Owing to its low price and fairly good quality, Aavin milk has high patronage in Tamil Nadu. The brand offers 4 different variants depicted by the colour of the milk packets viz Orange, Green, Purple, Blue, etc.
In a shocking incident in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, consumers found worms floating in the Delite (purple) variant in the milk packet of the brand. This has left homemakers in deep distress.
This instance is said to have occurred in Lourdusamy, who hails from Kangankulam village, Kovilpatti in the Thoothukudi district, home. As usual, he bought a packet of Aavin Delite milk from the local outlet. When his wife poured the contents into a vessel to boil, they found a worm floating in the milk. They recorded it as a video and shared it among their social media circles.
Lourdusamy’s wife Kavita says, “We lost interest in consuming milk now. So many poor people are using this brand. How can they drink it if the quality is such?” She also added that they have been consuming Aavin milk for the past 15 years and there was no issue so far with the milk. But the occurrence of worms had been seen for the past 3-4 days in the milk. She also added that her son suffered from stomach ache which they had assumed to be because of contaminated water but it turned out to be because of the worms in the milk.
She further said, “Since the price is less, several strata of the society consume this milk – be it elders, young ones, or anyone else. If it is like this, how can we buy milk again? I request the TN government to provide us with good quality milk.”
News Tamil 24×7 spoke to the General Manager of Aavin, Rajkumar, he refuted the claims that there were worms in the milk packet and said it was impossible that such a thing happened. He also said that the officials were analysing the milk packets and they did not find any such worms in the packets.
Rajkumar added that if the milk is not maintained at the proper temperature, it is possible that worms can be found. He also said that he did not receive any complaints in this regard from anyone else and that agents were providing fresh milk packets to the consumers.
The same Delite variant was in the news recently for the discrepancy in the fat content in the milk compared to that listed on the cover.
In a troubling incident that unfolded in Tamil Nadu, a Dalit woman named Panchalai faced blatant discrimination as she was allegedly forced off a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) bus mid-journey for carrying beef.
Panchalai, a 59-year-old resident of Navalai village in Dharmapuri district, regularly travels from Harur to Krishnagiri to purchase meat for resale in her village. However, on this particular journey, the conductor objected to her carrying beef, leading to her forced disembarkation in an unsafe area.
This incident has sparked outrage, with Panchalai filing a complaint accusing the bus driver and conductor of caste-based discrimination.
The discrimination, as per Panchalai’s account, had been ongoing for the past six months, with the conductor allegedly harassing her repeatedly.
The victim, Paanjalai, recounted that the conductor, identified as Raghu, berated her for carrying beef daily on the bus. When Raghu blew the whistle, the driver turned off the bus in a forested area. The conductor, with the support of other passengers, declared that the bus wouldn’t move until she disembarked. Despite Panjalai’s pleas to be dropped off at the next bus stop, her requests were ignored, and she was forced off the bus in the Moppiripatty forest area. Struggling to walk with her load, she received a free ride from a private bus on the same route and then informed her family about the incident.
The incident came to light when Panchalai filed a complaint with the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation and local police, citing discrimination based on her caste.
The TNSTC responded promptly by suspending the bus driver, N Sasikumar, and the conductor, K Raghu, pending an inquiry into the matter. The suspension underlines the seriousness of the allegations and aims to ensure a thorough investigation into the conduct of the bus crew. The TNSTC emphasized that the crew had no authority to inspect the contents of passengers’ luggage without cause, highlighting a breach of protocol.
Local residents and Panchalai’s family confronted the bus crew later that evening, prompting officials to intervene and engage in discussions with the concerned parties. The Dharmapuri district police registered the case under the SC/ST Act.
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In a recent development in Tamil Nadu, Arappor Iyakkam, an anti-corruption NGO, has alleged a significant scandal in Tirunelveli. The allegations are directed at DMK Member of Parliament S Gnanathiraviyam, implicating him in corruption charges related to the illegal mining of rough stone and gravel. The NGO claimed an estimated loss to the government in this corruption surpassed ₹700 Crores primarily occurring in the district of Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, and one quarry in Tirupur.
In a letter addressed to the Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in Chennai, the complaint exposes how individuals, including the former Commissioner of Geology and Mines, Jayakanthan IAS, 53 quarry owners, Tirunelveli MP Gnana Draviyam, SAV Group owner and DMK leader Graham Bell, and others associated with the ruling DMK party, have allegedly manipulated the acts and rules of the mining department to evade penalties for illegal mining. The NGO urged the DVAC to initiate an FIR against these individuals, accusing them of involvement in corrupt practices.
