Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to virtually address approximately 10,000 village council (gram sabha) meetings on October 11, a senior official confirmed on Friday. This marks a significant digital outreach by the Chief Minister, who has previously participated in such meetings twice in person – once in Madurai district and again in Kancheepuram district. In 2023, a pre-recorded message from him was broadcast during these gatherings.
During a press briefing at the Secretariat in Chennai, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department Secretary Gagandeep Singh Bedi announced that nearly all villages in the state now boast internet connectivity via optical fiber. Out of over 11,100 connected villages, the Chief Minister plans to engage with 10,000 of them directly on October 11.
“The Chief Minister will deliver a live address to these gram sabha meetings tomorrow. Following his speech, the meetings will proceed to discuss up to 16 predetermined subjects, with the flexibility to include additional topics as needed,” Mr. Bedi explained. A crucial aspect of these meetings will be the identification of each village’s top three priorities or essential needs, which will then be formalized through resolutions.
Village Priorities and Resolutions
Common rural requirements like reliable drinking water supply, functional streetlights, efficient garbage disposal, improved road infrastructure, and accessible public transport are expected to be among the key discussion points. “Resolutions will be passed focusing on these top three priorities. The respective village secretaries will upload these resolutions to the TNRD portal by the same evening. Working alongside District Collectors, the State government is committed to reviewing these requests and implementing solutions as swiftly as possible,” Mr. Bedi stated.
These issues will be addressed at various administrative levels, including a state-level review headed by the Chief Secretary. This comprehensive initiative operates under the inspiring theme, ‘Namma Ooru, Namma Arasu’ (Our Village, Our Government).
Addressing Caste Names in Public Spaces
Touching upon a recent Government Order regarding the removal of derogatory caste names from public spaces such as streets, roads, waterbodies, and infrastructure, Mr. Bedi emphasized the positive intent behind the directive. He indicated that during the gram sabha meetings, communities could collectively decide on the removal or alteration of any such caste-based names. However, he clarified, “If a community-based name exists without controversy, and residents express no desire for change, then its alteration is not mandatory.”
Mr. Bedi reiterated that the government’s advisory aims to address and change derogatory caste names where they exist. He assured that the process of renaming would not be immediate. Instead, any proposed changes would undergo a multi-tiered review, starting at the Assistant Director level, then progressing to the Collector level, before being submitted to the relevant state authorities. “Once the government makes a decision, the necessary procedures will be put into action,” he confirmed.
Furthermore, the gram sabha meetings will play a vital role in identifying disadvantaged families and compiling a priority list to help them access the Vulnerability Reduction Fund, a component of the National Rural Livelihood Mission. Beneficiaries will be eligible for loans with low-interest rates, ranging from 0% to 4%. This participatory approach ensures that decisions are made by the gram sabhas themselves, rather than solely by officials.
Key Discussion Points and Measures
Other important topics slated for discussion at the gram sabha meetings include administrative and general expenditure for the period of April 1 to September 30 this year, the audit report for 2024-25, and the progress of work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. The status of the Anaithu Grama Anna Marumalarchi Thittam, among other schemes, will also be reviewed.
Discussions will also cover critical public welfare initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, strategies for rainwater harvesting, precautionary measures to prevent the spread of dengue, preparations for the upcoming monsoon season, efforts to combat child labor, and the provision of skill training opportunities for local youth.
In response to a query about whether only names explicitly mentioned in the Government Order could be changed, Mr. Bedi clarified that the listed names were merely illustrative, indicating the broader scope of the initiative.
Upcoming Ward Sabha Meetings
Adding to the decentralization efforts, Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department D. Karthikeyan announced that ward sabha meetings would be convened by the end of October. These urban council meetings will gather feedback on top three priority requirements from residents, ensuring that local concerns are addressed efficiently.
These meetings will take place across 12,838 wards in 25 municipal corporations, 145 municipalities, and town panchayats. “The State government will announce a specific date for these ward sabha meetings soon,” Mr. Karthikeyan concluded.