Tamil Nadu CM Vijay calls for zero tolerance to corruption in maiden I-Day speech
In his maiden Independence Day address as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, C. Joseph Vijay on Saturday reiterated that his government's mission is to provide a corruption-free administration and urged officials and citizens to work together to eliminate corruption from the State.
Speaking after hoisting the national flag at the ramparts of Fort St. George in Chennai, Mr. Vijay thanked the people for breaking away from caste and religious considerations and rejecting money and muscle power in elections. He said, "We are working in mission mode to achieve a corruption-free government. We want our people to develop zero tolerance for corruption. We appeal to the officials and the people of Tamil Nadu to make our State corruption-free."
The Chief Minister also urged those who supported him in the elections not to consider their responsibility fulfilled with voting alone. "Don't think that your duty is done after making your elder brother, younger brother, your son the Chief Minister. You have to stand with us, with the government, so that we can implement all welfare measures. People are the rulers; we are all servants. Let's do our duty together and fight against forces and conspirators who are working against our government. I have no fear because you are all with me," he said.
Mr. Vijay said that instructions have been issued to ensure that citizens seeking help from government offices are treated with respect and dignity. Referring to the conference of IAS and IPS officers held on June 29-30, he said strict orders were given to maintain law and order and ensure that police stations function as service centres. "Not just that, people who come to government offices with queries and issues, and those seeking government welfare schemes, should be treated with dignity and respect. People should not be made to run around in circles," he added.
Stating that people's welfare is paramount, the Chief Minister said his government is cooperating with the Central government administratively. However, he made it clear that the government will oppose any policy that harms the State's rights.
He also highlighted the continuation of useful schemes introduced by previous governments. "For example, Amma Unavagam, brought in by Jayalalithaa madam, we are continuing it by further making it more efficient. Similarly, the morning breakfast scheme is also continuing, and we are expanding it. The scheme will be extended from Classes 6 to 8 and will be implemented on Periyar's birth anniversary on September 17," he announced.
Expressing gratitude to his Gen Z supporters, Mr. Vijay said, "Saving Tamil Nadu from corruption and bribery is also comparable to the freedom movement. Our government is working towards it. You all have ensured that I can speak at the 80th Independence Day at this 386-year-old Fort St. George and hoist the flag. I thank Tamil people across the world, the people of Tamil Nadu and Gen Z youth."
Reflecting on the meaning of freedom, he said, "Once we realise that we are being kept as slaves, a unity would emerge among us. We would think alike and come together. When people come together, differences in caste, religion, and language break down. That's when we get real freedom. We got freedom on August 15, led by Mahatma Gandhi ji. We are holding on tight to that freedom and developing step by step. We have to take it to the next level. It is our duty."
In his address, Mr. Vijay also made a key announcement. In recognition of the contributions of former servicemen who made selfless sacrifices for the motherland, the marriage assistance provided for each of their two daughters will be increased from ₹25,000 to ₹50,000.