Rampant illegal mining in Tirunelveli district came to light following a tragic incident in May 2022 at a quarry in Adamithipankulam near Tharuvai Village, Palayamkottai Taluk. The incident resulted in the unfortunate death of four workers due to a landslide. Subsequent investigations brought to light several violations committed by the lessee, Sankaranarayanan. These included deviations from approved mining plans and environmental regulations. As a consequence of these infractions, quarrying operations at the site were promptly suspended. It is worth noting that the district had over 50 operational quarries, with a notable concentration in the Irukkanthurai panchayat of Radhapuram Taluk.
Following the incident, the then Director of Geology and Mines, Nirmalraj IAS, established six teams to scrutinize all quarries in Tirunelveli for potential violations. The inspection, conducted from 22 May 2022, and 27 May 2022, revealed illegal mining activities in 53 out of 54 stone quarries, involving quantities beyond permitted limits. Subsequently, the Sub Collector of Cheranmadevi imposed penalties on each quarry involved in illegal mining based on the inspection report. A total of ₹262 Crores was levied in penalties for violations identified in 24 quarries, as revealed through the Right to Information Act disclosed by the NGO.
Unexpectedly, after the inspection and submission of the report, Director Nirmal Raj was replaced, and Jayakanthan IAS took on the position of Commissioner in June 2022. At the same time, District Collector Vishnu IAS temporarily shut down all quarries due to widespread illegal mineral extraction. The NGO alleges political pressure from Radhapuram MLA and State Legislative Assembly Speaker Appavu and Tirunelveli MP Gnana Draviyam on Collector Vishnu in July 2022.
Reporters questioned DMK leader, “Lakhs of construction workers are out of work today because all the quarries have been shut down. Today, a ton of stone which was 400 rupees, costs 800, sand, which was 600 rupees, is 1300 rupees. Today in Kudankulam, all the jobs have been stopped, and many lakhs of people are losing their jobs, what is the solution for this?”
He responded sarcastically saying, “I will bring what you are saying to the attention of the Chief Minister and immediately arrange for jobs for the unemployed.”
Immediately, Radhapuram MLA and Speaker Appavu interceded, gesturing to Collector Vishnu for a response. The MLA stated, “Collector will tell,” to which the Collector replied, “This matter is under consideration, it is in practice.” Appavu quickly interrupted, saying, “Tell them within how many days,” and the Collector responded, “No sir, that cannot be revealed now.”
The press conference quickly turned into a heated exchange as MP Gnana Draviyam raised his voice, expressing frustration, “It’s already been 60 days, and 50,000 people are unemployed. Already late.” Another DMK leader attempted to calm him down, saying, “Brother, please wait, please be silent.” However, the MP, still agitated, raised his voice again, prompting the other DMK leader to ask, “What is this brother, please be silent. Is tthis your home?“
அனுமதிக்கப்பட்ட இடத்தை தாண்டி கல் எடுத்து, அனுமதிக்கப்பட்ட ஆழத்தை தாண்டி கல் எடுத்து, அனுமதிக்கப்பட்ட அளவை தாண்டி கல் எடுத்து, சட்ட விரோதமாக 1 கோடி கனமீட்டர் கல் எடுத்து மோசடி செய்த 53 குவாரிகளை மூடுவதற்கு உத்தரவு போட்ட ஆட்சியரிடம் இரண்டு பேர் பத்திரிக்கையாளர்கள் மற்றும்… pic.twitter.com/b7MvBDgRJW
Arappor Iyakkam claimed that doubts were raised in the appeal process as quarry owners directly appealed to the Commissioner of Geology and Mining, J Jayakanthan IAS, deviating from the prescribed procedure of appealing to the district Collector. In a surprising move, Jayakanthan IAS reduced the total penalty for 24 quarries to just ₹13.83 Crores, appearing to legitimize widespread illegal mining activities and facilitating the reopening of quarries implicated in illegal mining by overturning previous decisions.
Therefore, the NGO Arappor Iyakkam alleges a significant connection between Jayakanthan IAS and numerous quarry owners linked to the ruling DMK party in Tamil Nadu. The organization emphasizes allegations of penalties being reduced for the SAV Group, DMK MP Gnanathiraviam, and their associates. They alleged violations of established appeal procedures, favoritism towards politically connected DMK quarry owners, and suggest a coordinated effort to exert pressure on officials to reopen operations related to rough stone and gravel.
Arappor Iyakkam, an anti-corruption organisation, has alleged that illegal quarrying in Tirunelveli district and the failure to impose penalty on erring quarries have resulted in loss of over Rs 700 crore to the state exchequer. The organisation has also filed a complaint with… pic.twitter.com/vt8hPcWpbb
In Chennai, a transgender woman fell victim to a vicious assault after being mistaken for a child kidnapper by a group of men. The shocking episode unfolded in Pammal, where the victim, who is employed at an IT firm in Thoraipakkam, found herself subjected to a brutal attack.
