MK Stalin inaugurates projects worth Rs 1,367 crore in Salem

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin inaugurated completed projects worth Rs 1367 crore in Salem while also laying the foundation for new initiatives estimated at Rs 236 crore.

The DMK chief inaugurated various completed projects, including a renovated bus stand, multi-storeyed parking lots, additional classrooms in schools, new buildings for primary health centres, and new roads. Notable projects included the Ilampillai integrated drinking water scheme and the district disaster relief centre at the Salem Steel plant.

During the event, he criticised the previous AIADMK regime for their poor financial management and their unquestioning support of the Centre's restrictions. Stalin highlighted the negative impact of the GST on the state's finances and the compulsion to revise power tariffs due to the AIADMK government's participation in the UDAY scheme.

He emphasised the need for his government to improve the state's financial management without burdening the people. He commended the ruling DMK for reducing the revenue deficit and expressed the government's commitment to implementing new ventures despite financial constraints. "DMK government has not shied away from implementing new ventures citing fund crunch."

"That is why we are not getting adequate funds today and are suffering from a financial crisis. Because (the AIADMK government) signed the (Centre's) UDAY scheme, there has been a compulsion to revise the power tariff," said the CM.

He laid the foundation stone for 331 projects, amounting to an estimated Rs 236 crore. Subsequently, he distributed various government initiatives to beneficiaries. The Chief Minister also unveiled a 16 ft. statue of the late DMK President and former CM M Karunanidhi at the Perarignar Anna Park, situated approximately 300 km from the state capital Chennai.