How Does Stalin Defend the DMK's Record on Government Employees?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Stalin's government is committed to engaging with protesting employees.
- No arrests have been made during protests under the DMK administration.
- The guaranteed pension scheme addresses long-standing employee demands.
- Stalin contrasts current policies with those of the previous AIADMK regime.
- Ongoing dialogues with employees are prioritized by the DMK government.
Chennai, Jan 22 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin, strongly defended the DMK government's record regarding government employees and their protest activities on Thursday, asserting that they have never incarcerated protesters or employed severe tactics against them.
As the Assembly session entered its third day, ministers began answering queries from members. Stalin used an AIADMK member’s question as an opportunity to underscore his government's stance.
Stalin made it clear that his administration has not utilized severe measures against protesting government personnel.
"We did not imprison government employees who participated in demonstrations. We refrained from invoking stringent laws such as the Tamil Nadu Essential Services Maintenance Act (TESMA) or the Service Matters Act against them," he stated.
Contrasting with the previous AIADMK administration, he accused them of arresting teachers and government staff and detaining them overnight.
Recalling past events, Stalin noted that during the AIADMK rule, numerous government employees faced arrest and imprisonment due to their involvement in protests.
He criticized AIADMK General Secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, pointing out that his derogatory comments regarding government employees' salaries are still fresh in people's minds.
"Why was there no empathy for government employees back then?" he questioned, addressing the opposition.
He highlighted that government employees embraced the announcement of the guaranteed pension scheme, which he described as a realization of a long-standing aspiration.
"This has been a demand from government employees for 23 years, and our administration fulfilled it. That’s why they visited my office at the Secretariat to celebrate with sweets," he remarked.
Stalin also suggested that the AIADMK is uneasy with the satisfaction of government employees following the introduction of welfare initiatives.
While acknowledging the protests occurring across various regions of the state on different issues, he assured that his government would not overlook these events.
"Whenever protests arise, we will engage with the protesters, listen to their concerns, and hold discussions. Their legitimate demands will undoubtedly be addressed," he affirmed.