According to police reports, the ordeal transpired on the evening of 18 February 2024, as the victim was making her way home after dining at a local eatery in Mungileri. Approached by two men who demanded identification, she disclosed her profession, only to be met with violence instead of understanding.
Allegedly acting on a forwarded message regarding a suspected child abductor in the vicinity, the assailants claimed her facial features matched those of the individual described in the warning. More individuals soon joined the fray, escalating the confrontation to a terrifying level. The victim was forcibly restrained, stripped to half-nakedness, and subjected to physical assault, all of which was recorded and circulated on social media platforms.
In response to the victim’s complaint, authorities from the Shankar Nagar police swiftly acted, invoking pertinent sections of the Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act along with various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including rioting, wrongful restraint, use of abusive language, and causing hurt. Consequently, two individuals have been apprehended in connection with the incident.
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Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president K Annamalai met with reporters at Coimbatore on 22 February 2024.
When a reporter asked about the PMAY scheme being renamed as a state government scheme, Annamalai replied, “Through PM Awas Yojana, a beneficiary receives Rs 270000 as subsidy and the money is deposited in their account in the form of 3-4 installments. This amount is given by the central government. These people are confusing you. Before 2014, under the name of Indira Gandhi Yojana, the central government built homes for people. However, only 18 lakh homes were built. At that time, the subsidy given was less. After 2014, under PM Awas Yojana, the subsidy was increased to Rs 270000. This is not 30% as per their calculation. Today 4 lakh houses have been built. Some people add extra money above this subsidy amount and build their homes while others build it within this amount. So however you look at it, our BJP legislators have only questioned what right the state government had to name the scheme Kalaignar Karunanidhi Kanavu Illam (Dream House) Scheme. The central scheme is Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Prime Minister Housing Scheme. Why have they named it Professor Anbazhagan Scheme with no connection? Samagraha Siksha is a central government scheme. If you rename these schemes with local leaders’ names, are we doing that? This is a symbol of good governance. That is what Vanathi Srinivasan and Nainar Nagendran have been talking about both inside and outside the legislative assembly.”
DMK mouthpiece Sun News, owned by DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran’s brother Kalanithi Maran, published a “fact-check” on the amount that Annamalai had quoted. The now-deleted fact-check shared “information” on how the Tamil Nadu government was paying for 70% of each PMAY house. This deletion happened after Annamalai shared facts busting the so-called fact-check.
Annamalai on his X handle shared facts and figures on the PMAY scheme. He wrote, “So, here are some real facts:
1) Under the PMAY-U Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme, the Central Govt’s Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs provides interest subsidy to the National Housing Bank. The maximum interest subsidy under this scheme is ₹2.7 Lakh.
2) Between 2016-17 & 2022-23, the TN Govt received ₹5541 Crore as Central Share under PMAY-G & the overall utilisation (Central Share + State Share) was ₹6921 Crore.
It is evident that on the overall utilisation, the central government has spent 80% of the overall expenditure incurred on building houses under PMAY-G.
3) Drilling down a bit. Take FY 2022-23, for example;
Total central share released: ₹2004.39 Crores
Total Utilisation (including state share): ₹2290.47 Crore.
The TN State Government spent ₹286.08 Crore. However, TN State’s demand list has a different story to tell. TN Govt claims it spent ₹555.89 Crore in FY 2022-23 on roofing, an excess of ₹269.81 Crore than the actual utilisation. We will leave this for the TN Govt to explain to the Audit authorities. Summarising, the TN Govt’s claim to be spending 70% on every PMAY-G house is untrue.”
He also ridiculed the fact-checking team constituted by the state government and said it should call itself the Far from Truth team.
It is no surprise that the Gopalapuram News Channel comes in batting for data presented by the TN Govt’s fact checker, whose only work is to present the DMK government’s view as fact.
This is not the first time Sun News has peddled fake news to show the DMK in a good light.
In January 2024, a video of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s hands trembling during the inauguration of the Chennai Sangamam festival went viral, sparking rumors about his health. Sun News deleted the original clip which showed the trembling hands of the CM and shared an edited clip that removed the footage of Stalin’s trembling hands. The original video was deleted sparking netizen curiosity.
In December 2023, in the wake of the floods in Tamil Nadu, Sun News spread fake news regarding Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s statements in a press conference on 22 December 2023. The outlet claimed that Sitharaman stated Tamil Nadu flood damages couldn’t be declared a national disaster. However, Sitharaman had made no such statement, instead, she said that there was no practice of declaring state disasters as national disasters.
