In the aftermath of the controversy surrounding Industries and Commerce Minister S. Keerthana’s interaction with a government school student, the Tamil Nadu government issued a circular barring political party functionaries and private individuals from entering government school classrooms, declaring that educational institutions are meant solely for learning and not for political activities.
Reiterating his stance in the backdrop of the Keerthana fiasco, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has cautioned ministers against visiting schools and colleges in the name of reviews, while reiterating his government’s commitment to clean governance and warning against corruption, as reported in Times of India.
Chairing the second Cabinet meeting since the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) assumed office, Vijay is learnt to have instructed ministers to ensure that educational institutions are not turned into venues for publicity activities.
The directive comes days after criticism over videos and social media reels shot inside schools involving TVK functionaries, including the controversy surrounding Minister Keerthana’s visit. Opposition parties had accused the ruling party of promoting a “reels culture” within educational institutions.
According to ministers present at the meeting, Vijay expressed concern over the increasing practice of filming and sharing reels from school and college campuses and directed the concerned departments to take steps to curb the trend.
The Chief Minister also reportedly advised ministers against visiting educational institutions under the guise of inspections or reviews unless such visits were officially warranted.
Joseph Vijay Reiterates Zero Tolerance on Corruption
Apart from the advisory on school visits, Joseph Vijay once again sounded a strong warning against corruption within the government.
He instructed ministers to ensure that their respective departments function transparently and that public services are delivered without fear or favour.
“I did not come here merely for a five-year term. People have placed their trust in us, and we must live up to their expectations. Our promise of clean governance should be reflected in action,” a minister quoted the Chief Minister as saying during the Cabinet meeting.
Vijay warned that any minister, official or department found involved in corruption or irregularities would face stringent action.
Budget Preparations Discussed
Briefing reporters after the meeting, Electricity and Law Minister CTR Nirmalkumar said the Cabinet also reviewed preparations for the state’s upcoming Budget.
He described the discussions as part of the routine consultation process ahead of finalising the Budget.
Government Reiterates Stand on Custodial Death
Responding to the recent custodial death of a differently-abled man in Nagercoil, Nirmalkumar said the TVK government maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards custodial deaths.
He said strict action would be taken against all those found responsible and announced that ministers would visit the victim’s family to extend government support.
DMK, AIADMK Accused of Destabilisation Bid
Nirmalkumar also accused the DMK and AIADMK of acting in concert with the BJP to destabilise the TVK government.
According to him, attempts to undermine the government had been continuing for nearly 50 days, ever since TVK assumed office.
Probe Assured in Palani Land Controversy
On the controversy surrounding the alleged encroachment of 14 acres of land belonging to the Palani Mutt, the minister denied allegations linking any TVK functionary to the issue.
He assured that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted and that appropriate action would follow based on the findings.
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