Latest news with #Pandian
New Indian Express
30-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
TNCSC delays Rs 600 crore paddy procurement payment to favour private entity: Farmers
MADURAI: Tamil Nadu Farmers Association president P R Pandian on Thursday said the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) has not paid the farmers yet for procuring Rs 600-crore-worth paddy two months ago. He accused Minister for Food and Civil Supplies R Sakkarapani of acting in favour of Arisi Koottamaippu — a private company through which the TNCSC has been procuring commodities from farmers in eight southern districts, except Madurai. During a press briefing in Madurai on Thursday, Pandian said the association would stage a black-flag protest against the minister, who has been deputed by the DMK to carry out election-related works in the region, unless the TNCSC pays the pending amount to the farmers in 10 days. 'Instead of making efforts to pay the farmers, Minister Sakkarapani allegedly attempted to safeguard the Arisi Kuttamaippu, which is owned by one Amrudeen Sheik Dawood,' he claimed. Further, Pandian said the TNCSC, which has been directly procuring paddy from the farmers since 1975, signed an agreement with said private company after the DMK came to power. As per policy, farmers must be paid within 48 hours of procurement, however, they have not been paid even after two months, he added. Responding to the allegations, Minister R Sakkarapani refused to make any comments to TNIE, saying he was unaware of Pandian's speech.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Farmer leader slams TN govt's farm scheme as eyewash, warns of protest
Madurai: Tamil Nadu All Farmers' Associations Coordination Committee president P R Pandian on Thursday criticised the state government's Uzhavarai Thedi scheme as an eyewash and condemned the entry of private players in paddy procurement. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking to reporters in Madurai, Pandian said the scheme, introduced to address farmers' grievances, had failed in implementation—particularly in Thiruvarur district, where just one assistant director in the agriculture department is assigned to 10 blocks. "Such vacancies exist across the state. This scheme is disappointing and lacks intent," he said. He accused the state government of favouring corporate interests over those of farmers. Citing the Tamil Nadu Land Consolidation (Special Projects) Act, 2023, Pandian alleged that private corporations were taking control of agricultural land and water bodies. "This is corporate slavery. Farmers who refuse to give up their land are facing police action," he charged. The committee has threatened a black flag protest against state Food and Civil Supplies Minister R Sakkarapani if pending payments to paddy farmers are not cleared immediately. "Direct procurement was handled by governments for decades, but now a private player has entered the system, and corruption is rampant. Payments have been delayed for three months," Pandian said, demanding cancellation of the private firm's permit. MSID:: 121493406 413 |
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Disburse pending paddy procurement dues to farmers
The Coordination Committee of All Farmers Associations of Tamil Nadu President P.R. Pandian on Thursday said that the procurement of paddy should be through the direct procurement centres and private agencies should not be involved in procurement. Speaking at a press meet held in Madurai, Mr. Pandian said that necessary steps should be taken to pay pending paddy procurement dues to farmers. The State government should also address the issues related to crop insurance, he said. He said that the State should withdraw the Tamil Nadu Land Consolidation (for Special Purposes) Act, 2023. Corporates in the name of development could grab the fertile agricultural lands and the waterbodies. The farmers should be protected and their grievance redressed, he said.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- The Hindu
Politics of the palm: A protest wrapped in a festival in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu's tryst with toddy, a byproduct of the State's official tree, the palmyra, has been steeped in complexity since the implementation of the Prohibition Act in 1937. For years now, toddy tappers have petitioned the government to legalise toddy, categorising it as a health drink. The government has steadily rejected the demand, continuing to criminalise the tapping of this product, all while several regimes have toyed with its legalisation. What might seem like a moot point to the rest of the State has had a direct impact on the lives of those who scale the rough trunk of a tree that thrives in barren landscapes. Think of a palm tree climber. A visual of a tired man with ropes around his hips and legs sweating profusely whilst a blazing sun shines, somehow emerges. A festival in Villupuram's Narasinganur titled Pana Kanavu Vizha [The Palmyra Dream Festival] village wished to change this narrative of a tired toddy tapper. On May 24, when an oppressive humidity took over the village and not a single blade of grass moved due to the stillness, around 2,000 people from different parts of the world, danced, performed martial arts, scaled the palm, drank padaneer and toddy, and chose to picnic, all whilst celebrating the palm. Although it seemed like a gala