Dalit settlements no longer colonies: Stalin

Time of India

29-04-2025

Chennai: Chief minister M K Stalin on Tuesday announced that the word 'colony' will be removed from all govt records and public usage. He described it as a symbol of discrimination against the indigenous people of the land and a term now associated with untouchability. Colonies refer to segregated residential areas in villages inhabited by dalits.
The announcement came during Stalin's speech during the debate on demand for grants for the home department in the assembly. He said the govt decided to act because the word was now being used in a derogatory sense. Stalin further stated that Sept 6 will be observed as 'Police Day' in Tamil Nadu.
Responding to opposition criticism of the law-and-order situation in the state, Stalin issued a sharp rebuttal. "This is not Manipur, this is not Kashmir. There are no deaths like the UP Kumbh Mela. This is Tamil Nadu. Don't forget that," he said.
Stalin said Tamil Nadu's overall growth was rooted in its peaceful atmosphere, crediting the police force for maintaining law and order. He said while ministers and officials contribute to progress, the state's development is built on the foundation of peace. "A peaceful state supports industrial growth, education, empowerment of women and youth, sports, and increased production," Stalin said, commending the police for helping the state avoid major riots, violence, and unrest.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here]
Esseps
Learn More
Undo
He urged the police force not only to reduce crime but also to work towards preventing it.
"Preventing crime is not the responsibility of the police alone. It requires the cooperation of the public," he said.
Calling on citizens to respect the law and practise self-discipline, Stalin said the public must avoid negligence and take active steps to prevent crime.
He reminded police officers to treat people with respect and avoid letting personal biases affect their conduct. "Police and public must function as partners to maintain peace," he said.
Stalin went on to list several achievements of his govt, including the elimination of dropouts in middle schools and a 9.69% growth rate projected for 2024–25.
Comparing govt's challenges to a person trapped from all sides, the chief minister said, "Like a man with a snake above, foxes below, a moat if he jumps, and a wall if he runs, the state govt has achieved progress by overcoming Union govt on one side, governor on another and financial crunch on another side.
"This is not the achievement of one person named Stalin. This is the result of the efforts of my cabinet and officials," he said.
"This is not a party's govt. It is a govt based on a philosophy."
He ended his speech by saying, "Whatever achievement was witnessed so far is only Part-I of the Dravidian model govt. Version 2.0 is loading for 2026. We will create more records then," he said.