In November 2023, Sun News propagated misinformation, suggesting that the online gambling law applied uniformly. Contrary to this, the Madras High Court ruled on a series of writ petitions filed by the All India Gaming Federation and online gaming companies. The court upheld the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Online Gambling and Regulation of Online Games Act, 2022, but specified that it only applied to “games of chance” and not skill-based games like rummy and poker. The court also affirmed the state government’s authority to regulate online gaming aspects.
Sun News posted a video on social media platform X in September 2023 quoting Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President K Annamalai’s speech during his En Mann En Makkal yatra. Annamalai was speaking about the lack of electricity at the Marudhamalai Murugan temple. The incident that Annamalai quoted at his yatra mentions how it was Chinnappa Devar popularly known as Sandow MMA Chinnappa Devar was instrumental in getting an electricity connection for the Marudhamalai Temple in Coimbatore. Sun News posted the video with the question, “Was DMK in power in 1962?” and shared a photo of the engraved inauguration stone mentioning MGR and Chinnappa Devar, trying to prove that they fact-checked the claim and it turned out to be wrong.
In September 2021, Sun News, through its official handle had put a news card in which it claimed that BJP workers collected garbage at the Besant Nagar beach on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday and left the collected garbage in bags in the beach itself. However, BJP Tamil Nadu Youth Wing President Vinoj P. Selvam clarified that the garbage collected was taken in a corporation vehicle.
In June 2021, A tampered video of an elderly Muslim man being assaulted was shared widely which was also shared by Sun News saying that his beard was forcibly cut for not chanting ‘Vande Mataram’ and ‘Jai Shri Ram’. However, this fake news was busted.
The University of Madras is facing a potential salary payment crisis as the Income Tax department has deducted ₹12.5 crore from its frozen accounts. The Joint Action Committee of the University of Madras Professors and Officials Welfare Associations expressed concern, stating that the institution may struggle to pay salaries to teachers and officials at the end of this month. In response to the financial challenge, they have organized a one-day token hunger strike scheduled for Friday, aiming to draw government attention to the issue.
The Joint Action Committee reported that the number of University of Madras accounts blocked by the Income Tax department has surpassed 50. This includes the freezing of accounts belonging to the heads of departments in the State Bank of India. The financial strain has extended to the university’s day-to-day expenses, making it challenging to sustain operations. Hostel management is also facing difficulties, relying on contributions from students and staff, with the optimism that the accounts will be reactivated soon.
A member of the Joint Action Committee expressed concern, stating that temporary staff has not received salaries for three months, and the university is now facing challenges in paying salaries to professors and other officers. The committee has appealed to the government to assume responsibility for covering the expenses related to salaries and pensions currently shouldered by the university.
They highlighted that the state government has significantly cut down the university’s funding, attributing it to audit objections. Despite the audit objection constituting only 10-15% of the total funding, the state is implementing a reduction of 70-75%, plunging the university into a severe financial crisis, as per their statement. It has been reported that senior university officials refrained from commenting on the matter, stating their focus on resolving the ongoing issues.
The Income Tax department, two weeks ago, implemented a freeze on the university’s accounts, asserting that the institution is obligated to pay ₹424 crore as income tax for the fiscal years 2017-18 to 2021-22. The reason cited is the university’s failure to receive over 50% of funding from the government, making it ineligible to be classified as a government university.
Sources revealed to The New Indian Express that the university incurs a monthly expenditure of ₹20 crore, with the major portion, ₹15-16 crore, allocated to salaries and pensions. Despite the university’s total expenses amounting to approximately ₹240 crore, and revenue, including fees, reaching around ₹100 crore, the state government has been allocating a mere ₹25-30 crore annually since 2015-16. The rationale provided is audit objections, as per sources.
Over the past three years, the state government has withheld any financial disbursement to the university. Presently, the university is under the leadership of a four-member convenor committee, with A Karthik, the higher education secretary, serving as the chairman in the absence of a vice-chancellor.
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In its much-anticipated fourth annual edition, the Chennai Litfest is set to make a resounding return in 2024, solidifying its status as a pivotal platform for literary enthusiasts, authors, and thinkers. Since its inaugural event in 2021, the festival has experienced remarkable growth, establishing itself as a cornerstone event in Chennai’s bustling cultural calendar.
This year, the Chennai Lit Fest will be uniquely centered on the theme of Bharat, with a particular focus on the Ram Mandir and the upcoming elections. Scheduled to take place on February 23rd and 24th, 2024, at Hotel Savera in Mylapore, Chennai, the festival promises an enriching experience featuring a book launch and a series of discussions with eminent speakers and authors.
The Chennai Lit Fest – 2024 , Fourth edition is on 24 & 25, February.
The festival is curated by the esteemed temple activist and influencer, Shefali Vaidya, and organized by Indoi Analytics. While registrations for the event have reached capacity, enthusiasts can still catch the live coverage on the festival’s official YouTube channel.
