Latest news with #S.M.Nasar
The Hindu
09-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu government opens help desk for the Tamils stranded in Jammu and Kashmir
In view of the rising tensions and hostilities in Jammu and Kashmir after Operation Sindoor was launched, the Tamil Nadu government has opened a help desk in the Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi to offer the Tamils information, help, and rescue. This is in line with the instructions of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Meanwhile, 52 Tamil Nadu students, studying at educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, and four others on a trip to the region have requested the government for help in returning home. Minister S.M. Nasar and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Board chairperson Karthikeya Sivasenapathy have spoken to these students on the phone. As the flight services have been cancelled and it is considered unsafe to travel by road in Jammu and Kashmir, 'a majority of the students have felt that they will return to Tamil Nadu once the flight services resume,' the government said a release. 'The government has been continuously monitoring the situation. Once the situation became safe, the students would be brought to Tamil Nadu,' it said. Another four students, who were on an educational tour to Jammu and Kashmir, would reach Delhi by road on Friday evening, and they would be brought to Tamil Nadu in the early hours of Saturday, the release said. The helpline numbers are: 011-24193300 (landline), 9289516712 (mobile number with WhatsApp), 1800 309 3793, +91 80 6900 9900, and +91 80 6900 9901. The Chief Minister has ordered that top priority be given to the safety and immediate return of the students, Mr. Sivasenapathy said. The Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Board was coordinating with the institutional authorities and local officials to ensure prompt action, he said. 'We have spoken to the Director and Assistant Director of NIFT, Srinagar, and to Thiru Aftab, IAS, a native of Kashmir and official of the Tamil Nadu cadre now overseeing development efforts in the region. He has assured us that once the situation stabilises, students will be brought back safely and at the earliest,' he said.
The Hindu
29-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu government to support pilgrimage of Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs
The Tamil Nadu government would support the pilgrimage of Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs and would extend them subsidy similar to those offered to Muslims and Christians, Minister for Minorities Welfare S.M. Nasar announced in the Assembly on Tuesday. During his reply to the debate on the demand for grants for Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department for 2025-25, Mr. Nasar said a subsidy of ₹10,000 each would be extended to 120 individuals a year. Of the 120, 50 would be Buddhists, 50 would be Jains and 20 would be Sikhs, Mr. Nasar said. He also announced that the State government would extend subsidy to support Buddhist pilgrimage to Deekshabhoomi in Nagpur. About 150 pilgrims to get a subsidy of ₹5,000 each every year. Mr. Nasar also announced that the State government would formulate a new programme to offer financial assistance to support the higher education of 10 students from the minority communities. The Minister announced that an additional Muslim Women Aid Society would be set up in Chennai, Tirunelveli, Karur and Sivaganga districts. A Christian Women Aid Society would be set up in Tirunelveli, Villupuram and Thanjavur districts, he said.
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Waqf tribunal being established in Madurai, says T.N. Minister
The Tamil Nadu government is taking steps to establish a Waqf tribunal in Madurai for the benefit of those in the southern districts of the State, Minister for Minorities and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare S.M. Nasar said in the Assembly on Tuesday (April 22, 2025). A G.O. was issued in March this year to create 13 posts in the Waqf tribunal in Madurai, the Minister said during the Question Hour in the House, replying to a query by Papanasam MLA M.H. Jawahirullah. As for Mr. Jawahirullah's request for setting up tribunals in Coimbatore and Tiruchi, the Minister said that if it was found to be a necessity, the Chief Minister would be consulted in this regard. The Tamil Nadu government constituted Tamil Nadu Waqf Tribunal in 2018 for the determination of any disputes relating to Waqf or Waqf properties, as per Section 83 of the Waqf Act, 1995. The tribunal consists of a district judge as chairman, an officer from the State Civil Services, equivalent in rank to that of the Additional District Magistrate, as a member, and one person with knowledge in Muslim law and jurisprudence as another member. To another query by Mr. Jawahirullah, whether the State government would come forward to issue pattas to dargahs, mosques, and madrasaas on Waqf properties, the Minister said that the Revenue Secretary has sought for comments from the Commissioner of Land Administration and the Director of Survey and Settlement in this regard. Mr. Jawahirullah also requested for a long-term lease for Waqf properties that have been lying unused, so that educational institutions or hospitals could be established there. Though the Board could provide lease for only three years, the government could issue long-term leases, he pointed out. The Minister said: 'If applications seeking long-term leases of Waqf properties were made, they would be considered, and based on their eligibility, long-term leases would be granted under relevant rules. The issue would be brought to the notice of the Chief Minister and he would be consulted for further action.'
