TAMILNADU

Tamil Nadu Government Aims to Create High Salary Jobs - Minister Keerthana

At the CII Southern Regional Council meeting in Kovai, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Keerthana announced that the government's primary goal is to generate more high-paying jobs within the state. She emphasized that while most current opportunities are ordinary, the future focus will be on quality employment with better salaries.

Key highlights:

Infrastructure development: Government committed to strengthening facilities, including SIPCOT industrial parks.

Airport expansion: Kovai airport expansion work is progressing rapidly.

Skill training: Local colleges will collaborate to train youth six months ahead of investor projects.

MSME support: New schemes launched to boost small and medium enterprises.

Green energy: Solar and renewable energy solutions planned to offset rising electricity costs.

Employment within Tamil Nadu: Efforts to ensure youth find jobs in Chennai, Kovai, and Madurai instead of migrating to other states.

Central government collaboration: State will work with the Union government to secure semiconductor and other major projects.
TAMILNADU

CM Vijay Leads Anti-Drug Marathon in Chennai

Chennai: On the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Chief Minister Vijay flagged off and participated in a marathon held in Chennai. Ministers, the Chief Secretary, DGP, and other senior officials also joined the run.

The marathon, organized by the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority under the theme "Start Run, Stop Drugs", aimed to raise awareness among students, youth, and the public. CM Vijay signed the pledge board with the message "Start Run, Stop Drugs, Choose Sports, Quit Drugs" and led participants in taking an anti-drug oath.

The marathon began at Anna Memorial on Marina Kamarajar Road and concluded at Island Grounds, covering a distance of 6 km. Over 15,000 participants, including Olympic and international athletes, college students, government officials, police officers, and the public, took part.

CM Vijay was joined by Ministers Anand, Adhav Arjuna, Venkataramanan, Mariavilsen, R. Kumar, Chief Secretary Saikumar, DGP Mahesh Kumar Agarwal, Chennai Police Commissioner Amalraj, Sports Secretary Sandeep Nanduri, Sports Authority member-secretary Meganath Reddy, Corporation Commissioner Sameeran, and District Collector Malathi Helen. After the run, Vijay interacted with athletes and posed for selfies.

Minister Adhav Arjuna remarked, "In Tamil Nadu’s history, no other Chief Minister has run a marathon. Vijay is the first to run 3 km, setting an example for a healthier Tamil Nadu."

In his social media post, CM Vijay emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse to safeguard youth and prevent crime. He stated that through education, sports, skill development, and strict legal measures, drugs can be eradicated to build a stronger society. He urged collective support for government initiatives to create a safe, healthy, and drug-free Tamil Nadu.
TAMILNADU

Minister Arunraj Confirms Resolution to Cancel NEET in Tamil Nadu Assembly

Tamil Nadu Minister Arunraj announced that a resolution to cancel the NEET examination will be passed in the Legislative Assembly. Speaking to reporters in Coimbatore, he stated that the Tamil Nadu government's firm position is to abolish NEET, and legal measures will also be pursued. He further mentioned that discussions are underway regarding land selection for constructing an AIIMS hospital in Coimbatore.

Earlier, during an inspection at Tiruppur Government Medical College Hospital, the Minister highlighted that irregularities in NEET, cancellations, and re-examinations have caused severe mental distress among students and parents. To address this, the government has arranged counseling sessions with trained psychologists under the Manam scheme, urging students not to take any extreme decisions.

For psychological support, students and parents can contact the free helpline number 104. Additionally, the Food Safety Department has been instructed to intensify monitoring to prevent diseases like Shigella caused by contaminated food.

The government continues to ensure that restaurants across Tamil Nadu maintain hygiene and quality standards, with strict measures to guarantee safe food preparation. District Collector Manish Naranvare, Acting Dean Padmini, and other officials accompanied the Minister during the inspection.
TAMILNADU

Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Unanimous Resolution Against Mekedatu Dam