Engal inniya Tamizh makkalle, You can watch Chennai Lit Fest, 2024 – Fourth edition online on the official INDOI Analytics Youtube channel:https://t.co/ASsieBp9Jd
The impressive lineup of speakers for this year includes prominent figures such as Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai, acclaimed filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri, distinguished advocate K Parasaran, accomplished author Ami Ganatra, renowned psephologist Pradeep Bhandari, Editor of Organiser Prafulla Ketkar, Vedic speaker Dushyanth Sridhar, temple activist TR Ramesh, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain and author Aabhas Maldahiyar. The Valedictory ceremony will be graced by the presence of the esteemed danseuse Padma Subramanyam.
Adding to the grandeur of the event, keynote addresses will be delivered by Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan.
Reflecting on the festival’s history, Indoi Analytics launched the Chennai Lit Fest in March 2021, featuring outstanding speakers such as Mrs. Sivashankari, ‘Dravida Maya’ Subbu, Charu Nivedita, Carnatic vocalist ‘Neyveli Santhanagopalan,’ and Organiser magazine’s Editor, Prafulla Ketkar.
The second edition in March 2022 celebrated the ’75 years of Indian independence,’ acknowledging the significant contributions of the Tamil region to the Indian freedom struggle. BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai delivered the inaugural address during this edition.
In its third installment in April 2023, the lit fest revolved around the theme of the revolutionary poet Subramania Bharati, highlighting his pivotal role in the Indian freedom struggle.
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Chennai has been witnessing an extensive and prolonged protest lasting over seven days led by over 300 visually impaired students and individuals. The protest was directed against the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu, with demonstrators advocating for the fulfillment of nine demands. These demands encompassed various issues, including the request for a 1% reservation for the blind within the 4 percent seats designated for differently-abled individuals in the reservation system.
Additionally, the protesters called for prompt job placements for visually impaired individuals who have successfully passed the Teachers Eligibility Test (TET) and an augmentation of the financial assistance provided to them. These demands have resonated strongly within the community, creating shockwaves and drawing attention to the pressing issues faced by visually impaired individuals.
The protest initially commenced on 14 February 2024, with over 100 visually impaired students from different districts gathering at Valluvar Kottam to express their dissatisfaction with the government. The discontent escalated, leading to an immediate declaration of a hunger strike. Subsequently, the protesters were apprehended by the police and subsequently transported to different locations, namely in buses to their respective homes.
The following day, the demonstration persisted at various locations, prompting police intervention once again. The protesters were detained, this time in marriage halls, before being released and sent back. This pattern continued for over seven days, spanning six different locations in Chennai, including Kodambakkam, T Nagar, Basin Bridge, Nungambakkam, Saidapet, and Valluvar Kottam. Reports also indicated instances of protests in various places across Tamil Nadu.
After the announcement in the Assembly, the Department of Welfare for the differently abled issued a government order on 24 July 2023, directing all departments to pinpoint positions for disabled individuals through specialized recruitment drives and exams. Despite Chief Minister MK Stalin’s assurance seven months ago that all outstanding government vacancies under the 4% quota for disabled individuals would be addressed through special exams and recruitment, no progress has been observed, and there has been no indication of forthcoming announcements or actions regarding these special exams or recruitments. This lack of action has specifically impacted the visually impaired, leaving them in a state of dissatisfaction with the government, leading to protests.
Differently-Abled Students Arrested En-Masse in Chennai
A total of 120 individuals participating in a demonstration in T. Nagar were apprehended by authorities. Simultaneously, in Sterling Road, Nungambakkam, around 60 visually impaired students engaging in a protest were forcefully removed by the police. Some of the protesters resisted, holding onto each other tightly, prompting the use of force by the police. Consequently, at least 35 individuals, including two women, were taken into custody. Another group of at least 35 visually impaired students, located near Basin Bridge, were arrested and confined to a marriage hall in Pulianthope. Additionally, approximately 30 individuals were detained at a marriage hall in Saidapet. In instances where protesters resisted, some were physically dragged along the road, while others were transported in a bus.
All these arrests and detentions specifically targeted students with disabilities who were advocating for the fulfillment of the DMK government’s pledged employment quota for them in teaching positions. This demand stemmed from a promise made by the DMK when it was in the opposition party in 2013, committing to provide employment opportunities for differently-abled individuals.
Differently-Abled Protesters Demanded Accountability And Inclusivity from DMK Government:
Dhanalakshmi, a protester from Kodambakkam, asked, “All we are seeking is employment; nothing more. Why is the State government neglecting our pleas?”
Another participant shared a distressing account of their encounters with the police, stating, “Each day, the police forcefully relocate us from the protest site, abandoning us near the highway on the outskirts of the city, usually at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m.”
