‘T.N. govt. accords highest priority to maintaining law and order’

CHENNAI

The Tamil Nadu government accords the highest priority to the maintenance of law and order, and is taking all necessary measures to ensure that the State continues to be a haven of peace and tranquillity, free from any form of violence, according to the prepared speech of the Governor.

“With utmost concern for the future of our youth, the Chief Minister is determined to crack down on the distribution and consumption of drugs and narcotic substances with an iron hand. This government is continuously taking measures to prevent drug smuggling, including stringent enforcement of law and creation of awareness among people,” it said.

The State government accorded the highest priority for the welfare of fishermen, and was committed to protecting the fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen in its traditional waters. “In this year alone, 232 Tamil Nadu fishermen, apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy, were released after unstinting efforts of this government,” it said.

“This government will continue to urge that necessary steps be taken to restrain the Sri Lankan Navy from apprehending Tamil Nadu fishermen, ensure early release of fishing boats and find a permanent solution to these issues,” it said.

The Tamil Nadu government was taking all necessary steps to prevent the construction of the Mekadatu dam and increase the reservoir level in Mullaperiyar dam beyond 142 feet, it said.

“This government urges that a Water Disputes Tribunal be constituted at the earliest, as per the orders of the Supreme Court, on the issue of unauthorised diversion of water from Pennaiyar river by Karnataka.”

Recalling that a draft Bill to exempt medical students in Tamil Nadu from NEET was passed in the Assembly and sent for presidential assent, it said, “Since all clarifications requested regarding the Bill have been provided, this government seeks expeditious approval of the same.”