CM launches nine colleges, land scheme by remote

CHENNAI: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Monday inaugurated nine arts and science colleges affiliated to various universities across the State through the video-conferencing facility at the Secretariat here.The new colleges are located at Srirangam (Tiruchy  district), Nemmeli (Kanchee­puram), Nagalapuram (Thoothukudi), Harur (Dharmapuri), Kallakurichi (Villupuram), Sathur (Virudhunagar), Vedaranyam (Nagapattinam), Thirupathur (Vellore) and Thiruthuraipoondi (Tiruvarur).Inaugurating the college at Srirangam, the chief minister expressed her satisfaction at fulfilling one of the long-pending demand of the people of Srirangam by inaugurating an arts and science college in her constituency.During the inauguration, Kanaka, a student, said she could not continue her higher education for two years after completing her Class XII, as she could not travel to the colleges far away from her hometown. But this, she added, would now change.Scheme to Expedite Patta Transfers There was more from the kitty for Srirangam. Jayalalithaa also launched a new scheme for speedy disposal of patta transfer applications from the Srirangam taluk.Orders on the applications received July 11 and June 12 for patta transfer in Srirangam taluk were given to the applicants in the presence of the CM.Replying to the discussion on the motion of thanks to the governor’s address last month, the CM announced that a new scheme to expedite patta transfer would be introduced soon so that people would not have go to taluk offices. Instead, they could submit their applications to the village administrative officer (VAO). She said information regarding requisition for patta change would be computerised and inspected at the levels of land administration commissioner and the revenue minister. All VAOs would receive applications for patta transfers on all Mondays. In the absence of the VAOs, those in charge would receive the applications on Tuesdays. Orders on transfers would be given on all Fridays.About 1.4 lakh applications are pending with revenue authorities for the issue of fresh pattas due to change in ownership of land.Siva MemorialAnother landmark inauguration by the CM was of a memorial for freedom fighter Subramaniya Siva, constructed at Papparapatti in Dharmapuri district. The memorial was constructed at a cost of Rs 40 lakh on an area of 85 cents.Born on October 4, 1884 at Batlagundu, then in Madurai district, Siva joined the freedom movement at the age of 12. He became deeply involved in the movement after being inspired by the speeches of Srithakurkhan of the Arya Samaj at Thiruvananthapuram.Later, he started the Dharmaparipalana Samajam in 1907 and gave lectures on the importance of attaining freedom for the motherland.Siva visited Chennai, Kolkata, Thoothukudi, Tirunel­veli and several other places to exerted pressure on the British Raj through his speeches and agitations.He was later put in prison, where he was afflicted with leprosy. Before his death in 1925, Siva had made efforts to build a Bharatha Matha temple at Papparapatti. New Building for Reporters’ GuildThe CM also inaugurated a new building for the Madras Reporters’ Guild, the 56-year-old body for journalists functioning in Chennai. The building, constructed by the Tamil Nadu government for Rs 39 lakh, is located at the Omandurar Government Estate here.The Guild boasts of conducting programmes involving many former PMs, governors, CMs, and Central and State ministers. 5 New Bus Routes Besides, Jayalalithaa launched five new bus routes from Srirangam.The routes inaugurated were Srirangam to Viyazhanmedu via Somarasampettai, Ettarai, Chathiram bus stand to Koppu via Uraiyur and Kulumani, Chathiram bus stand to Pettaivaithalai via Jeeyarpuram, Srirangam to Ettarai via Jeeyarpuram, Kulumani and Chathiram bus stand to Koppu via Somarasampettai and Vayalur.The CM also inaugurated an extended bus route—from Tiruchy Central bus stand to Maravanur.Jayalalithaa had launched 13 new bus routes in Srirangam on June 19.