Chennai, Nov 16: In a recent development, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L Murugan, raised serious concerns about the alleged interference of the Tamil Nadu state government in the participation of district collectors and government officials in events attended by Union Ministers. Murugan addressed reporters following his participation in the launch of the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ aimed at promoting flagship schemes of the central government in The Nilgiris.

Expressing his discontent, Murugan claimed that unlike in other states, officials such as Ministers, MPs, MLAs, and district collectors in Tamil Nadu were not actively engaging in meetings attended by central ministers. He emphasized the importance of the participation of district collectors, especially those working under the Government of India, in events involving central ministers.

Adding fuel to the controversy, Murugan highlighted a pressing issue concerning the suspension of subsidy amounts for around 14,000 farmers out of one lakh beneficiaries under the PM Kisan Scheme in The Nilgiris. The subsidy of Rs 6,000 per farmer has reportedly been halted, prompting Murugan to call for an introspection by the district administration and MP A Raja into the reasons behind this suspension. He urged an examination of the eligibility of the affected farmers for the monetary benefit.

During the event, Murugan took the opportunity to distribute cheques for agricultural crop loans to 17 farmers and released brochures outlining central government schemes aimed at the welfare and empowerment of tribal communities. The ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ has commenced in tribal areas in Tamil Nadu’s first phase and is slated to be conducted nationwide until January 25.