Tamil Nadu Minister for Backward Classes Welfare Sampath Kumar on Friday announced that Rs.277 crore has been allocated to provide modern bicycles equipped with helmets and drinking water bottles to Plus One students.
Replying to the demand for grants for the Backward Classes Welfare Department, Sampath Kumar said a committee comprising 11 members had been constituted to oversee the distribution of modern bicycles to five lakh students.
He said opportunities should be provided to ensure that no community remains deprived of growth despite having talent. “If a generation has to be transformed, education must be provided to that generation,” he said.
Sampath Kumar said steps would be taken to fill vacancies in hostels through the Teachers Recruitment Board. CCTV cameras have been installed in 575 hostels, while monthly inspections are being conducted.
He said officials had been permitted to visit and inspect student hostels and interact with students. The Chief Minister had instructed the department to provide all necessary facilities to students staying in hostels to pursue their education and fulfil their aspirations.
Sampath Kumar also said he had been directed by the Chief Minister to pay attention to the concerns of students during hostel inspections.
During his reply, Sampath Kumar referred to an MGR song while speaking about public welfare. DMK leader K.N. Nehru criticised the reference, questioning its relevance to the Backward Classes Welfare Department.
Sampath Kumar also claimed that Minister Anand had predicted 12 years ago that Vijay would become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
He further said that, like the 108 ambulance service that protects people during emergencies, the people of Tamil Nadu had given the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam 108 MLAs to remove their fears.
