It will meet and decide on new Secretariat complex
Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Monday described her Cabinet as a “good mix of old, experienced hands and new faces.”
Addressing reporters for the first time at Fort St George after assuming office, she told reporters that her endeavour had been to ensure that representation was given to all regions, religions, districts, castes and communities in the Cabinet. “I think I have succeeded in this to a great extent.”
To a question on the status of the new Secretariat-Assembly complex on the Omandurar Government Estate, she replied that the Cabinet would meet and take a decision.
To questions on her government's strategy to tackle power shortage and fiscal position of the State, she responded that her government needed time to review the working of each department.
On the nationalisation of private cable television distribution network, she said the issue had been included in her party's election manifesto. Steps would be taken at the earliest. A Minister had been appointed exclusively for the Department of Special Programme Implementation to ensure that electoral promises of her party were fulfilled.
Ms Jayalalithaa reiterated that in the last five years, the State had gone down in all spheres of life and there was a sense of fear among people. So, “we have to rebuild Tamil Nadu.”
Referring to the change of government, the Chief Minister said that in the State, “another freedom struggle” had taken place and “Tamil Nadu has been liberated.” She assured people that law and order would be effectively maintained and the quality of life of people would go up. “Tamil Nadu will become the State No. 1 in the country.”
The Chief Minister replied in the affirmative to a question whether she would go to New Delhi.
Around 6.45 p.m., Ms. Jayalalithaa went to the Fort to give her approval to seven proposals.
A large number of people, including government employees, were on the Fort premises to greet her on arrival. At some places, banners were put up by a government staff association, welcoming her visit to the Secretariat.
Keywords: Jayalalithaa Cabinet
Jaylalitha is capable of giving very good governance in Tamil Nadu if she does not allow herself to be influenced by people like Sasikala. I dont know why a very intelligent person like Jayalalitha does not understand this.
Only Karunanidhi to be blamed for this. Had she not declared free gifts in this election manifesto, there is a chance that she might not be in power today. She gave good governance in 2001-2006. Even Karunanidhi all these 5 years could not file a corruption case on her previous ruling. But people voted her out for free gifts in 2006 election. Poor people who expects this needs to be provided and slowly educated. Hope they will understand this by next election, as they did in this election not to vote for money. Jaya will certainly deliver good government this time too.
All said and done the new Government under the stewardship of Ms Jayalalitha is all set to perform well & good. But shifting the Assembly complex to Fort St George seems to be a hasty decision , as crores of Public money have been involved in the new complex and all this will go waste. There shd be a rethinking on this before late and this decision of shifting to old premises will bring bad name to the new Govt, no doubt.
I thought Jayalalitha will be a fresh air in TN politics. But her decision to give this free gifts will paralyse Tamil Nadu economy and make people lazy and officials corrupt. It is sad that no one thinks about the nation they are only interested in their chair and power.
Please Email the Editor