In the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Vijay introduced a special government resolution opposing Karnataka's attempt to construct a dam at Mekedatu across the Cauvery River. The resolution, supported unanimously by all parties, urged the Union Government not to grant any technical, environmental, or statutory clearance for the project. The resolution highlighted that Karnataka's unilateral move disregards the final verdict of the Cauvery Tribunal (2007) and the Supreme Court judgment (2018), both of which mandated equitable water sharing among basin states. It emphasized that no new projects or additional water usage can be undertaken in the Cauvery basin without the consent of all riparian states and Union approval. During the debate, leaders from DMK, AIADMK, Congress, VCK, PMK, CPI, CPM, DMDK, and other parties expressed support. Opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin requested inclusion of a clause urging the Union Government to establish a new tribunal under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, which was accepted by the Chief Minister. The resolution was passed unanimously through voice vote, demonstrating cross-party unity in safeguarding Tamil Nadu farmers' rights. Additionally, condolence motions were adopted for the demise of senior leaders including R. Nallakannu, former Assembly Secretary C. G. Ramasamy, producers R. B. Choudhary and K. Rajan, and director Bharathiraja. Members observed two minutes of silence in tribute.

TAMILNADU

CM Vijay Urges Farmers to Benefit from Kuruvai Scheme

Chennai: Chief Minister Vijay has emphasized that farmers from both Delta and non-Delta districts should avail the benefits provided under the Kuruvai Special Package Scheme.

According to the government press release, paddy cultivation plays a crucial role in Tamil Nadu's food security and farmers' livelihood. To encourage cultivation during Kuruvai, Kar, and Sornavari seasons in Delta and non-Delta districts, and to increase production and productivity, the government will implement the 2026 Kuruvai Special Package Scheme at an estimated cost of ₹134.83 crore.

On average, paddy is cultivated across 52.72 lakh acres in Tamil Nadu. Of this, 20.65 lakh acres are in Delta districts such as Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, and parts of Cuddalore, Tiruchirappalli, and Ariyalur. In Kuruvai season alone, 5.14 lakh acres are cultivated in Delta districts, while non-Delta districts account for 32.07 lakh acres annually, with 5.48 lakh acres during Kuruvai, Kar, and Sornavari seasons.

Traditionally, the Mettur dam is opened on June 12 to facilitate Kuruvai cultivation in Delta districts. However, due to the El Niño phenomenon, rainfall is expected to be less than 90%, and water inflow into Mettur remains low. As of now, the water level stands at 79.56 feet (41.52 TMC), making dam opening unlikely. Consequently, only 3.55 lakh acres can be cultivated in Delta districts using filter point wells, while non-Delta districts face irregular rainfall.

To safeguard farmers' livelihoods, the government has allocated ₹77.50 crore for Kuruvai cultivation in Delta districts through filter points, and ₹57.33 crore for Kuruvai, Kar, and Sornavari cultivation in non-Delta districts. In total, ₹134.83 crore will be spent under the scheme.

The package includes incentives for machine transplanting, direct sowing, bio-fertilizers, micronutrient mixtures, seed subsidies, and certified seed production of newly released paddy varieties. The scheme aims to promote mechanization, improve water management, expand cultivation area, increase productivity, and strengthen food security while enhancing farmers' income.
TAMILNADU

CM Vijay Launches Women’s Special Commando Force

Chennai: At the inauguration of the Singappen Special Commando Force, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay warned, "Those who think they can harass women and escape are mistaken. Crimes against women will never be tolerated. Strict action will be taken swiftly against such offenses." Following the change of government in Tamil Nadu, Vijay assumed office on May 10, 2026. During his swearing-in, he announced the creation of a special commando unit for the protection of women and children, signing the related government order on stage. Subsequently, Bhavaneswari was appointed Inspector General of the force, supported by an SP, two DSPs, four inspectors, and over 30 police officers. Women police and sub-inspectors in the unit were introduced with a distinctive uniform: navy blue shirts and khaki pants. On June 9, 2026, Vijay formally launched the force at Rajarathinam Stadium, Egmore, Chennai. He reviewed the parade led by SP Shanas and accepted honors from the newly formed unit. The event was attended by the Tamil Nadu DGP, Chief Secretary, and ministers. During the ceremony, the Tamil Thaai Vazhthu anthem was sung first, addressing earlier controversies from the swearing-in event. Vijay unveiled the force’s emblem, flagged off patrol vehicles, and emphasized zero tolerance for crimes against women. He linked women’s safety to tackling drug trafficking and maintaining law and order, pledging ₹354 crore funding and 2,500 new posts for the initiative. Drone-based patrols will also be deployed to prevent crimes before they occur.