Tamil Nadu: PPRC report exposes governance failures under DMK rule

Today in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, the Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC) unveiled a report titled “Abandonment of Aspirations by the DMK: A Tale of Corruption and Neglect.” The report, directed at first-time voters of the state, sheds light on various governance issues faced by Tamil Nadu in recent years. Smt. Vanathi Srinivasan, BJP National Mahila Morcha President, and Tamil Nadu MLA, released the report in the presence of Shri Arjun Murthy, a senior industrialist, and Dr Sumeet Bhasin, Director of PPRC.

The report highlights critical governance issues affecting Tamil Nadu and suggests a potential link between the state’s lack of development and the escalating anti-Sanatana rhetoric under the ruling DMK. It accuses the DMK of prioritising attacks on Sanatana Dharma over addressing key developmental concerns, thereby neglecting the aspirations of the Tamil people. This event comes at a time of increased attention to centre-state relations.

During the presentation of the report, Smt. Vanathi Srinivasan praised the Public Policy Research Centre (PPRC) for bringing attention to significant governance issues in the state. She highlighted the report’s revelation of the reasons behind the increasing discontent among workers and industries, resulting in protests against the DMK government. Srinivasan pointed out that poor policymaking and a lack of political will have adversely affected the state’s economic progress, which was once a symbol of national growth. The data in the report indicated a decline in investments due to investors’ dwindling confidence in the DMK government’s commitment to state development.

Additionally, Srinivasan emphasised the steep decline in productivity in the agriculture sector under the DMK government, leading to farmer protests and, in severe cases, suicides. She concluded by stressing the urgent need for the government to address these issues and restore the state’s economic growth and stability.

According to the report, the Tamil Nadu government is failing to issue an adequate number of Ayushman cards, while simultaneously pressuring government hospitals to boost enrollment in the state-designed health insurance policy, CMCHIS. This has led to an increasing number of individuals being denied access to free treatment. Additionally, the education sector has been neglected, with the DMK failing to fulfil several electoral promises. This has resulted in unemployment among teachers, causing uncertainty regarding job security, as the issue of permanent employment remains unresolved despite being a key electoral commitment.

Moreover, students are affected by the politicisation of education, as the state has hesitated to implement reforms outlined in the National Education Policy 2020. These challenges are exacerbated by deficiencies in infrastructure, including inadequate classroom availability and limited access to resources such as computers, internet facilities, libraries, and playgrounds. Additionally, Tamil Nadu is grappling with widespread corruption and a leadership crisis, with prominent DMK figures being convicted, often linked to the party’s dynastic politics. The release of the report is deemed pivotal for holding the DMK accountable for its governance actions, asserted Shri Arjun Murthy.

The report highlights a significant deterioration in the law and order situation in the state under the DMK Government, with crimes against women, children, and senior citizens experiencing a rapid increase. Dr Sumeet Bhasin, Director of PPRC, commented on the findings, stating that the report underscores how party-based competition, particularly when parties like DMK prioritise partisan politics over serving the people, can be counterproductive. Dr Bhasin emphasised that policymaking on concurrent subjects is hindered by this approach and highlighted the state government’s notably poor performance in implementing centrally sponsored schemes.