State is in forefront in many development indicators, says Chief Minister M.K. Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin highlights state's achievements in development, education, and scouting movement at various events.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday said that Tamil Nadu was at the forefront of all aspects of development and, as per a recently released NITI Aayog report, topped in 17 parameters in the country.

Delivering an address at the Bharat Scouts and Guides Diamond Jubilee, and Kalaignar Centenary jamboree at the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) complex near Manapparai, he said that Tamil Nadu introduced the Illam Thedi Kalvi scheme to mitigate educational setbacks owing to the prolonged closure of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. It resulted in a sharp increase in the pass percentage in Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) and the Plus-Two examinations. The achievement was mentioned in the Economic Survey tabled in Parliament a few days ago, and received accolades, he pointed out.

Similarly, he said, the State was leading in the Bharat Scouts and Guides movement. There were 80 lakh students in the movement, and of them, 12 lakh were from Tamil Nadu. This proved that the share of the State was always high in any indicator. It had successfully conducted the jamboree, marking the start of the diamond jubilee of the Bharat Scouts and Guides. The State had made a mark by accommodating over 20,000 participants from various countries and the States, he added.

To further strengthen the movement, the State government would construct a building at a cost of ₹10 crore to house the headquarters for the scouts and guides. It would focus on expanding the base for the movement by imparting training to teachers and spreading the principles of the movement to enrol more students, the Chief Minister said. Mr. Stalin further said that love for the people was real patriotism. Hence, patriotism should transcend from love for the land into love for the people. Unity among people across the country — from Kanniyakumari to Kashmir — played a key role in the country’s Independence. The people should not give up the spirit of unity. The scouts and guides should not only learn the nuances and principles of the movement, but also follow them in letter and spirit, he added.

Listing the achievements of the State’s School Education Department, Mr. Stalin hailed the role played by Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi for the success of the jamboree. Ministers K.N. Nehru, S.S. Sivasankar, Govi. Chezhiaan, T.R.B. Rajaa, and Siva Meyyanathan were present. K.K. Khandewal, Chief National Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides, said Mr. Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi had been selected for the Silver Elephant award, and Tiruchi Collector M. Pradeep Kumar for the Silver Star award of the movement.

Earlier, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin paid an unscheduled visit to memorials to Justice Party leader A.T. Panneerselvam, Perumpidugu Mutharayar and M.K. Thyagaraja Bhagavathar in Tiruchi, and inspected them, shortly after landing at the Tiruchi airport. He directed Mr. Kumar to take steps to put up portraits of the late personalities along with descriptions of their lives, and contributions to society.

The Chief Minister further instructed him to keep the premises clean by removing the bushes, and arranging flower pots.