CHENNAI: The state government on Tuesday announced a new annual award, Thagaisal Tamilar award, in recognition of those who have made great contributions for the development of Tamil Nadu and Tamils. An official release said chief minister M K Stalin had ordered the institution of the new award. “The chief minister also ordered the constitution of a committee to select the awardee. The committee headed by the chief minister will comprise industries, Tamil official language and culture minister Thangam Thennarasu and chief secretary V Irai Anbu,” the release said. The award consists of Rs 10 lakh cash and a certificate. The chief minister will give away the award during Independence Day celebrations.