Information and Publicity

Policy Note - 2006 - 2007

Demand No. 28

INTRODUCTION

The Prime duty of Government is to make the people aware of new schemes, plans and achievements.

The Information Department has the responsibility of disseminating information on these new schemes and enlighten the people, enabling them to reap the benefit of these schemes.

Due to the rapid strides in technology, new heights have been scaled in the various fields of communication.

The Information Department executes the release of government related information.

The Information and Public Relations Department encompasses the following sections:

Press release section that functions as a bridge between the Government and the journalists,

2. The official journal - Tamil Arasu

3. The advertisement section that integrates the release of all government advertisements and Tender Notices,

4. The exhibition section that runs government exhibitions and regulates private exhibitions,

5. The memorial section that honours and propogates the name and fame of Tamil stalwarts and National Leaders,

6. The reference section that preserves newspapers and instantaneously provides press cuttings as and when required,

7. State Information Centre that acts as a one stop source for information,

8. ‘M.G.R. Film and Television Institute’ that moulds students on "state of the art" Film and Television technology,

9. The Films Division that produces films and video news documentaries on government’s welfare schemes and achievements and

10. The District Information and Public Relations Offices in the Districts that provide information to people and feedback to the government.

In its efforts to raise the standard of living of the people - especially the poor, new programmes are being implemented by this government and this department creates awareness on these programmes. The department is being modernized in all its spheres now.

CHAPTER - 1

PRESS RELEASE SECTION

The "Fourth Pillar" of Democracy, Media has gained significance especially in this "Knowledge based World of Information Technology and Satellite Communication". Today, exchange of information happens in the flick of a second and communicating information on announcements, news and activities with relevant photographs through e-mail to the print media and cassettes to the visual media, has become an important day to day activity of the Government. The Press Release Section at the Secretariat works intensely in carrying out these important tasks.

Press Releases and Press statements of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Ministers and various departments of the Government, achievements, welfare schemes, plans and programmes and related photographs are sent daily to Media organizations, News Agencies, All India Radio and Doordarshan Kendra through fax, e-mail and in person.

Arrangements for the press meets of the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Ministers are taken care of by this section. Efforts are taken to ensure that important announcements and press releases of the Government reach the District Information and Public Relations Offices to get them published in the local media. Similarly, important news from the District Information and Public Relations Offices are received at the Head Quarters and transmitted to the media.

Important programmes, functions, meetings of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Ministers and Secretaries to Government are given coverage and sent to dailies and journals. This section also facilitates television crew and photographers of dailies to record important appointments and programmes.

PRESS ACCREDITATION

‘Press Accreditation Cards’ are issued to eligible media personnel representing News papers, Government Media like Photo Section, All India Radio, Doordarshan, Tamil Nadu Films Division and Private Television Channels every year, on the recommendation of the Accreditation Committee constituted by the Government. This year, 608 press and electronic media personnel have received Press Accreditation Cards in Chennai and 82 press persons have been given Accreditation Cards in the Districts.

These Accreditation Card holders are eligible for free bus passes, 50 per cent railway travel concession and priority in availing TNHB rental houses.

PRESS PASS TO PERIODICALS

Issuing of Press Pass to the Reporters / Photographers of periodicals was introduced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, in 1996.

In the current year, 159 Reporters and Photographers of periodicals have been issued Press Passes in Chennai.

IDENTITY CARD TO REPORTERS IN DISTRICTS

Reporters in districts are issued identity cards and free bus passes by the District Collectors. They also receive preferential allotment in the rental houses of TNHB.

JOURNALISTS’ FAMILY BENEFIT FUND

Financial assistance from Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund are sanctioned through Press Release Section to the family of Editors, Sub-Editors, Reporters and Photographers of the Press, who had continued in service for a minimum period of 20 years and died in harness. The scheme was introduced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister during the year 1997 and Rs.25,000/- was given at the time of its introduction. The amount was subsequently enhanced to Rs.2 lakhs. So far, 25 persons have been given assistance under Journalists’ Benefit Fund.

JOURNALISTS’ PENSION

Journalists’ Pension Scheme is implemented for the benefit of retired journalists in impoverished condition. The pension amount was Rs. 250/- per month during the introduction of this scheme in 1986. It was subsequently increased to Rs.3,000/-. As on date, 64 retired journalists are receiving Rs.3,000/- per month under this scheme.

