Latest news with #M.Karunanidhi
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Will approach court if assent not given to establish college in Kalaignar's name: Higher Education Minister
The Tamil Nadu government will seek legal recourse, if necessary, to obtain the Governor's assent to a resolution passed in the Assembly to establish a college in memory of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in Kumbakonam, Higher Education Minister Govi. Chezhiaan said here on Monday. Speaking at a book release event at his official residence, Mr. Chezhiaan stated that he and the Higher Education Secretary had sought an appointment with the Governor to discuss this issue but did not receive a response. 'If the assent is not given soon, the CM has already stated that we will approach the court and seek assent,' he told reporters. He stated that the State government had attempted to contact the Governor by phone and had also written to him, but there was no response. 'The reason is he squirms when he hears the name of Kalaignar, or Tamil or Semmozhi. The people of Tamil Nadu know about this trait well.' He recalled that the Supreme Court had already laid down guidelines for the Governor's actions based on a case filed by the Tamil Nadu government.
Hans India
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
M Karunanidhi's statue defaced in Tamil Nadu's Salem, probe launched
Chennai: Miscreants defaced a statue of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi by splashing black paint on it in Tamil Nadu's Salem district, triggering widespread condemnation and unrest among locals and political cadres. The incident came to light early in the morning when passersby noticed the 16-foot-tall bronze statue, located prominently in front of Anna Park in the city, had been defaced. Black paint was found splattered on the statue's chest and legs, suggesting that the act was carried out during the night or in the early hours of Tuesday. As news of the desecration spread, DMK party members and supporters gathered near the statue in large numbers and staged a protest demanding swift action against those responsible. Local police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. Senior officers visited the spot, assessed the damage, and assured the crowd that a thorough investigation would be carried out. Based on preliminary findings, police believe the act was intentional and meant to provoke political tensions. CCTV footage from the vicinity is being scrutinised to identify the culprits. Officials said that multiple teams have been formed to trace those involved and ascertain the motive behind the act. The desecration of Karunanidhi's statue, a figure revered by many for his decades-long service to the state and his role in shaping Tamil Nadu's Dravidian political movement, has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders across the spectrum. DMK leaders strongly condemned the incident, calling it an insult not only to the party but to Tamil Nadu's political legacy. In response, police have stepped up security around statues of political leaders across the city to prevent any retaliatory acts or further unrest. The defaced statue has since been cleaned, and local authorities have initiated steps to restore it fully. A case has been registered, and further investigations are underway. Police have appealed to the public to maintain peace.
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
How a high-level panel laid the blueprint for inclusive Archaka appointments to Tamil Nadu's HR&CE temples
Nearly 55 years ago, on December 2, 1970, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a historic amendment to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Act, 1959, formally abolishing the hereditary priesthood system and opening the doors for qualified individuals from all castes to become temple priests. However, the intent of this reform was not fully realised due to the absence of a clear framework and persistent legal challenges. Although the amended provisions came into effect the following year, no enabling mechanism was put in place to ensure the appointment of trained Archakas (temple priests). The matter continued to face judicial scrutiny until the Supreme Court, in its 2002 ruling in the N. Adithayan vs Travancore Devaswom Board case, held that caste-based restrictions on the appointment of Archakas were unconstitutional, emphasising that only qualification and training should determine eligibility. On May 23, 2006, soon after the M. Karunanidhi government was formed in Tamil Nadu, it chose to act on this Supreme Court order. The government issued an order allowing any Hindu, regardless of caste, to become an Archaka in temples administered by the HR&CE department, provided they had the required training. To implement this order, it constituted a seven-member high-level committee on June 10, 2006, under the chairmanship of Justice (Retired) A.K. Rajan. The committee was tasked with framing recommendations regarding the age and education criteria, syllabus design, training duration, and suitable locations for setting up Archaka training institutes. Course of action The committee undertook an extensive