Thank You All

- M.K.Stalin

My dawn wakes up to the warm greetings of Tamils – greetings that come with a sweet heart and a cheery face – Greetings that are growing exponentially – Greetings that are pouring in person, through the telephone and e-mail. Tamils across the globe are reaching out their greetings through the web site as well. All these bouquets are being extended for this new responsibility of being the Deputy CM – a position that the honorable CM, Kalaignar has bestowed upon me.

As Kalaignar had rightly pointed out, this position is not in any way superior to my wounds during MISA imprisonment, as a DMK worker. To me being a senior party worker – a committed worker to the DMK is the most coveted role, than anything else. I only consider this as another opportunity to serve the Tamils. I consider the appointment of being the Deputy CM and as a consequence, the allotment of new departments, in the same vein. It is with pride that I am taking on this responsibility of sharing the work load of my leader who works tirelessly for the progress of the Tamil society.

When I had the honor of becoming the first elected mayor of Chennai, I had executed many beneficial schemes, purely with the city’s needs and growth plans in mind – it was heartening to see that these were much appreciated by the people. Similarly, in my role as Deputy CM, my prime wish is to serve the cause of the Tamils, work towards their prosperity and well-being and create positive mechanisms for the benefit of the State.

In a fast-growing world, industrial growth is of paramount importance. DMK’s goal is to make Tamil Nadu the No.1 state in India in industrial growth. In the past 3 years, Kalaignar who was in charge of industries had created many new job opportunities. According to university research notifications, the state of Tamil Nadu is said to have attracted the maximum foreign investments. I consider it my duty to quicken the pace of this industrial growth, following Kalaignar’s growth plans.

While new industries and industrial parks become the pride of the State, it is also important and imperative, that new employment opportunities must be created for our people. Young people of Tamil Nadu expect good employment opportunities. It has been decided that all subsidies and benefits will be provided only to industries that create employment opportunities for our young people. This will make sure that while industrial productivity increases, employment opportunities for our young people of Tamil Nadu too will be on the rise. Our industrial policy is being framed with these twin benefits in mind.

In a bygone era of governance, large business houses were paranoid of starting industries in Tamil Nadu. DMK had changed that image completely. Today, Tamil Nadu, under Kalaignar is being touted as the most conducive environment for starting any industry. It has been decided that a single-window clearance will be implemented. This is envisaged to help anyone wanting to set up industries in Tamil Nadu, and to do away with operational inefficiencies and irregularities, if any.

While paying attention to my new responsibility as industrial minister, it is ensured that all welfare schemes under rural development and local administration continue to be as effective, as in the past 3 years. The jewel in the crown is the launch of the mega drinking water project, fulfilling the drinking water requirement of the three districts of Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga and Pudukottai. Despite being a coastal town, Ramanathapuram was often drought-ridden and is now immensely benefited with this project. Such accomplishments will continue in other districts as well. The Hogenakkal water supply project is in full pace and will address the drinking water needs of the people of Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts. I am also glad to share the news that very soon, with the commissioning of the desalination plant all the drinking water needs of people of Chennai too will be taken care of.

Kalaignar’s governance has a vision of not only reaching the basic needs of water, electricity, health care and education, but also has the vision to work and improve upon industrial growth, infrastructure facilities and transportation across the state. I am glad that I too have a part to play in executing this vision. I promise to accomplish these tasks in the appropriate fashion.

Our leader Kalaignar has always worked for the uplift of all sections of people, including farmers, weavers, laborers, government employees, women, the young, the minority communities, people from marginalized societies, the poor and the down trodden. My goal is to tread in his path and work for the steady and clear growth of Tamil Nadu. I will need to write a few volumes, if I were to list all the achievements and in-the-pipeline schemes, of Kalaignar’s rule – this one notification will be too short for that.

It is DMK’s duty to address the needs of the people who voted it to power. In a democracy, the government does not belong to those who are governing – It belongs to the people. In this new capacity as Deputy CM, I seek your help. I welcome your participation. Young people, women, and public from all quarters – do share your views, ideas and opinions on strengthening this golden rule of Kalaignar.

With your help, I would like to aid Kalaignar’s governance and add a feather to his cap. I am given the post of Deputy CM. But being the Deputy to my people is my pride. As one among you, with your good wishes, and guidance, I will continue my service to people.

12 comments June 30th, 2009