JOURNALIST FAMILY PENSION

The scheme was introduced by the Hon’ble Chief Minister in the year 1998. A sum of Rs.500 was given as Family Pension to the wife of a deceased pensioner - journalist. Subsequently, the pension amount was enhanced to Rs.1,500/-

TNHB FLATS/HOUSES UNDER EASY INSTALMENT SCHEME FOR JOURNALISTS

A comprehensive easy instalment loan scheme for the Accredited journalists to purchase flats/houses from Tamil Nadu Housing Board is being implemented jointly by Tamil Nadu Housing Board and State Bank of India.

HOUSING FACILITIES FOR JOURNALISTS

The Government of Tamil Nadu have sanctioned Rs.20.00 lakhs as subsidy to Tamil Nadu Housing Board for purchase of Tamil Nadu Housing Board – Plots, for 136 Jounalists in Chennai and Rs.51.82 lakhs as subsidy have also been sanctioned to Chennai Journalist Co-operative Housing Society for construction of 112 number of independent houses and 24 numbers of Apartments. In total, Government of Tamil Nadu have so far been sanctioned Rs.71.82 lakhs for this purpose.

So far, 263 journalists in the districts of Madurai, Ramanathapuram, Kancheepuram, Dharmapuri, Salem, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari and Vellore have been granted house site pattas at a nominal rate.

PHOTO SECTION

Important functions attended by Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Ministers, Review Meetings, Social welfare and Developmental Programmes are attended to by the Photo Section. The photographs taken on digital cameras are immediately released to the Press through e-mail for the timely publication of colour photographs of the said events. All District I & PRO Offices have been provided with digital cameras to send the photographs immediately without any delay.

CHAPTER - 2

REFERENCE SECTION

In this section, important Tamil and English dailies are collected and preserved from 1970 onwards. This section provides clippings of news items and references to Government, whenever necessary. This section also provides the news items published in morning and evening dailies as well as magazines – both local and upcountry – for the reference of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Ministers, Chief Secretary and Secretaries to Government Departments.

Director of Information and Public Relations also functions as the Registrar of Books. Two copies of the books published in Tamil Nadu are received and acknowledged by this Section.

CHAPTER - 3

ADVERTISEMENT

All the advertisements of Government of Tamil Nadu are centralised through Information and Public Relations Department and released to newspapers and periodicals. Advertisements are being released to newspapers after considering the importance of the advertisement and the target group to which it should reach.

Between 2001 and 2006 no uniform policy was followed in revising the rate of Government advertisements. This Government took a decision to fix 75% of the Commercial Rate of Newspapers (as on 1.4.06), as the DIPR rates. Accordingly, a uniform revision was considered on the basis of the request of publications and fixed 75% of the commercial rate as Government advertisement rate to all newspapers in the DIPR’s approved list except those which got revision between 2001 and 2006.

To give wide and effective publicity, by adopting latest technology, all the Tender and Display advertisements are posted free of cost in the Tamil Nadu Government Website, namely: www.tn.gov.in by National Informatics Centre, a Government of India organisation.

The publication of tender notices in newspapers and internet ensure transparency of the tender process and participation of all eligible persons.

Under the provisions of Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Act, 1998 and the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Rules, 2000 framed there under, State Tender Bulletins and District Tender Bulletins are published every week.

Tenders having purchase value between Rs.5 lakhs and Rs.10 lakhs and works having value between Rs.10 lakhs and Rs.25 lakhs are published in District Tender Bulletins. Tenders with purchase value of more than Rs.10 lakhs and works value of more than Rs.25 lakhs are published in State Tender Bulletin. The particulars of Tenders and the decision taken on the tenders are also regularly published in these Bulletins.

CHAPTER - 4

EXHIBITION

Government exhibitions are organised by the Exhibition wing of Information and Public Relations Department to educate the people on various achievements, welfare schemes and policies of the Government. These exhibitions are scheduled during April-June in Madurai and Coimbatore and in July-September in Salem every year and once in two years either in Vellore or Tirunelveli.

Various Government departments, Undertakings and Private concerns take part in these exhibitions. The Government exhibitions apart from educating and entertaining the general public provide employment opportunities. Various cultural programmes are organised in the Exhibitions. Stalls are provided to women self help groups to showcase their products. Awards for the best pavilions are given to Government Departments.

Mini Exhibitions are also conducted by the Information & Public Relations Offices in the Districts every year during festivals and on important occasions. A sum of Rs.3.00 lakhs has been earmarked for this purpose.

This department, on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu, participated in the Flower Festival (Phool Walon-Ki-Saire) for the promotion of National Integration and Communal Harmony organized at New Delhi every year. First Prize is being bagged by Tamil Nadu Government for the past 9 years consecutively.

