3 min readChennaiJun 21, 2021 07:42 PM IST
First published on: Jun 21, 2021 at 03:26 PM IST
The Tamil Nadu government will form an economic advisory council comprising Nobel laureate Esther Duflo of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, and former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan, to advise the chief minister.
The other members of the council will be former chief economic advisor to the central government Arvind Subramanian, development economist Jean Dreze and former Union finance secretary S Narayan, Governor Banwarilal Purohit announced in his ceremonial address during the first session of the 16th state legislative assembly in Chennai on Monday.
“Based on the recommendation of the council, the government will revitalise the state’s economy and ensure that benefits of economic growth reach all segments of society,” Purohit said.
He said the government will focus on improving the fiscal position and bringing down the debt burden. A white paper detailing the true state of Tamil Nadu’s finances will be released in July.
During the first session of the 16th state legislative assembly in Chennai.
The governor said while the Tamil Nadu government under MK Stalin would maintain a cordial relationship with the Union government, it would still fight for the rights of states.
The government has constituted a committee chaired by Justice AK Rajanto to study the adverse effects of the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) on socially and educationally backward students, the governor said.
Purohit announced that ‘Singara Chennai 2.0’ programme would be launched to provide world-class infrastructure and services in Greater Chennai Corporation. He also said the government would ensure speedy completion of phase two of metro rail.
Governor said the availability of medical infrastructure including oxygen beds has been substantially enhanced on a war-footing.
“The Tamil Nadu government will urge the Union government to make necessary laws and amendments to grant Indian citizenship to Tamil refugees from Sri Lanka,” the governor said.
He said the government is committed to transparency and accountability in temple management. “A state-level advisory committee for all major Hindu temples will be constituted to enhance the facilities for devotees, improve the maintenance of temples and to advise on related issues,” he said.
He added that the reservation policy of the state is 100 years old and has stood the test of time, delivering true social justice. “The 69% reservation currently available in Tamil Nadu will be continued and protected.”
Purohit concluded his speech by saying DMK-led government will be a people’s government and not the party’s.
(From Left to Right) Arvind Subramanian, Esther Duflo and Raghuram Rajan.
During the first session of the 16th state legislative assembly in Chennai.
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