Tamil Nadu: EPS appeals to staffs to give up protests

CHENNAI: Chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday made a fervent appeal to the government staffs and teachers to give up their protests and resume work on Wednesday.

In a statement, the chief minister reminded his government’s proactive measures in implementing seventh pay commission recommendations that cost the exchequer Rs 14,500 crore annually, besides dearness allowance ahead of other state governments. “The state government has to work for the people’s welfare. You too have the responsibility along with me. If only we work together, we can lift quality of life of poor, create job opportunities for lakh of youths, and instil confidence in people to take the state on the path of development,” he said.

For this, it was the duty of everyone to create financial resources and use it properly for the welfare of people, he said. “At this point of time, we should not be selfish but think of public welfare and act with a sense of sacrifice and give up our rights,” Palaniswami said.

The state, the chief minister said, was in the grip of drought. There was drinking water crisis in several districts due to monsoon failure and people facing huge hardships. People were still to recover from the impact of cyclone Gaja and reclaim agriculture. “Permanent solution has to be found for their several problems. At the same time, the developmental works in the state will have to be implemented without any setback,” Palaniswami said, emphasising the need for industrial investments to create job opportunities.