Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Wednesday announced a 2% sub-quota in select government jobs for sportspersons who win medals at national-level games or in events organised by the State government. The quota will also apply to vacancies in State public sector undertakings.
Those from Tamil Nadu who win laurels in recognised international tournaments or represent the country in those events would also be eligible for the quota, he said.
“A high-level committee headed by the Chief Secretary would be formed and detailed guidelines would be drawn for the implementation of the quota,” Mr. Palaniswami said in his Independence Day address after unfurling the tricolour at Fort St. George.
He also said his government would continue its efforts to make Tamil Nadu the No. 1 State with strong economic fundamentals.
“In Tamil Nadu, people are living as one family without any differences in terms of caste, religion, language and origin. Tamil Nadu is shinning as a secular State,” he said.
The CM sought cooperation from the public and traders to make the plastic ban — which comes into effect in the State from January 1, 2019 — a success.
Mr. Palaniswami added that the government was taking steps to implement Phase II of the Metro rail project.
Focus on law and order
Citing the recent RBI data that showed that FDI in Tamil Nadu had increased 56% in 2017-18 compared to the previous year, he claimed that the State’s investment climate was good. He also noted that given the importance of law and order in attracting investments, his government had made ensuring peace its priority.
Enhanced pension
During his address, the Chief Minister also announced that the pension for freedom fighters would be increased from ₹13,000 to ₹15,000.
“The pension received by the family will be increased from ₹6,500 to ₹ 7,500,” he said
The CM said the government had launched 41,031 projects worth ₹22,439.92 crore and had begun work on plans worth ₹16,680.84 crore across 7,596 projects.
Various political parties in the State, including the DMK, the CPI(M), the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and the Tamil Maanila Congress celebrated the 72nd Independence Day on Wednesday.