Privatisation only way to keep Chennai clean: GCC Mayor R Priya
Her remarks came in response to a question from CPI councillor M Renuka, who raised concerns over Chennai's sharp fall in the Swachh Survekshan state rankings – from fifth last year to 104th this year. The mayor, however, assured the council that no sanitary worker would lose their job due to privatisation.
She said comparisons to Indore, which consistently tops in the Swachh Survekshan rankings, were unfair due to differences in population size, adding that Mumbai would be a more fitting benchmark. Taking a dig at Left parties, Priya said, 'You (CPI and CPM) continue to oppose privatisation but expect cleanliness.'
Councillor Renuka, however, pointed out that toilet maintenance remains poor despite privatisation. AIADMK councillor J John also opposed the privatisation move, urging the corporation to regularise workers hired under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), as promised by Chief Minister MK Stalin during the 2021 elections. He pointed out disparities in pay, with NULM workers earning `23,000, while private workers earn only `15,000.
Both John and Renuka also raised concerns over the shortage of teachers in corporation schools, especially for Tamil, social science, and physical education.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
ECI has become subservient to BJP: CPI
Krishnagiri: State CPI secretary R Mutharasan on Sunday said the Election Commission of India (ECI) had become subservient to the BJP . "If the ECI does not operate independently, it poses a serious threat to democracy," he said on the sidelines of the party's 25th district conference that was held at Thaly here on the day. Addressing the media, Mutharasan expressed concerns over the removal of 26 lakh voters from the list in Bihar. "Likewise, there are attempts to remove voters in Tamil Nadu as well," he claimed and stated there was a malicious effort to enrol all the removed Bihar voters, who have migrated to TN, in the state's voter list. "We condemn this move," he said and urged the ECI to operate democratically and independently. The conference was chaired by Thaly MLA T Ramachandran, and attended by party officials and volunteers, including Rajya Sabha member to the conference, a parade featuring more than 10,000 party cadres was conducted after hoisting the party flag. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
While in power AIADMK surrendered T.N.'s autonomy by backing Centre's policies: Stalin
DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday charged the AIADMK with having 'surrendered' Tamil Nadu's autonomy during its previous rule by supporting the Centre's policies such as the NEET and the UDAY scheme. He accused AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami of 'betraying' the people of Tamil Nadu by aligning with the BJP. In a letter to his party cadre, Mr. Stalin alleged that the BJP-led government at the Centre allocated meagre funding to Tamil, the first language in India to be recognised as a Classical Language, while allocating several crores of rupees for Sanskrit. 'Through the National Education Policy, 2020, the Centre attempts to impose Hindi. The scientifically established cultural glory of Tamils, based on the findings of the Keeladi excavation, is being deliberately withheld by the Union Government,' he said. Mr. Stalin urged the cadre to honour the legacy of DMK patriarch and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi by participating in a tribute rally on August 7, the latter's death anniversary, towards his memorial at Marina beach in Chennai and to pledge their commitment to securing victory in the 2026 Assembly election. Recalling Karunanidhi's initiatives for the uplift of the poor and society as a whole, he said: 'Carrying forward his legacy, our Dravidian Model government has implemented schemes such as the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, Naan Mudhalvan, Pudhumai Penn, Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, and Innuyir Kappom. Several States across the country have followed our initiative.'
The Hindu
2 hours ago
- The Hindu
17 eminent personalities receive Loyola Alumni Award 2025 as part of centenary celebrations
A total of 17 eminent personalities on Sunday received the Loyola Alumni Award - 2025 as part of the Centenary celebrations. Delivering the presidential address, Loyola Alumni Association president G. Viswanathan said, 'If you get a seat in Loyola, it is not an ordinary thing, because this can take you to any heights in life. For example, I came here as a boy from a village in 1957. As I studied in the Tamil medium, it was difficult for me (in Loyola). After four years, when I left Loyola, I was an orator. I was representing Loyola in intercollegiate debates. I follow the same discipline in VIT University that I was taught in Loyola College, and we are very successful. If at all, there is any credit, it should go to Loyola College.' Loyola College Rector Rev. Fr. Antony Robinson presented the awards and pointed to the role played by Loyola College in educating the poor and marginalised students, so that they have a dignified life. The recipients of awards include: Professional Excellence Award - 2025, former High Court Chief Justice R. Sudhakar, Meleveetil Damodaran IAS, P. Wilson MP Rajya Sabha; Service Excellence Award - 2025 - S. Davidson Devasirvatham IPS, J. Premanand IRS; Guiding Light of the Year Award - 2025, Media Development Foundation and Asian College of Journalism Chairman Sashi Kumar and educationist V.M. Muralidharan; Business Leader of the Year Award - 2025 - Sarath Reddy; Research Excellence Award - 2025 Dr. V. Mohan; Global Excellence Award - 2025, M. Raghuraman; Sporting Excellence Award – 2025 -Viswanathan Anand and Sharath Kamal; Creative Excellence Award - 2025 - Gayatri Pushkar, Vijay Antony and Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi; Friends of Loyola Award - G.K. Vasan MP (RS) and Reji Abraham.