Aranga Raja, a protester from T Nagar, expressed disappointment, mentioning, “Despite meeting Minister for Social Welfare Geetha Jeevan with our demands, no action has been taken yet. It seems she needs to consult with the Chief Minister on this matter. Why hasn’t Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who oversees the Differently Abled Welfare portfolio, personally engaged with us? Conversations always involve the Social Welfare Minister. Where is our designated Minister?”
Deepak Nathan of the December 3 Movement remarked, “The protesters are also urging the government to enforce the 4% reservation in promotions, as mandated by the Supreme Court. There is a noticeable absence of representation for disabled individuals in the government, and implementing this reservation in both recruitment and promotions is crucial for fostering inclusivity.”
Rubanmuthu, the General Secretary of the College Students and Graduates Association of the Blind, expressed agitation, stating, “We urge the Chief Minister, who oversees the differently-abled department, to meet with us and address our concerns. The Teachers’ Recruitment Board should organize a special examination for the recruitment of PG assistants, and the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) should do the same for filling positions in all departments under categories A, B, C, and D to ensure reservation implementation. This initiative should extend to government universities and colleges. Additionally, we propose an exemption for visually-impaired candidates who have cleared the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) from the TRB examination, enabling their appointment as graduate teachers.”
He also emphasized that if government had fulfilled its promise and implemented the reservation, many educated differently-abled individuals would now have secured employment.
In an official statement on the X platform, K Annamalai, the Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party president, emphasized the demands of individuals with disabilities in the state. He urged the government to prioritize the implementation of these demands, specifically emphasizing the need for a 1% seat reservation and the announced increase of Rs. 1000 assistance for differently-abled persons. “People with disabilities all over Tamil Nadu have been making demands for many years, insisting on reasonable demands, including that 1% seat reservation should be given to visually impaired persons in government and government-aided schools in Tamil Nadu, as per the seat reservation system of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission.”
“The visually impaired people who have been protesting in Chennai for the last six days, demanding that the Tamil Nadu government, which has been waiting for many years and not providing them with proper educational qualification and success in the qualifying examination, have been arrested by the DMK government yesterday. The question arises as to why the DMK, which has been deceiving people for years by talking about fake social justice, is hesitating to implement the reservation procedure of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission. Apart from that, since the announcement of increasing ₹1000 assistance for differently abled persons in August 2023, shocking information has also come out that in many districts the assistance has not been given at all. Actually for whom is this DMK government being run?” the statement read.
“I urge the DMK government to immediately accept all the reasonable demands of the visually impaired and issue appointment orders to them. If there is an intention to delay the appointments of differently-abled persons in order to collect money, I would like to remind you of the current situation of non-departmental ministers,” it further stated.
தமிழ்நாடு அரசுப் பணியாளர் தேர்வாணையத்தின் இடஒதுக்கீடு முறையின்படி, தமிழகத்தில் அரசு மற்றும் அரசு உதவி பெறும் பள்ளிகளில், பார்வைத்திறன் மாற்றுத் திறனாளர்களுக்கு 1% இட ஒதுக்கீடு வழங்க வேண்டும் என்பது உள்ளிட்ட நியாயமான கோரிக்கைகளை வலியுறுத்தி, தமிழகம் முழுவதும் மாற்றுத் திறனாளர்கள்,… pic.twitter.com/cwfVXkRHKv
Amma Unavagam or Amma Canteen – the flagship project of the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu J Jayalalithaa seems to be dying a slow death ever since the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government came to power. The canteens that once flourished are now faced with declining income projections, budget inconsistencies, and difficulties in managing expenditures, particularly in terms of compensating the staff. Despite the Corporation’s claim of possessing a surplus of ₹315 crore in its capital account, this revelation has sparked discussions among netizens on social media and stirred concerns among the city’s residents.
அம்மா உணவகம் நடத்த காசு இல்ல மடிக்கணினி வழங்க காசு இல்ல
Amma Unavagams constitute a system of subsidized food outlets managed by the Greater Chennai Corporation established in the year 2013. The primary objective is to ensure affordable and easily accessible meals for the urban underprivileged in Chennai. These canteens provide a diverse range of dishes at subsidized rates, with major items priced at ₹5. Other items such as idly are offered at ₹1, curd rice for ₹3.
On 22 February 2024, The Hindu reported that the GCC is still experiencing financial setbacks stemming from Amma Canteens. The number of these canteens, initially launched in Chennai with 407 outlets, has decreased to 399 over the span of ten years.
