E-pass may stay as CM says it helps track people’s movement

However, the relaxations in e-pass scheme was announced keeping in mind the people’s welfare, the Chief Minister said while explaining in detail measures initiated by the government to tackle the virus.

The CM’s insistence that people should apply for e-passes only if there was absolutely necessity for travel comes at a time when the Centre has directed the States to ease restrictions on the inter-state movement of people and goods

Among other things, Palaniswami said cargo operations would soon commence from the Cuddalore port, which is being upgraded at a cost of Rs 135 crore.

Later in the day, the Chief Minister, who visited Nagapattinam, announced that a mega food processing park would be set up in the district at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore.

Addressing the gathering at the Collectorate after reviewing the measures taken to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the CM said the state was making big strides in agriculture and healthcare despite the pandemic. “All farm activities are progressing without any disruption,” he said.

Amid the pandemic, about 28 lakh tonnes of paddy has been procured from farmers in delta districts, which is a historic achievement, he said, adding, the quantum was 5 lakh tonnes more when compared to the last year. He announced that a new medical college with a modern hospital was being constructed at Nagapattinam at a cost of Rs 365 crore.

Referring to the formation of Mayiladuthurai district bifurcating Nagapattinam, the Chief Minister said that public hearing was now being conducted and the new district will start functioning soon.

Stating that the state was attracting investors even during the pandemic, Palanisami said that the government was firmly focused on employment generation on a large scale.

Announcing that a mega food processing park would be set up in Nagapattinam at a cost of Rs 1000 crore. he informed that steps were under way to set up a textiles park would also be set up in the district.

Claiming that the government had taken all steps to combat COVID-19 and control its spread, the Chief Minister pointed out that TNwas now ranking first among the states in terms of the number of tests conducted per day and the cure rate.

He also chaired a consultative meeting with farmers, entrepreneurs and SHGs.