In an attempt to understand the genuine unfulfilled demands of various sections of the society, the Draivda Munnetra Kazhagam’s manifesto committee received suggestions from farmers, fishermen, entrepreneurs and industrialists here on Saturday.
The Committee, led by former Union Minister T.R. Baalu, received the suggestions, which may be included in the DMK’s manifesto for next Assembly polls.
The farmers, in their petition, suggested that highest priority should be accorded to linking of all rivers of Tamil Nadu which would provide the right solution for tackling flood-related and drought-related problems, mostly being faced by the agriculturists.
In its petition, the DMK’s west district unit said the Tirunelveli district should be bifurcated into two and a new district with Tenkasi as its capital should be formed.
A government engineering college at Tenkasi should be set up. Work on the Tirunelveli – Tenkasi four-laning should be expedited and the DMK should exert pressure on the Centre to release additional funds for the early completion of Shencottah – Punalur railway track.
Fishermen
The fishermen, in their petition, said 25 per cent of the total seats in the courses being offered by Tamil Nadu Fisheries University should be reserved for the wards of fishermen.
Besides waiving the sales tax being slapped on the outboard engines of the country boats, 750 engines should be sanctioned to Tirunelveli, Tuticorin and Kanyakumari districts every year.
Manifesto committee members V.P. Duraisamy, Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan, Thangam Thennarasu, Ramaiya and N.R. Elango were present.