Budget estimates detail the expenses associated with the canteens, covering payment to casual staff, maintenance, security charges, food safety licenses, and equipment. Notably, a significant portion of the expenditure is allocated to payments for casual staff, with an estimated expenditure of ₹41.7 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. Income generated from Amma Canteens is projected to be ₹15.35 crore in the current fiscal year. However, historical data shows that the estimated income has consistently fallen below the revised estimates announced each subsequent year. For instance, in FY 2021-22, the estimated income was ₹24.55 crore, but the figure was revised down to ₹12.4 crore the following year, marking an almost 50% decrease.
Similarly, the budget estimate for FY 2022-23 anticipated an income of ₹14.55 crore, with the revised estimate slightly lower at ₹14.45 crore. In the case of FY 2023-24, the budget estimate indicated an income of ₹15.85 crore, but the revised estimate for the current year places the figure at ₹14.55 crore.
An interesting observation is the allocation for equipment in the budgets. While the budget estimate for FY 2022-23 projected an expenditure of ₹22 lakh on equipment for the canteens, the revised estimate reported no expense. Likewise, for FY 2023-24, a potential expenditure of ₹2 lakh on equipment was mentioned in the budget, but the revised estimate showed no actual spending.
Netizen Outrage
Users on the micro-blogging platform X expressed strong disapproval towards the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the DMK government, suggesting that there may be a strategy in place to shut down the Amma Canteens.
An irate netizen expressed frustration, noting that “A lot of sign board hung up the outside the Amma canteens were taken off. These fanatics”
நிறைய அம்மா உணவகத்துல வெளியில board a தூக்கிட்டாங்க. வன்மம் பிடிச்சவங்க.
Another netizen expressed criticism, stating, “There is money to go around the towns, there is money to erect a pen (memorial), there is no money to give food, but you know how to plan a robbery.”
ஊர் சுற்ற காசு இருக்கு பேனா( நினைவுச் சின்னம்) வைக்க காசு இருக்கு சோறு போட காசு இல்லை ஆனால் கொள்ளையடிக்கும் திட்டம் மட்டும் போட தெரியும்
Another netizen expressed view that, “Most probably #dmk wants to close it down and later reopen a newer version but in the name of their leader . Old wine in new bottle”
Most probably #dmk wants to close it down and later reopen a newer version but in the name of their leader . Old wine in new bottle
Another concerned netizen lamented the current government’s situation, stating, “There is no fund for Amma canteens, which caters to the hunger of the underprivileged. There is no fund to provide laptops to the students. The elites are not prohibited from holding a car race. Government for common man.”
அடித்தட்டு மக்களின் பசிப்பிணி போக்கும் அம்மா உணவகத்திற்கு நிதியில்லை.படிக்கின்ற மாணவர்களுக்கு மடிக்கணினி வழங்க நிதியில்லை. மேட்டுக்குடியினருக்கு கார்பந்தயம் நடத்த தடையில்லை. சாமானியருக்கான அரசு.
Another online user expressed criticism, highlighting the government’s inability to function as a welfare state rather than a profit-driven enterprise. The comment emphasized that, “First of, Amma unavagam is not for revenue and it is for people who can not afford big money to buy food. This DMK government does not even know that ,then how can they take care of these .wherever they get money to loot, they keep their hands dirty. Waste government it is”
First of Amma unavagam is not for revenue and it is for people who can not afford big money to buy food. This DMK government does not even know that ,then how can they take care of these .wherever they get money to loot, they keep their hands dirty. Waste government it is
Upon assuming power in 2021, the DMK faced speculation regarding the potential discontinuation of the Amma canteen program, particularly hinted with the introduction of 500 new Kalaignar Canteens. Viral videos featuring DMK party cadres vandalizing shops and tearing down banners of Amma Canteens fueled these concerns. The DMK asserted their commitment to preserving the Amma Canteens. They promptly took action against party members involved in vandalizing the canteens, signaling their intention to maintain the existing initiatives.
However, according to a report by Hindustan Times, the situation behind the scenes appears to be different. Women affiliated with self-help groups, responsible for operating the canteens, reportedly faced indirect pressure to resign. A worker from a Chennai canteen, with six years of experience, disclosed to Hindustan Times that out of the 13 individuals working in both the morning and evening shifts, five have been compelled to leave their positions.
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In a recent development in Chennai, a jealousy-fueled dispute transcended political boundaries and entered the cine field. Actor and BJP functionary, along with MNM functionary and lyricist Snehan, filed complaints against each other. Surprisingly, Thirumangalam Police arrested only Jayalakshmi on 20 February 2024.
Sneham Foundation Vs Snehan Foundation
In 2022, Actress Jayalakshmi and film lyricist Snehan filed complaints with the Chennai Police Commissioner’s office regarding the ownership of Sneham Foundation. Snehan accused Jayalakshmi of operating a foundation under the same name, which he claims started in 2021. He alleged that she was soliciting funds through social media, damaging his reputation. In response, Jayalakshmi filed a counter complaint, asserting that Snehan was spreading misinformation and causing unwarranted problems. She argued that her NGO has been operational since 2018, engaged in significant social work, and all her activities are transparently documented on her Facebook page. Jayalakshmi also initiated legal action by filing a case in the Chennai Egmore court regarding the incident.
