Chennai: The state government will commence distribution of smart cards to ration cardholders in the state from April 1.
The operations of the PDS are being computerised in order to make it more efficient and transparent. As part of this exercise, linking of ration cards with Aadhaar will be completed soon and smart family cards will be issued from April 1, 2017.
Also, the government will shortly launch the ‘Mission on Sustainable Dry land Agriculture,’ aimed at improving the production and productivity of millets, pulses and oilseeds in dry land areas, at a total outlay of '803 crore and it would be implemented over four years commencing from 2016-17, the Governor said. The state will continue to focus on farm mechanisation and popularise water conservation technologies like micro-irrigation.
To help farmers realise better prices for their produce and to improve market linkages, a new initiative to computerise and integrate the regulated and cooperative agricultural markets has been taken up. This will facilitate linkages with national commodity markets. Due to various initiatives launched by the government, the state’s foodgrain production in 2015-16 surpassed 100 lakh metric tonnes for the third consecutive year.
Greening prog to be launched post Vardah:
Displaying the resilience to spring back to normalcy and restore biodiversity post Vardah cyclone, the state government has announced to take up massive tree planting programme coinciding with the birthday of former CM Jayalalithaa. “Cyclone ‘Vardah’ uprooted and damaged a very large number of trees both on public and private lands in Chennai city and adjoining districts. The Government will launch a massive greening Programme to replant trees on public lands and facilitate private individuals and institutions to plant trees,” the Governor informed. As tree planting and provision of green cover was a cause, close to the heart of the late Chief Minister, this massive tree planting initiative will be launched on Feb. 24, 2017 coinciding with the Jayalalithaa’s 69th birthday.
Assembly to conclude on Feb.1
The brief Assembly session which commenced on Monday will last till Feb. 1. Chief Minister O. Panneeerselvam will reply to the debate on Feb. 1. The House will discuss an obituary resolution for the late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa on Tuesday, where representatives from various political parties will be allowed to speak, and thereafter it will be adjourned for the day.
Obituary references will be made to former TN Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, veteran journalist Cho S. Ramaswamy, Carnatic musician M. Balamuralikrishna and former Cuban President Fidel Castro, the Speaker P. Dhanapal informed. The debate on the motion to thanks to the Governor for his address to the Assembly will be taken up on January 27, and it will continue on January 30 and 31.
Guv pays rich tributes to Jaya
Paying rich tributes to former CM J. Jayalalithaa, Mr Vidyasagar described her as a towering personality and said she remained the most revered leader of Tamil Nadu for three decades.
“Her tireless work and fearless battles to uphold the rights of the state and its people made her a peerless star in the galaxy of great leaders. Popular across the country, she earned laurels and accolades even beyond its borders,” he said addressing the Assembly which began on Monday in the aftermath of the Jayalalithaa’s demise.
The late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s stellar record in promoting socio-economic change in the state, particularly the welfare of women, children and the poor, will astound millions for years to come. “After her sad demise, we inherit the legacy of her grand vision to make Tamil Nadu the numero uno state in the country and it will be our mission to work tirelessly to realize her vision,” he said greeting the incumbent Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and his council of ministers.
