Growth of few biz tycoons does not constitute development: Stalin

COIMBATORE: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday said that growth of few business tycoons does not constitute development, but it should be an overall development of all businesses, all entrepreneurs, all districts and entire society.

“The aim of this Dravidan Model rule is to ensure an inclusive growth of all departments, all districts, all sections of people and society. That is the growth envisioned by Periyar, Anna, and Kalaignar, which the DMK government has been implementing,” he said while addressing a large gathering in Perundurai in Erode district.

Further, Stalin said the Dravidian model of government in Tamil Nadu has been a guiding force for all other states in India.

“Other states are following pioneering schemes like free bus pass travel, ‘makkalai thedi maruthuvam’ and ‘illam thedi kalvi’. The reservation policy brought to ensure social justice is emulated by other states. The need for state autonomy was also raised by Dravidian ‘Iyakkam’,” he said.

Stalin said that paddy production has reached a record high in the last 20 years in Tamil Nadu due to measures taken by the DMK regime.

“Last year, paddy production grew by 1.04 lakh metric tonnes. This year, the production rose further to 1.22 lakh metric tonne, which is an increase by 18 lakh metric tonne. This achievement was possible as Tamil Nadu was the first state to present a separate budget for agriculture. Traditional paddy seeds were given to farmers at 50 per cent subsidy. In Delta districts, ‘samba’ and ‘kuruvai’ package plans were implemented. Water was released in advance from Mettur reservoir for kuruvai cultivation. And, canals were desilted to ensure water reached tail end areas,” he said adding, increase in paddy production reflects the prosperity of Tamil Nadu and future growth of state.

Another victory for the Dravidan model of government in Tamil Nadu, Stalin said, is that of the High Court upholding the all caste ‘archakas’ policy of Tamil Nadu government to ensure social justice. Stalin also inspected and directed authorities to speed up and complete the Avinashi- Athikadavu project in a few months.

At the function, the Chief Minister gave welfare assistance worth Rs 16,750 crore to 63,858 beneficiaries, commissioned 135 completed projects at Rs 26,157 crore and laid foundation for 1761 works at Rs 18,370 crore.