T.N. to remove ‘colony’ from official records, public parlance: Stalin-OxBig News Network

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday announced in the Assembly that the term ‘Colony’ would be removed from official records and public parlance as it had come to symbolise oppression and carried the connotation of untouchability.

“The term ‘colony’ has been used to derogatorily refer to the original inhabitants of this land. Steps will be taken to remove the word from government documents and public parlance, has it has come to symbolise oppression and to indicate untouchability,” Mr. Stalin said.

He further said that a committee led by a retired High Court judge would be constituted to look into issues that have developed since the Supreme Court delivered a judgment in 2019 over reservation in promotions for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in State government services.

The committee would study the effects of the judgment, its possible impact and make recommendations to find legal solutions. “Based on its recommendations, a good solution would be found from the impact of the judgment,” Mr. Stalin said.

He also recalled a representation from VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan that sought a reservation in promotion for officials from SC/ST communities.

‘Independent police maintaining law and order’

Mr. Stalin also announced that September 6 would be celebrated every year as the day for police personnel. The aim was to honour their services to people and their contribution in maintaining law and order.

During his reply to the debate on the demand for grants for Police and Fire and Rescue Services Departments, Mr. Stalin referred to remarks made by Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami over various incidents.

“Swift action is being taken in all those issues he [Mr. Palaniswami] referred to. As for this government, let me make it clear that the police force has been independent, without any pressure, and has been maintaining law and order…,” Mr. Stalin said.

Noting that swift action was being taken on all incidents and if there were mistakes, the State government was willing to correct itself, he added: “My message to those criticising the law and order for their political gain with ulterior motive. This is not Manipur or Kashmir. This is Tamil Nadu! Do not forget that.”

The Chief Minister also appealed to the public for their cooperation in maintaining law and order as it was a “collective responsibility”, and advised police personnel not to take out their burden and personal whims on the general public.

He said that the DMK government was able to achieve big on many fronts, overcoming several challenges – the Union government, the Governor, the financial crunch, among others. “These are not the achievements of Stalin; but has been the effects of the collective work of my Cabinet and officials…,” he added.