New Secretariat Complex Will Not Affect Fishers: TN Minister
The Chief Minister will ensure that fishermen are not affected in any manner,” the minister said, adding that opposition to new projects on political grounds was natural and said that Vijay would face such opposition and proceed with the proposed initiatives
Kanyakumari: The proposed new Tamil Nadu secretariat complex will be established without affecting the interests of fishermen, said minority welfare minister Shajahan.
Speaking to reporters after attending a welfare assistance distribution programme and consultation meeting organised by the minority welfare department at the Kanyakumari district collectorate in Nagercoil on Saturday, he said several political parties had felt the need for a new Secretariat building as the present one was inadequate in space.
“The government, hence, is taking steps to construct a new secretariat and a study is under way to examine the feasibility of setting it up at Pattinappakkam. The Chief Minister will ensure that fishermen are not affected in any manner,” the minister said, adding that opposition to new projects on political grounds was natural and said that Vijay would face such opposition and proceed with the proposed initiatives.
On minority welfare schemes, Shajahan said the Centre had a minority affairs department but the funds required for implementing welfare schemes for minorities were not being fully released to the state. “The state government will hold discussions with the Centre and take steps to ensure that welfare schemes for minorities are implemented,” he said.
Tourism minister Rajesh Kumar, district collector Prathap, representatives of minority communities and members of the public participated in the programme.