on the outside with fire dances and ice candy, the event concealed within its folds, a vociferous protest. Associations protecting the rights of toddy tappers from across the State, were present, providing monetary aid to the cause. D. Pandian, at the forefront of the Tamil Nadu Palm Tree Climbers Protection Association, is the convenor of the Pana Kanavu Vizha. The Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937, outlines the penalties that come with the extraction of toddy. It is a non-bailable offence, he says. For years now, the criticism that the government has raised against toddy tapping and its sale, especially since its classification as an alcoholic drink category after brief stints of government-run toddy shops in the 1970s and 1980s, is the adulteration. Pandian says that those brewing spurious liquor and adulteration deserve punishment. However, toddy tapping is an entirely different business. An article in The Hindu from September 30, 1970, shows that the demand has existed for years. 'A deputation of the Tamil Nadu Kal Venduvore Kazhagam, led by Dr. M. A. Karim, met the Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, on Tuesday and presented a memorandum pleading for exemption of toddy from the Prohibition Act,' the article says. 'They tell us that they do not know how to regulate or do quality checks of our products. We tell them to come with their equipment. We do not want to follow a model like that of Kerala's where toddy shops are run by the government. We do not want toddy shops at all. Those who grow and tap palm though, should be allowed to tap it and sell it to those who seek it,' he says. Toddy is usually tapped between December and May but peak season tends to be during summer months. Each tree produces between two and five litres of toddy and each litre is sold for ₹100 in a hush-hush way. Padaneer, another liquid byproduct of the tree, is priced at ₹120 because the tree requires a coating of alkaline before tapping. 'It is also far more effort to tap for padaneer,' says T. Vinayagam, district head of the association's Tiruvannamalai division. Until recently, the practice of paying off the police to tap toddy in a clandestine manner existed across the State. 'But why should we be criminalised for climbing a tree? Do you know the number of times the police have come and pulled our fathers and grandfathers off the trunk of the tree? It was horrific to watch. That's why there are so few tree climbers today,' says V. Ranjini, the head of the women's wing of the Tiruvannamalai district's association. Ranjini adds that the children as young as three, are given toddy as it is said to have several health benefits. An article from The Hindu dating back to July 2, 1931, by Colonel J N Chopra, from the School of Tropical Medicine, Calcutta, speaks of the vitamins benefits available in a toddy drink. Harris Karishma, who scales the palm treat with grace swears by the healing powers of toddy which she claims cleared her skin condition. It is a video of her inviting people to this festival that went viral on social media. 'Today, even climbing a tree is political but it is in my blood. That is not going to change,' she says.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From 15 years of friendship to forever: Here's how Vishal and Sai Dhanshika's romance blossomed
Actors Vishal and Sai Dhanshika surprised fans with a heartfelt announcement at the Yogi Da film event . The duo revealed that they are in love and are set to tie the knot on August 29, which also marks Vishal's birthday. Sai Dhanshika, speaking candidly on stage, shared that their bond began as a 15-year-long friendship, which eventually blossomed into love. 'When we started speaking more personally, it became clear to both of us that this relationship would end in marriage. So, we made the decision together,' she said. The wedding will follow the inauguration of the Nadigar Sangam building, which is scheduled for August 15. Vishal opens up: love, laughter, and mutual respect Vishal, too, spoke emotionally about their relationship. He revealed that his father shares a warm friendship with Sai Dhanshika and praised her as a wonderful person. With a touch of humor, he assured the audience that they won't be a comical couple like Vadivelu and Sarala Amma. Referring to the intense action scenes in 'Yogi Da,' he joked, 'The kicks come all the way to my head. I might have to learn from the Pandian Master how to block them.' He also added that they share a strong understanding, and he's invested himself completely in the relationship. Praise and partnership: Vishal applauds Dhanshika's strength Further praising Sai Dhanshika's talent, Vishal said, 'After Vijayashanthi, Dhanshika is the only actress who has performed action scenes so impressively.' He even remarked that although he calls himself an action hero, their household doesn't need external security; they both are capable of handling it themselves. His admiration and pride for her were evident throughout his speech. At the same time, Vishal also assured that Dhanshika will continue to act after marriage. A promise of laughter and love for life Concluding on a sweet note, Vishal said his biggest wish is to keep Dhanshika smiling forever. Their announcement has taken fans by surprise and added an emotional, celebratory touch to the 'Yogi Da' event. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