The Information and Public Relations Department participates in the Republic Day celebrations at Chennai and New Delhi every year. The cultural programmes, compering of events and fabrication of tableaux for the pageantry are co-ordinated by this department.

Every year, this department participates in the All India Tourist and Industrial Trade Fair at Chennai and India International Trade Fair organised in New Dehli on behalf of Government of Tamil Nadu.

So far, the Government have earned Rs.18.38 crores by conducting 116 Government exhibitions.

It has been proposed to conduct Government exhibition during 2006-2007 at Salem.

CHAPTER - 5

MEMORIALS

In memory of those leaders, who toiled selflessly throughout their lives for the welfare of the people and sacrificed themselves for a noble cause and in honour of Tamil savants, this department acts as a catalyst in setting up of memorials and statues for them. As and now,
42 Memorials, three Auditoriums, four Commemoration Pillars and one Memorial Park have been set up and maintained.

COIMBATORE DISTRICT

1. Tiruppur Kumaran Memorial, Tiruppur.

2. "Rationalist Poet" Udumalai Narayanakavi Manimandapam, Udumalaipettai.

3. Thanthai Periyar Memorial, Vaikkom, Kerala State.

ERODE DISTRICT

4. Periyar - Anna Memorial, Erode.

5. Theeran Chinnamalai Manimandapam, Arachalur Village, Erode.

KRISHNAGIRI DISTRICT

6. Mootharignar Rajaji’s Birth place, Thorapalli.

NAMAKKAL DISTRICT

7. Namakkal Kavignar Ramalingam Ninaivu Illam, Namakkal.

THIRUCHIRAPALLI DISTRICT

8. Va.Ve. Subramaniyam Memorial, Varahaneri Agraharam, Thiruchirapalli.

THANJAVUR DISTRICT

9. Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram Manimandapam, Pattukottai.

10. Mahamagam Kalaiarangam, Kumbakonam.

NAGAPATTINAM DISTRICT

11. Thillaiyadi Valliammai Memorial, Thillaiyadi.

SIVAGANGAI DISTRICT

12. Kaviarasar Kannadasan Manimandapam, Karaikudi.

13. Thavathiru Kundrakudi Adigalar Manimandapam, Kundrakudi.

14. Maruthupandiar Memorial, Tiruppattur.

MADURAI DISTRICT

15. "Tiyagi" Viswanathadas Ninaivu Manimandapam, Thirumangalam.

16. "TiyagaSeelar" Kakkan Manimandapam,Thumbaipatti, Melur Taluk.

VIRUDHUNAGAR DISTRICT

17. Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Illam, Virudhunagar.

18. Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Birth Centenary Manimandapam and Memorial Pillar, Virudhunagar.

THOOTHUKUDI DISTRICT

19. Mahakavi Bharathiar Manimandapam, Ettayapuram.

20. Mahakavi Bharathiar Illam, Ettayapuram.

21. V.O.C.Illam, Ottapidaram.

22. Veeran Alagumuthukone Manimandapam, Kattarangkulam.

23. Veerapandiya Kattabomman Memorial Park in Kayathar, where he was hanged.

TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT

24. Kappalotiya Thamizhan V.O.C. Manimandapam, Tirunelveli.

25. Poolithevan Memorial, Nerkattumseval Village, Sivagiri Taluk.

KANNIYAKUMARI DISTRICT

26. "Pothuvudamai Veerar" P. Jeevanandam Manimandapam, Nagercoil.

27. Gandhi Memorial, Kanniyakumari.

28. Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Manimandapam, Kanniyakumari.

29. "Sathavathani" Seiguthambi Pavalar Ninaivu Mandapam, Kanniyakumari.

CHENNAI DISTRICT

30. Perarignar Anna Memorial and Perarignar Anna Museum, Marina Beach, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai.

31. Bharat Ratna Dr. M.G.R Memorial, Marina Beach, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai.

32. Kalaivanar Arangam, Wallajah Salai, Chennai.

33. Rajaji Mandapam, Omanthurar Government Estate, Anna Salai, Chennai.

34. Mahakavi Bharathiar Ninaivu Illam, Thulasingam Perumal Koil Salai, Triplicane, Chennai.

35. Golden Jubilee of India’s Independence Commemoration Pillar (Near War Memorial), Kamarajar Salai, Chennai.

36. Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Ninaivu Illam, Thirumalai Salai, Thiyagaraya Nagar, Chennai.

