Panel to be set up to implement G.O.44

By Radha Venkatesan

CHENNAI, NOV. 6. Amid Opposition criticism of a `sleeping regime' in Tamil Nadu, the State Cabinet met today to give approval for setting up a high-level committee to implement the pro-Dalit G.O.44 providing for filling vacancies for SC\STs at all levels in government departments.

The committee would be headed by the Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister, Mr. V. Subramaniam, and would comprise secretaries of all departments.

Implementation of the G0 44 withdrawn by the DMK regime was a key election promise of the AIADMK. Nearly six months after assuming charge, the AIADMK Government has decided to set up the committee.

After a nearly two-hour-long meeting, the Chief Minister, Mr. O. Paneerselvam told the media today that the committee would come up with measures to implement the GO 44.

The Cabinet had also taken another crucial decision to facilitate pledging of housing pattas given free by the Government to the poor. As of now, the pattas cannot be pledged to obtain loans from banks.

The poor people who were given free pattas, would also be given exemption from paying stamp duty and registration fee, the Chief Minister said.

Refuting the Opposition criticism that his Government was not functioning and files kept piling up, Mr. Paneerselvam asserted that there was no stagnation of files. ``They are moving fast''.

Asked about the financial crisis, he said the `useless schemes' conceived by the previous Karunanidhi regime were responsible for the mess. While the erstwhile Jayalalithaa regime left behind a cash reserve of over Rs. 600 crores in 1996, the DMK regime wiped out the reserves. The AIADMK regime was taking measures to increase revenue and bring down administrative expenditure.

As for the Centre's proposed ordinance to prevent terrorist activities (POTO), the Chief Minister said the State Government would strictly implement it, if issued.

Asked whether the Government would increase power tariff and bus fare in view of the financial crisis, he said the Cabinet had not discussed the issue. However, a decision would be taken, depending on the emerging situation.

As for the World Bank condition for providing loans for welfare schemes, that free power supply be withdrawn, Mr. Paneerselvam said the bank was generally opposed to providing subsidies. However, the Government would take a decision without affecting the common man.

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Section  : Southern States
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