Date:17/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/17/stories/2008081758760800.htm

Tamil Nadu

Due recognition given to martyrs: Karunanidhi

Special Correspondent

“Several memorials have been constructed in State”

CHENNAI: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government has given due recognition to martyrs of the freedom struggle and has done more than any other regime, according to Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.

In a statement, he said it was his government that enacted a law, declaring the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj Martrys’ Day and Education Development Day.

In May 2007, the monthly pension of Rs.3,000 for freedom fighters was revised to Rs. 4,000. In August 1997, the pension was hiked to Rs.3,000 during the previous DMK regime. Likewise, family pension for legal heirs of freedom fighters was increased in May 2007 to Rs.2,000. Several memorials had been constructed in different parts of the State. Last month, he unveiled Chempakaraman’s statue in the city.

Mr. Karunanidhi said that an order was issued on August 4, changing the working hours of libraries in taluk headquarters. They would hereafter work between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. instead of the earlier 10 a.m.-6 p.m.