‘85 pc new med seats reserved for TN students’

Laying the foundation stone for the new government medical college cum hospital in Namakkal, (built for Rs 338.76 crore), Palaniswami further said the remaining 15 per cent will be filled under the All India quota.

Pointing out that former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa had set up six government medical colleges, Palaniswami said after her demise, the state has got 11 medical colleges within a year. Before 2011, there were only 1,945 medical seats and during Jaya’s rule, 885 new seats were created. “By following her footsteps, this government got 350 additional seats last year. And with the Centre granting permission for 11 new medical colleges, the State has 1,650 seats. In two years alone, 2,000 more seats were created,” he said.

Hailing the industrial spirit of the district, the CM said, “Tamil Nadu gets 90 per cent of poultry and eggs from the district. It also remains in the forefront in lorry and rig business. There are about 60,000 Lorries in the district. Textile and sago production is also high.” He gave away welfare aid to the tune of Rs 134.37 crore to 33,141 beneficiaries. He also inaugurated nine government buildings constructed at Rs 34.36 lakh and laid foundation for eight new projects at Rs 1,167 crore. Palaniswami also participated in the inaugural function of Periyar University Arts and Science College and said TN has been in the forefront in regard to higher studies. “During DMK rule in 2011, 34% students were pursuing higher education. Now, it is 49%,” he said.