consultative process. It held regular meetings, engaged with heads of various Mutts and Agama scholars, and studied the functioning of private training centres. Field visits to major temples were conducted to interact with practising Archakas and gather insights. The committee also reviewed the legal provisions governing Archaka appointments. It noted that while the HR&CE Act, 1959, does not lay down specific qualifications for the post, Rule 12 of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious Institutions (Officers and Servants) Service Rules provides guidance for such appointments. The committee also referred to a series of Supreme Court judgments, including the Seshammal case (1972), Narayana Dikshitalu case (1996), and Adithayan case (2002), that affirmed the primacy of Agamic rules in temples constructed or maintained according to Agamic traditions. The committee extensively examined various Agamas and observed in its review that nowhere in the Agamas, it is stated that only persons of a particular caste can perform pujas. There is no authority supporting caste-based restrictions on who can serve as Archakas in Saivite, Vaishnavite, or Amman temples. Pointing out that a particular caste or descendants of a particular caste had been performing pujas in the past, it cannot be said that they alone have the right to perform pujas, the committee observed, adding the essential qualification for an Archaka is knowledge of Agama practices specific to the temple, the correct method of performing rituals (including daily and special poojas), and mastery of the required mantras. Eligibility criteria Proficiency in temple procedures, from opening to closing, is considered the core eligibility criterion. However, the committee observed that denominational alignment remains necessary. It said only Saivites should serve in Saivite temples and Vaishnavites in Vaishnavite temples. The committee laid down elaborate eligibility criteria for Hindus from all castes to be appointed as Archakas. It suggested that candidates seeking admission to Archaka training centres should be between 14 and 24 years of age and have completed Class VIII to serve in HR&CE managed temples. A separate training institute was proposed for individuals above 24 years to facilitate them in undergoing training to serve in temples outside the HR&CE control. They should have completed Class V. The committee recommended establishing Saivite training centres in Chennai, Madurai, Palani, Tiruchendur, Kumbakonam, Thiruvannamalai, and Perur. Vaishnavite centres were proposed for Chennai, Srirangam, Kancheepuram, Alagarkoil (Madurai), and Srivilliputhur. A special centre for trainees above 24 years of age was suggested at Tiruchirapalli. A one-year training course would qualify candidates to serve as basic Archakas in small temples or assistants in larger temples. A more advanced three-year course would be required to perform elaborate rituals and special pujas. Saivite Archakas will be classified as Archaka, Gurukal, and Senior Gurukal, while Vaishnavite Archakas as Bala Pattar, Pattar, and Pattacharyar. Those with one-year training may serve as Archakas/Bala Pattars in small temples or assist in larger temples under senior guidance. Three-year trained individuals may serve as Gurukals/Pattars, handling all rituals under the supervision of senior Archakas. Senior Gurukal/Pattacharyar will be a promotional post, based on experience and seniority. Trainees must maintain strict discipline, including vegetarianism, abstention from alcohol, and wearing simple white attire or a standard uniform during the training period, the committee said. The syllabus proposed by the committee includes training in Agamic procedures, Tamil devotional literature, Grantham, astrology, temple duties, and social values. The curriculum prioritises Tamil as the language of worship and instruction, while ensuring that Sanskrit texts are translated and taught. Training modules would be tailored for one-year, three-year, and refresher courses with a focus on practical ritual performance. Examinations will be conducted annually by the Commissioner for one-year, three-year, and refresher courses, with separate patterns for Saivite and Vaishnavite sections. Certificates and degrees issued will qualify candidates for appointment as Archakas in HR&CE-managed temples, including those from recognised private institutions. Existing Archakas without formal certification need only complete the refresher course to continue service, the committee said. It also insisted that admissions must follow the communal reservation policy of the Tamil Nadu government. To support trainees aged below 24 years, the committee recommended a monthly stipend of ₹500, along with food, uniforms, and accommodation, free of cost. Following the committee's report, between 2007 and 2008, 206 individuals from various castes were trained as priests for major Saivite and Vaishnavite temples. However, the training programme was discontinued after the first batch graduated. Nearly a decade later, T. Marichamy became the first among the trained priests to be appointed by the HR&CE department, taking charge at the Ayyappan Temple in Tallakulam, Madurai.