37. Valluvar Kottam, Nungambakkam, Chennai.

38. Gandhi Mandapam, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai.

39. Rajaji Memorial, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai.

40. "Quit India" Movement’s Golden Jubilee Commemoration Pillar, Gandhi Mandapam Campus, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai.

41. Mozhippor Tiyagigal Manimandapam, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai.

42. Tiyagigal Manimandapam, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai.

43. Periyavar M. Bhakthavatchalam Memorial, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai.

44. Golden Jubilee of Indian Republic Commemoration Pillar, Near Gandhi Statue, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai.

45. Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Memorial, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai.

46. "Kanniyathendral" Quaid-e-Milleth Manimandapam, near by Quaid-e-Milleth Government Women’s College, Chennai.

KANCHIPURAM DISTRICT

47. Perarignar Anna Ninaivu Illam, Chinna Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram District.

VELLORE DISTRICT

48. Muthumandapam Memorial in memory of Vikrama Raja Singan, the last Tamil King of Srilanka, Vellore.

49. Anna Kalai Arangam, Vellore.

50. Commemoration Pillar of Sepoy Mutiny, Vellore.

A memorial to Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar at the place of his residence at Madurai – Thirunagar, is being raised. Action is being taken to acquire the land at a cost of Rs.14,25,125/- and orders have been issued to construct a memorial at a cost of Rs.34.00 lakhs.

Freedom Fighter Vellayathevan Memorial is being built at Vallanadu village in Thoothukudi district at a cost of Rs. 25.00 lakhs. Construction work is in finishing stage.

Work has begun to build Manimandapam in honour of Rettamalai Srinivasan at the Guindy Gandhi Mandapam Campus. Rs.19.50 has been allotted for this purpose.

Construction of the memorial for Freedom Fighter Thiru.Sundralingam in Governagiri Village in Thoothkudi district at a cost of Rs.25.00 lakhs is in finishing stage.

A Memorial for Devaneya Pavanar at a cost of Rs.39.60 lakhs is being constructed at Sathamangalam in Madurai district.

The house of former Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Thiru S.B.Athithanar, in Sri Vaikundam Village in Thoothukudi district is being converted into a state memorial. Repair works have been completed at a cost of Rs.7.50 lakhs.

Poet Umarupulavar’s House in Ettayapuram has been acquired and a memorial is to be renovated at a cost of Rs.22.50 lakhs.

Orders have been issued to construct Adhiyaman Kottam with a visitor’s hall, to accommodate 400 persons at Adhiyaman Kottai in Dharmapuri district at a cost of Rs.115.00 lakhs. Action is being taken to acquire the land measuring 0.81.0 hectare at a land cost of Rs.1,28,253/-

Dr. M.G.R Museum has been constructed at Bharat Ratna Dr.M.G.R Memorial campus in the Marina Beach at a cost of Rs.38.50 lakhs.

Efforts are on to install nine feet tall bronze statues of Former President of India Dr.S.RadhaKrishnan and Thanthai Periyar at a cost of Rs.2.50 lakhs each at the Parliament House, New Delhi.

An estimate of Rs.36.80 lakhs has been received from Public Works Department for construction of a memorial with statue for King Chenji Desingu Rajan at the place of his death in Kadali Village in Chenji Taluk in Villupuram district. After acquiring the site through Revenue Department, work for the memorial will be taken up.

Development works have been completed at Gandhi Mandapam, Kamarajar Memorial, Bhakthavatchalam Memorial at a cost of Rs.29.00 lakhs.

Repair works to the Tsunami affected Periarignar Anna Memorial and Dr.M.G.R. Memorial in the Marina Beach have been taken up at a cost of Rs.109.50 lakhs and the work is in finishing stage.

To restore Rajaji Hall to its pristine glory, it was decided to take up renovation work through the grant in aid from Finance Commission, at a cost of Rupees one crore. In the first phase, work amounting to Rs.34.00 lakhs has been completed through the grant in aid sanctioned by XI Finance Commission. In the second and third phases, works for Rs.30.00 lakhs and Rs.36.00 lakhs respectively will be takenup through the XII Finance Commission.

The statue of Kannagi has been restored to its original place in the Marina Beach at a cost of Rs.4.90 lakhs. Honourable Chief Minister unveiled the statue on 03.06.2006.

A bronze statue of Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan has been installed, in Kamarajar Salai near the traffic signal adjacent to the Office of the Director General of Police, at a cost of Rs.8.95 lakhs, and was unveiled on 21.07.2006, on his death anniversary, by the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.