CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government was not able to obtain an order to conduct Jallikattu this year as the Centre had not removed bulls from the category of animals that could not be exhibited or trained for exhibition, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam told the Assembly on Monday and assured that a favourable order would be obtained when the bulls were removed from the list.
Replying to a demand by CPI floor leader S Gunasekaran during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, the Chief Minister said the Supreme Court had banned Jallikattu following a notification issued by the Congress coalition government on July 11, 2011, which included bulls in the category of animals which could not be exhibited or trained for exhibition as performing animal.
The State government would continue to insist upon the Centre to remove the bulls from the list, he said. The State government had filed a review petition against the ban on Jallikattu and the petition was pending. A similar ban was ordered by the Supreme Court on March 29, 2006 on a petition filed by one Nagaraj. An appeal was filed by the State government in the Madurai Bench of the Madras HC, which directed the State to conduct the sport.
When the Animal Welfare Board of India approached the SC, the SC granted a stay on the High Court order. Again, the Supreme Court, following applications, said Jallikattu could be conducted without harm to animals and human beings.
Bill to amend ombudsman act
Chennai: The State Assembly adopted a Bill to appoint an officer of the State government not below the rank of Secretary or a retired officer as Ombudsman for local bodies. The amendment has been made to include retired officers within its ambit.
20K swine flu vaccines in stock
Chennai: State Health Minister C Vijayabaskar on Monday informed the Assembly that 20,000 vaccines for swine flu had been stocked in Tamil Nadu and vaccination would be given to the people requiring it, as per the guidelines of World Health Organisation.
86,000 MT Amma cement sold
Chennai: State Industries Minister P Thangamani said a total of 86,713 metric tonnes of Amma cement had been sold within a month starting from Pongal Day. He was replying to a question during the discussion on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address in the Assembly.
Minister rejects pay hike demand
Chennai: State Social Welfare Minister B Valarmathi on Monday rejected the demand for revising the salary of anganwadi and noon meal staff on a par with other government employees, stating that they were only part time workers.