The Hindu : Govt. move evokes mixed reaction

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 10, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Govt. move evokes mixed reaction

By V. Ganapathy

TIRUCHI MARCH 9. The Government decision to merge Ariyalur with Perambalur district caused a shock among the people of Ariyalur today, and many termed it a political move.

Taxis and autos were found plying with black flags. The Ariyalur Varthaga Kazhagam president, S.Rajapandian, has decided to convene an all-action committee meeting to force the Government to withdraw its decision. In Perambalur town, people welcomed the decision by bursting crackers.

Though Perambalur district came into being in November 1995, the residents of the Vanniar- dominated Andimadam, Jayamkondam, T.Palur etc., with the support of the PMK, had to carry on a sustained campaign to realise the dream of a separate district with Ariyalur as headquarters.

It appeared that the DMK Government had formed the new district to placate the PMK and the Vanniars, though it was not very viable with just six panchayat unions, and 3 MLA constituencies, and three taluks. The bifurcation left Perambalur district too less viable with just two MLAs, four panchayat unions, and two newly created taluks.

Neither Perambalur nor Ariyalur district had benefited much after they had come into existence. Even after six years of its existence, the Perambalur District Administration is yet to finalise a site for the Collectorate. Due to its backwardness, illiteracy and absence of motivation among the public, the two districts continue to be very backward.

A number of posts in the two districts are vacant, and officials are reluctant to work.

Many officials concede that bifurcation of Perambalur and Ariyalur had not served the purpose.

Nothing much will be gained or lost by the merger of the districts.

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Southern States