Polity
New Chief Minister Takes Charge in Tamil Nadu
- Context: C. Joseph Vijay, president of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
- His elevation marks a major shift in Tamil Nadu’s bipolar Dravidian political system that had dominated the State since 1967.
Formation of the Ministry
- Nine Cabinet Ministers were sworn in along with him.
- Eight Ministers, including one woman Minister, are first-time members of the Cabinet.
- The government is likely to become Tamil Nadu’s first coalition government.
Historic Significance
- C. Joseph Vijay is the first person belonging to a minority Christian community to become Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu since Independence.
Key Announcements and Decisions
-
- The Chief Minister signed three important files immediately after assuming office.
- A new scheme providing 200 units of free electricity was announced for domestic consumers whose bi-monthly consumption does not exceed 500 units.
- The scheme is expected to cost the State exchequer around ₹1,730 crore annually.
- The existing scheme of 100 units of free electricity will continue for households consuming above 500 units bi-monthly.
Women’s Safety Measures
- The government announced the formation of an elite “Singa Penn Special Force” dedicated to women’s safety.
- The special force will operate through 65 police stations across 37 districts and nine cities.
Anti-Narcotics Initiative
- An Anti-Narcotic Task Force was also created to combat offences related to illegal drugs and narcotics trafficking in the State.