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
During Emergency, Tamil Nadu exceeded vasectomy targets under family planning programme
One of the most disturbing features of the infamous Emergency (1975-77) in India was the sterilisation drive across the country to enforce population control. In several States, there were complaints of forcible sterilisation of men, irrespective of whether they had fathered a child or not. In Tamil Nadu there were no cases of forced sterilisation. Nonetheless, the State did well in meeting its targets. The Shah Commission of Inquiry, constituted by the Morarji Desai government to probe into Emergency excesses in the country, noted that during 1975-76, Tamil Nadu exceeded the sterilisation targets fixed by the government of India, the performance being 2,70,691 vasectomy surgeries during 1975-76 against a target of 2,11,300. In the year 1976-77, 5,69,756 surgeries were performed as against the given target of five lakhs. The M. Karunanidhi government was dismissed in January 1976, seven months after Emergency was promulgated. 'The target of five lakhs set by the Government of India for 1976-77 was raised by the State Government to six lakhs. The State's target was distributed among the different districts and these were further broken down into targets for the blocks, municipalities etc. Field workers appointed by the State Government exclusively for family welfare work were given specific monthly targets e.g. 10 sterilisation cases to each Block Extension Educator/Family Welfare Health Inspector, 5 cases to each Health Visitor and one case to each Auxiliary Nurse Mid-wife,' the Shah Commission noted in its third and final report. The District Collector was given overall charge and control of the entire family planning programme in the district and was empowered to exercise administrative control over the field staff insofar as they related to the implementation of the family planning programme. Disincentives 'Some disincentives for Government servants, employees of local bodies and cooperatives were introduced vide Health and Family Planning Department's G.O. dated September 17, 1976. Subject to exceptions specified in the order, the disincentives contemplated restriction of facilities such as free medical attendance, maternity leave with pay to women employees and maternity benefits to wives of men employees, to the first three children only,' the Commission noted. Government servants having two children or less or who had got themselves/their spouses sterilised were assured preferential treatment in the matter of grant of government housing loans; loans for purchase of scooter, motor car etc.; assignment of house sites and; allotment of houses by the Tamil Nadu Housing Board. The Order also envisaged that an undertaking would be obtained from the new entrants to government service that they would restrict the number of children to two except in the case of those government servants having both children of the same sex. In that event, they could have one more child. They were also expected to furnish an annual statement about the family size etc. to the Head of Office. Some of these disincentives were, however, withdrawn in April 1977 and the rest in September 1977. Role of school teachers The Commission pointed out the services of school teachers were sought to be utilised for motivational work among the public. In September 1976, the Education Department informed the Director of School Education that every teacher must get a minimum of two cases for sterilisation during the year. 'While there should be no compulsion on the part of either the motivator or the acceptor, the teacher should take active interest in this vital programme and try to exceed the target,' it said. According to the order, fulfilment of the targets would lead to commendation entries in the Character Rolls of the teachers concerned. Other incentives would take the shape of certificates of merit, appropriate cash awards and advance increments for outstanding contribution and State-level awards for the maximum motivational targets achieved. Punitive action At the same time, it was brought to the notice of the State government at the Parliamentary Consultative Committee meeting held at Madurai on December 7, 1976 during the President's Rule, that disciplinary action had been taken en masse against the teachers and staff other than Health and Family Planning staff for their failure to achieve the Family Planning targets fixed by the Commissioners of Panchayat Unions and others. There were also allegations that circulars had been issued by overzealous Panchayat Union Commissioners for suspension/dismissal of the teachers for failure to bring cases of sterilisation. 'The Commissioner and the Secretary, Health and Family Planning Department, therefore, wrote to the Heads of the Departments concerned on December 8, 1976 requesting them to issue strict instructions to the Commissioners of Panchayat Unions and other executive authorities to withdraw all circulars threatening action against teachers etc. for non-fulfilment of the targets assigned to them,' the Commission noted. He also desired that persons who had been placed under suspension or had been dismissed from service on account of their failure to achieve family planning targets should immediately be restored to duty in the posts in which they were employed prior to their suspension/dismissal etc. The Shah Commission said the State government had submitted there was no organised resistance to the family planning programme during the Emergency nor was any person detained under MISA/DISIR or any other law for opposing the family planning programme. However, the State government did not furnish information on the number of cases of sterilisation of unmarried persons, persons having two or less children and persons more than 55 years of age. Nonetheless, it told the Commission that 90 cases of death after sterilisation had been reported during the period Emergency.
The Hindu
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Tourism stakeholders pitch for reopening the TTDC Hotel at Tharangambadi
Tourism stakeholders and civic representatives have urged the State government to reopen the long-defunct TTDC hotel in Tharangambadi, highlighting the lack of affordable accommodation in the heritage town, which discourages budget travellers from staying overnight. Tharangambadi, once a thriving Danish trading outpost, remains a prominent heritage tourism destination — known for its colonial architecture, historic churches, and the ancient Masilamaninathar temple — and continues to attract both domestic and international visitors on a daily basis. The TTDC hotel, built in 2000 and inaugurated by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, functioned under the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department until it was closed in 2017, reportedly because of poor revenue performance. It was briefly leased to a private hospitality group, which used it for limited events and parking before returning the property without maintenance. Since then, the hotel has remained locked, despite Tharangambadi seeing a steady stream of tourists — particularly on weekends. With only high-end private hotels operating, overnight stay in the town remains inaccessible to middle-income and student travellers. 'If restored, this TTDC hotel would be the only affordable public lodging in Tharangambadi, where only premium hotels charging exorbitant rates currently operate,' said Pon. Rajendran, Vice-Chairman of the Tharangambadi Town Panchayat. 'Many tourists leave the same day due to high cost. Reopening this facility would promote inclusive tourism,' Mr. Rajendran said. The State government allocated ₹4.5 crore for the hotel's renovation in the 2024–25 tourism budget, to be implemented through the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation. However, work has not started yet. Official sources from the TTDC said restoration work would begin shortly and was expected to be completed within a year.
