The emblem of Tamil Nadu with a temple tower is not in line with secular traditions of the State and needs to be changed, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi general secretary D. Ravikumar demanded in the Assembly on Thursday.
Participating in the debate on the budget proposals, he said a secular symbol, such as Tiruvalluvar, would more appropriately reflect the culture and inclusive nature of the State. The emblem should also have the catch line ‘ Pirapokkum ella uyirkum ' (meaning all lives are equal at birth). On the implementation of the Kalaignar Housing Scheme, under which all the poor will get houses, he said this should be based on the samuthuvapuram model. Or else, it would only accentuate the existing divides in villages. The idea should be to integrate villagers.
S. Vee. Sekar (unattached) wanted the aid under the marriage scheme to be given to beneficiaries within a week of submitting the application. While commending the scheme, he said there were complaints of delays in the beneficiaries receiving the payment. He also highlighted the plight of those awaiting appointment on compassionate grounds in the School Education Department.
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Vidiyal Sekar (Congress) wanted the government to make sure that farmers got remunerative price for their produce.
He also wanted the State to stop action against those who had not repaid non-farm loans.