10-05-2025
Govt. engineers turn to Namakku Naame Thittam to give alma mater a makeover
Even as Namakku Naame Thittam seems to be losing its charm among residents for implementing civic infrastructure projects, alumni who are engineers at GCC and various government departments have started facilitating the construction of infrastructure using the scheme at their alma mater.
'Engineers think that Namakku Naame Thittam of the State government has given alumni an opportunity to develop infrastructure in the college they formerly attended and shaped their dreams,' said an official of Chennai Corporation.
For instance, a project under Namakku Naame Thittam has been successfully implemented at Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi, Sivagangai District at a total project cost of Rs.99 lakh with alumni contribution of Rs.50.49 lakh and State government contribution of Rs.48.51 lakh.
More colleges are planning to utilise the scheme for implementing projects, GCC engineers and other government department officials have started sensitising their alumni association to utilise the scheme on college premises.
'Engineers who formerly attended the college shared 51% of the project cost while the State government provided 49%. So, the project was implemented by the alumni, without open tender,' said an official, who is a member of the Alumni Batch 1995–1999 of Alagappa Chettiar Government College of Engineering and Technology, Karaikudi, Sivagangai District.
As part of its silver jubilee, the Alumni Batch 1995–1999 of the college initiated and completed a 'Common Placement Centre' building with a ground floor spanning 3000 sq ft, for the benefit of current and future students of their alma mater using the Namakku Naame Thittam.
'The initiative was made possible through a visionary partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu under the Namakku Naame Thittam, a forward-thinking scheme that empowers communities to actively participate in the development of public infrastructure. The project was completed with a total cost of Rs.99 lakh, of which the alumni generously contributed Rs.49.5 lakh, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the college's growth and the future of its students,' said an official.
'The Namakku Naame Thittam stands as a beacon of participatory governance, enabling alumni, citizens, and local communities to directly strengthen public infrastructure. By increasing funding each year, the government continues to expand the reach and impact of this initiative, fostering a sense of ownership, pride, and deeper engagement between the people and the administration,' said the official.
'We sincerely hope this inspiring model encourages alumni groups across the state to undertake similar initiatives, furthering the development of their schools and colleges, and contributing to a stronger, more self-reliant Tamil Nadu,' said another official.
