T.N. Governor has not changed despite Supreme Court verdict, is sitting on Kalaignar University Bill: CM Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin distributing welfare assistance to a beneficiary at a government function in Thanjavur on June 16, 2025 | Photo Credit: R. Vengadesh

Stating that Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi is yet to give assent to the Bill adopted by the State Assembly proposing the establishment of Kalaignar University at Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, on Monday (June 16, 2025) observed that Mr. Ravi has not changed even after the Supreme Court verdict (on the Governor’s powers to grant assent to Bills).

The decision to name the new university after the former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was taken by the elected MLAs, cutting across party lines, on the floor of the Legislative Assembly. The Bill was adopted unanimously and was sent to the Governor for his assent. But even after 40 days, the Governor has not given his assent till now, despite several reminders, Mr. Stalin said, while speaking at a government function in Thanjavur.

The Chief Minister said attempts to take up the matter with the Governor through the Minister for Higher Education did not materialise as the Governor is yet to grant an appointment for the Minister. Had the Governor granted assent to the Bill, the foundation stone for the new university could have been laid today along with other new projects. “We will wait with patience; if we run out of patience, we will force the Governor to give in,” Mr. Stalin asserted.

The State government was executing its duties without fail, despite the Union government’s partiality in allocation of funds, Mr. Stalin said. He announced that a new scheme, christened, Ungaludan Stalin would be launched on July 15, wherein special camps would be organised to receive petitions from the public and take government schemes and services to the doorstep of the people .

While 3,768 camps would be organised in urban areas, 6,232 camps would be held in rural areas. Women eligible to avail assistance under the Kalaignar Mahalir Urimai Thogai scheme can submit their applications at the camps.

A team of volunteers would be visiting every household to guide the people on how to apply for the welfare and other schemes implemented by the government and guide them in filing applications and uploading documents to be submitted to avail the benefits, he added.

Making a special reference to the Sarasvati Mahal Library in Thanjavur, the Chief Minister said sufficient funds would be allotted in addition to the allocation of ₹75 lakhs per annum for the upkeep of manuscripts and other treasures at the library and creation of additional infrastructure facilities apart from ensuring distribution of pension to the retired staff. The library’s heritage buildings would be renovated by the Public Works Department at a cost of ₹12.50 crore.

Mr. Stalin announced that the kuruvai special package scheme would be implemented in the delta districts at an outlay of ₹82.77 crore. He inaugurated 2,461 projects implemented at a cost of ₹3,25.96 crore in Thanjavur district, laid foundations for 4,127 projects worth ₹309.48 crore and distributed assistance under various welfare schemes to the tune of ₹558.43 crore to 2,25,383 beneficiaries in Thanjavur district.

Published - June 16, 2025 04:59 pm IST