The Spectrum

The Spectrum :

Under his able leadership, Tamilnadu reached new heights in various fields. To eradicate poverty and to "See God in the smile of poor" he gave priority to the weaker and down-trodden section and for the first time by any Government, pioneered new welfare schemes such as:

Setting up of Slum Clearance board
( the first of its kind in India, later adopted in other states)

Rehabilitation home for beggars and lepers,

Karunai illams (Mercy Homes) in temples,

Free Eye camps with free supply of spectacles.

Supply of free rice and garments on important festival days,

Free supply of electricity to farmers,

Abolition of hand rickshaws by providing cycle rickshaws free of cost.

Legislation for equal property rights for women,

Marriage grant of Rs. 10,000 to poor girls,

Incentive for Inter-caste marriages and widows' remarriages,

Maternity relief for women in poor households,

Enhancement of pension to freedom fighters and old age people,

Free education for poor girls upto graduate level,

Nationalisation of major bus routes in Tamil Nadu.

Adhi-Dravidar free housing Schemes,

Formation of separate department for the welfare of Backward classes and Most Backward classes,

Free buspass to students.

Family benefit scheme for govt. employes providing Rs. 1 lakh to the family of the deceased employee.

Formation of new universities – Manonmaniam Sundaranar University in Thirunelveli, Dr. MGR Medical University and

University of Veterinary Sciences in Chennai.

Setting up Police Commission – the first of its kind in India to look into the problems of police personnel.

Setting up of the State Planing Commission, etc.,


Dr. V.V. Giri, the then President of India, commended his social schemes as "Tamilnadu leads the rest of India". 

Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayanan also richly lauded his schemes for the poor. To inspire the masses in establishing the identity to the Tamil race, to remind them their ancient rich heritage and to prepetuate the memory of the people who had devoted their lives for the nation, Dr. Kalaignar constructed mouments like Poompuhar Art Gallery, Valluvar Kottam, Kattabomman fortress etc.

During Dr. Anna's brief life span, DMK had its position consolidated in the State, Kalaignar elevated it to the national level and made it one of the decisive forces shaping the desting of India. He was instrumental in influencing major decisions of the central Government like nationalisation of Banks, providing 8.33% Bonus to the workers irrespective of profit or loss, declaration of May Day as a paid holiday. Revival of inter-state council etc. 

The policies which were enunciated and expounded primarily for Tamil and non- Hindi speaking people are now recognised and accepted by national parties. The policy of reservation, decentralisation and devolution of power to the states, legimate share of state Chief Minister in national decisions are a few shining examples.