CHENNAI: The proposal by the Centre to merge the Central Institute of Classical Tamil with the Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUT) in Tiruvarur echoed in the State Assembly on Tuesday, with the principal opposition party, DMK, suggesting a special resolution in this regard.However, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said the government was yet to get any intimation from the Centre.
Express had first reported about the proposal mooted by Central think-tank Niti Aayog to merge the autonomous institution with the central university, which raised concerns among academicians and activists here.
Raising the issue in the Assembly during zero hour on Tuesday, former school education minister and DMK member Thangam Thennarasu (DMK) said the reports about the move for merger of CICT with CUT had shocked Tamil scholars. The institute was brought to Chennai from Mysuru after much efforts by former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. The autonomous institution would become a mere department of CUT if the merger takes places, he warned, and said the State government should take all efforts to stall the proposal.
If needed, Thennarasu added, the Assembly should adopt a resolution to prevent the merger.
Responding, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, said, “As chairperson of CICT, I did not receive any intimation from the Centre regarding the efforts to merge the institute with CUT. The State government too did not get any information in this regard.”
The Chief Minister said the government had allocated 17 acres at Perumbakkam for constructing new buildings for CICT, and the Central Public Works Department was undertaking the construction works.