Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Restrospective effect questionable: Naidu

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI June 4. The Union Rural Industries Minister, M. Venkaiah Naidu, today disapproved of the AIADMK Government decision to give ``retrospective effect'' to the controversial one-man, one-post Bill.

``The concept that one man should hold one post only is ideal. But to give it retrospective effect raises questions and eyebrows,'' he told a media conference here.

``After they have won the elections giving some promises to the people, it is wrong to take away one of their posts.''

Mr. Naidu's comments came in response to queries on the Assembly passing the Bill stripping local bodies chiefs who are MLAs or MPs of one of their posts. (When the Governor gives his assent to the Bill, the Chennai Mayor and DMK MLA, M.K. Stalin, will lose one of his posts.)

The Minister also expressed concern at the Dalit panchayat presidents in Keeripatti and Pappapatti quitting their posts a few days after they had been elected. Referring to media reports, he said his ``advice'' to the State Government and the Madurai Collector was that they should examine the causes for the resignation and remedy the situation. ``Whether it is coercion or some other reason, it is the duty of the Collector to find out.''

Ties with DMK

Asked about the break in ties between the State BJP and the DMK, the senior leader said he wanted all National Democratic Alliance constituents at the Centre to work cohesively in Tamil Nadu as well. ``We have good relations with the DMK at the national level. We hope things will improve at the State level.''

Pressed further on the State BJP's open support to the ruling AIADMK, Mr. Naidu initially denied it, but later said, ``State units have to take decisions depending on local realities''.

On poor devolution of funds to panchayats, Mr. Naidu said the Centre had directed all State Governments to release the share to the local bodies according to Finance Commission recommendations.

However, as the States themselves faced financial problems, they were sometimes diverting the funds due to panchayats for other purposes. Hence, the Centre was planning to directly earmark financial outlays for the panchayats. ``However, the funds will be routed through the State Governments.''

Jobs for the able-bodied

The Centre had formed a task force headed by him to evolve programmes under the Jayaprakash Narayan Rozgar Guarantee Yojana to ensure employment for all able-bodied people. ``Eventually, the aim is to bring in legislation to ensure that the Government provides job to all the able-bodied. Failing which, it should pay them minimum daily wages.''

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