After actor-politician Vijay took charge of Tamil Nadu as the Chief Minister (CM), the first cabinet meeting led by him was organised on Friday, during which he unveiled 436 projects across various departments, boosting the policy push. 

The meeting was held at the state secretariat on Friday and lasted for over an hour. It focused on laying the groundwork for the administration’s priorities in the coming months. The key themes outlined in the meeting included youth empowerment, women’s welfare, the upliftment of the fishing communities and an intensified campaign against drugs and substance abuse.

Government sets targets for departments

Addressing the media after the meeting, the state’s Energy Resources and Law Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar said CM Vijay had outlined clear objectives for every department and had also assigned as many as 436 projects for implementation. 

According to the minister, individual departments will work in consonance with officials to formulate detailed action plans. These blueprints will identify implementation strategies, timelines and mechanisms to ensure the projects are duly executed. 

He went on to say that the ministers have been directed to hold consultations with their respective departments and ramp up groundwork so that the initiatives can be rolled out in time. 

Policy agenda focuses on youth, women, fishermen

The cabinet discussions were centred on the government’s commitment to strengthening opportunities for the youth, enhancing welfare measures for women and improving the socio-economic conditions of the state’s fishing communities.

Officials aware of the development indicated that the aforementioned sectors would receive special attention as part of the administration’s broader development agenda. The meeting also laid emphasis on long-term governance goals and methods to ensure that welfare programmes materialise into tangible benefits for citizens across Tamil Nadu. 

Drug-free state remains top priority

A prominent issue discussed was the government’s campaign to curtail the spread of narcotics and other addictive substances. Kumar said the administration had already taken several steps in this direction, including the closure of 717 state-run liquor outlets. 

He remarked, “Our ultimate goal is a drug-free Tamil Nadu,” alleging that the state had seen widespread circulation of narcotics, ranging from Ganja (cannabis) to methamphetamine, over the past five years. 

He also revealed that CM Vijay has directed the police department to adopt a zero-tolerance approach and persevere in efforts to eliminate drug syndicates operating across the state. 

Gutkha sale being banned

As part of the anti-drug drive, authorities have also intensified action against the sale of banned tobacco products like Gutkha. 

Minister Kumar noted that more than 24 shops in Madurai town were sealed within a week after they were identified as outlets selling prohibited products. He concluded by saying that stringent legal provisions, including the Goondas Act, are being invoked against people allegedly involved in the distribution of synthetic drugs.