Subsequently, the investigating judges instructed the police to initiate a defamation lawsuit against the lyricist Snehan. Following the court’s directive, the Thirumangalam police, in 2022, filed charges against Snehan under three sections, encompassing allegations of defamation, using indecent language, and insulting the dignity of a woman.
In the aftermath, lyricist Snehan responded by filing a counter case at the Egmore court, accusing actress Jayalakshmi of misusing her trust’s name and engaging in fraudulent collection of public funds. Following an inquiry by the judges, they directed the registration of a case against Jayalakshmi. Subsequently, the Tirumangalam police registered a case against the actress under two sections. A raid was conducted at her residence, lasting for over two and a half hours and involving more than a dozen policemen.
Upon being apprehended by the police, she vehemently resisted arrest and informed members of the media that she had already submitted documents refuting Snehan’s accusations. She asserted that the ordeal she was experiencing was solely due to her affiliation with the BJP. Subsequently, she was taken to the police station and later presented before the metropolitan magistrate court.
She said, “I have not committed any mistake, then why should I come? I have given you all the documents sir, and after that, why you are asking me to come to the police station? What are you going to do by arresting us innocent people in BJP to satisfy those in DMK? Can you show one piece evidence to these many TV channels here sir? The inspectors have been in my house for so long, please tell them a little bit. This is unfair, there is no proof of even a small document that I have taken money or taken money from Snehan. I have given all the proof after all this time and submitted everything. I don’t understand why they are calling me to the station for investigation, I have not done anything wrong. Already when this case began, I shared all documents in front of media. “
“What justification is in this? What AC sir, what is the justification? You were seated and talked with me for so long, what did you find, was there any tiny proof? If you did, I will come to the police station but I will come to station in my own vehicle. I did not commit mistake so that you can arrest me and go. I will come in my vehicle. I will cooperate with you. I did not run, I’m coming in my vehicle, why you are doing this to bring me, is this the way you should show the DMK you are doing justice? Go and arrest those who committed crime but without any evidence you have come to arrest innocents.” she said.
Subsequently, during her interaction with reporters, she expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that there was no inquiry conducted against Snehan Foundation by the V5 police station, and she alleged bias even after a court directive. She emphasized that there was no evidence against her, and she felt unjustly targeted. Referring to her visit to the commissioner’s office they said there was no prima facie evidence. she also questioned the rationale behind her arrest when AC said there is no evidence . She raised concerns whether this action was driven by an agenda to appease the DMK and Chief Minister Stalin.
“ நான் என் வண்டில தான் வருவேன்.. கைது பண்ற அளவுக்கு நான் தப்பு பண்ணல.. ” ' சினேகம் பவுண்டேஷன் ' யாருக்கு சொந்தம் என்ற வழக்கில் கைது செய்வதற்கு முன்பாக தனது வீட்டின் முன் போலீசாரிடம் வாக்குவாதம் செய்த நடிகை ஜெயலட்சுமி..#BJP | #ActressJayalakshmi | #Snehan | #SnehamFoundation |… pic.twitter.com/sTArhCIGGd
While being apprehended, with tears in her eyes, she conveyed to the reporters that, “A small request if you can. Look at Snehan from Makkal Needhi Maiam alliance which is aligned with DMK and ask him to bring a person in front of you, who has a proof that I bought money, in the complaint filed against me. Please bring a proof and put it in front of you, a proof please. “
“Police is biased. Thank you very much Ms. Tamizhselvi for making paying a fine of fifty thousand on behalf of the DMK and thanks to biased police and thanks to everyone. I sold my property and standing for my party without earning single rupee, without a single rupee, even now the reason I am broke is because I’m going in without making a mistake, if I had earned one rupee I would have gone in saying I made a mistake, I am going in without making any mistake. For the sole reason of being in BJP, had I just been an actress, I wouldn’t have come to this situation today, I wouldn’t have gone in under the name of my trust. The trust I used was registered as Sneham and I continued to work for people. Do you know anything that Snehan did? Has anyone seen it? Have you seen him do anything for the people? Have you seen standing on the street? Have you ever seen someone giving food? Go and look at my social media, I have done, I have done for people, done to so many people, I have given education fund to fatherless children, what has Snehan done? Ask Snehan. I came to politics for people not for money, nor for position. because we are in BJP ,wont you give? Won’t DMK deliver justice? How many people will you arrest? How many people will you remand? How many cases will you register?” She raised her voice while being taken away by the police.
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