minister participated in the special gram sabha organised in Sengadu panchayat in Siruperumbudur panchayat union in Kancheepuram district to mark the National Panchayati Raj Day on Sunday. He said his father and former CM M Karunanidhi had ensured that many sustainable and developmental schemes like the Annaithu Grama Anna Marumalarchi Thittam were implemented in the villages.
These schemes were now being revamped and reimplemented by his government, said Stalin. They included ‘Periyar Samathuvapurams (equality villages)’ for ensuring social justice and the ‘Namakku Naamae’ scheme that helped people to meet their requirements with the help of the government.
The CM said the government was planning to establish village secretariats like in the district collectorate where all the departments would be established in one place, so that the government’s schemes would be made more accessible to the people. “Our government, which is committed to developing villages, will hold gram sabhas six times a year,” said Stalin.
Women have been given 56% representations in the rural urban bodies. By implementing and achieving the long term sustainable goals, the government would ensure that the villages of Tamil Nadu become a model for villages in other states, the CM said. Many awards have also been introduced by this government for best performing panchayats, and that could be achieved only by taking the schemes to every citizen, he said. Tamil Nadu today had 7.46 lakh SHGs and the government was working towards helping the 1.7 crore members of the groups to achieve financial independence, the CM said.
Later, while participating in an Iftar feast organised by DMK minorities wing in Chennai on Sunday, Stalin said those who want to drive a wedge between Tamils are doing so because only then they can destroy Tamil race. “They want to scuttle our growth by dividing us. Tamils should not fall victims for their efforts. We should realise the conspiracy behind such attempts, understand it and get a clarity,’’ he said.
