Latest news with #Pandian
The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
'Karuthal'‘ scholarship scheme empowers students from plantation sector in Idukki
The 'Karuthal' scholarship, a pioneering effort to provide support to students in government schools within plantation communities of high ranges of Kerala, continues to offer hope to students in the region. Instituted in 2022 during IAS officer Arjun Pandian's tenure as the District Development Commissioner (DDC) of Idukki, the scholarship was envisioned as a tribute to his roots in Elappara grama panchayat. 'As the first IAS officer from this region, I wanted to give back to my native place, especially to the children of plantation workers,' he said. 'I hope the scholarship inspires them to aim higher and realise their potential.' Initially awarded to top-performing Class X and Plus Two students from the Government School in Elappara, the scholarship — now in its fourth edition — has expanded its reach. This year, it covers students from Government High Schools in Chemmannu and Vagamon as well, effectively bringing the entire panchayat under its fold. 'I hope to extend the initiative to more schools in the future,' Mr. Pandian added. Funded through Corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnerships and, at times, from Mr. Pandian's own salary, the scholarship has so far benefited 68 students, with total contributions exceeding ₹8 lakh. While it was originally based solely on academic performance, the scope of the award has grown to include excellence in sports and other extracurricular activities. Certificates of merit, presented by District Collectors, add further recognition and encouragement for recipients. This year's award ceremony was inaugurated by Idukki District Collector V. Vigneshwari. A total of 34 students received scholarships. The event was attended by Elappara grama panchayat president Ammini Thomas, ESAF executive vice-president George Thomas, Principal Sofitha Beevi, and headmistress Haseena Begum, among others. The ESAF Foundation supported this year's edition through its CSR initiative. Other notable contributions Beyond this initiative, Mr. Pandian has played a key role in improving education, healthcare, tourism, and the welfare of plantation workers in the region. Notably, he was instrumental in securing the affiliation of Idukki Medical College and facilitating the admission of its first 100 MBBS students in 2022 — a landmark moment for the district. A 2017-batch IAS officer hailing from Elappara, Arjun Pandian currently serves as the District Collector of Thrissur.
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Farmers' associations seek update on Noyyal river restoration project
Farmers' associations have sought removal of encroachments along the Noyyal river embankments and prevention of sewage water entry, and have emphasised on implementation of the project for its restoration. They seek to know the outcome of the ₹990 crore project proposed by the Coimbatore and Tiruppur Corporations for restoration of Noyyal river under the 'Nadanthai Vaazhi Cauvery'. The project entails 40% contribution by the State government and 60% from National River Restoration Fund, managed by the Ministry of Jal Sakthi. The project is supposed to be implemented under the Ministry's National Mission for Clean Ganga. Noyyal, a tributary of Cauvery river, was brought under the river restoration project along with Adyar, Cooum, Vaigai and Vennar rivers in Tamil Nadu. The works proposed include collection, transportation and treatment of municipal sewage, river front development, low-cost sanitation, electric crematoria, and improved wood-based crematoria. After taking stock of the extent of pollution in the Noyyal flowing through Coimbatore city on Friday, president of the Coordination Committee of All Farmers' Associations of Tamil Nadu and coordinator of the Samyuktha Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) P.R. Pandian said the once majestic river originating in the hills has now been reduced to a sewage channel. Industrial effluent and sewage have caused the risk of spread of infectious diseases. Safeguarding of the river was vital for the upkeep of the health of the residents in the city. There was also the risk of groundwater depletion due to the neglect of the river, Mr. Pandian said, urging the State government to rope in industrialists to develop a masterplan for protecting the river. In the recent meeting of the grievances redress session for farmers, the district unit of the Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Sangam made a representation to the district administration seeking update on the massive project proposed to be undertaken by the Central and State governments for restoration of the river. Just as the Noyyal river in the South of Coimbatore, the Kaushika river in North Coimbatore must also be given importance for restoration in the interests of the several thousands of farmers with small holdings, district unit president of Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Sangam N. Dhandapani and secretary G. Ranganathan emphasised.
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Farmers associations rake up problems in availing crop loans
Farmers associations in delta districts have raised their voice against the modalities followed by cooperative banks for sanctioning crop loans. In a statement issued on June 23, general secretary of Tamizhaga Cauvery Vivasayigal Sangam P. R. Pandian has opposed the rules and regulations followed by cooperative banks for issuance of crop loans. 'It will not be acceptable to follow certain rules laid down by the Primary Agriculture Cooperative Banks, which levy more stringent rules than the those followed by nationalised banks for sanctioning crop loans. There was a vast difference between the announcement made by the Cooperatives Minister and the modalities followed by the Cooperative Banks in granting of crop loans to farmers', he said. Demanding a white paper on the issue, Mr. Pandian said that conversion of Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies as PACBs was the main reason for the problems faced by the farmers. The State government should come up with a solution for the issue as early as possible and ensure that farmers avail crop loans through the PACBs without much difficulties. Expressing similar views, secretary of Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers Protection Association Sundara Vimalanathan has urged the Tamil Nadu government not to implement Reserve Bank of India's recent dictum that crop loans should be disbursed based on Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited's Score (CIBIL score). In a statement, he called upon the Members of Parliament elected from Tamil Nadu to register their protest against the RBI rules and persist on the Union Government to withdraw this rule during the forthcoming Monsoon Session of the Parliament.
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Farmers seek cash incentive for cultivation
With the release of water for irrigation from Kallanai on Sunday, the Tamizhaga Cauvery Vivasayigal Sangam has appealed to the State government to sanction an incentive of ₹15,000 an acre to farmers to take up cultivation. Speaking to reporters at Kollidam in Mayiladuthurai district, association general secretary P.R. Pandian pointed out that farmers in Puducherry were being given ₹15,000 a hectare as incentive by the government. The Telangana government was extending an incentive of ₹15,000 an acre, he said and called upon the State government to implement a similar scheme. Mr. Pandian urged the government to build a regulator at Vellamanal at Kollidam to prevent sea water intrusion. 'We have been fighting for this for long,' he said. Similarly, funds had not been released for the renovation of shutters in the delta region planned at an estimated cost of ₹18 crore, he said. He insisted that the cooperative societies should not check for CIBIL scores of farmers while sanctioning crop loan.
New Indian Express
30-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
TNCSC delays Rs 600 crore paddy procurement payment to favour private entity: Farmers
MADURAI: Tamil Nadu Farmers Association president P R Pandian on Thursday said the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC) has not paid the farmers yet for procuring Rs 600-crore-worth paddy two months ago. He accused Minister for Food and Civil Supplies R Sakkarapani of acting in favour of Arisi Koottamaippu — a private company through which the TNCSC has been procuring commodities from farmers in eight southern districts, except Madurai. During a press briefing in Madurai on Thursday, Pandian said the association would stage a black-flag protest against the minister, who has been deputed by the DMK to carry out election-related works in the region, unless the TNCSC pays the pending amount to the farmers in 10 days. 'Instead of making efforts to pay the farmers, Minister Sakkarapani allegedly attempted to safeguard the Arisi Kuttamaippu, which is owned by one Amrudeen Sheik Dawood,' he claimed. Further, Pandian said the TNCSC, which has been directly procuring paddy from the farmers since 1975, signed an agreement with said private company after the DMK came to power. As per policy, farmers must be paid within 48 hours of procurement, however, they have not been paid even after two months, he added. Responding to the allegations, Minister R Sakkarapani refused to make any comments to TNIE, saying he was unaware of Pandian's speech.
