VILLUPURAM: From preserving the archaeological monuments in villages to building computer centres for rural students, first-time independent candidates in the fray for local body seats in Villupuram district have many promises up their sleeves.
K Nandagopal, a 32-year-old differently-abled candidate from Kundalapuliyur panchayat union in Vikravandi, wants to arrange door-delivery of weekly wages for PwD workers under MGNREGA scheme.
“Further, I would like to arrange for door-step services for availing government benefits. These may include such tasks as signing papers and verification to enrol in the free-house scheme.” Nandagopal is contesting for the panchayat union councillor post in Kundalapuliyur village.
Highlighting the meagre resources for students in the village of Kaanai, A Nagaraj (36), former member of Students Federation of India, promises to build a well-equipped library with computers for the youth in the village. He promised to bring a separate computer centre with photocopying and printout facilities as students now depend on private computer centres, which are mostly shut these days.
On his other promises, Nagaraj told TNIE: “The bus stand at Kaanai is busy as it serves over 5,000 people from 52 villages. But there is not a single toilet for the public there. If elected, I’d first take up the construction of a public toilet at Kaanai bus stand, sending a message on the importance of sanitation in the rural areas.”
Another independent candidate S Saravanan, from T.Nallalam village near Tindivanam is keen on setting up an evening English coaching class for school students in the village. According to Saravanan, "I have some friends abroad who can interact with the kids and train them on spoken English, I'd like to utilise it for the benefit of our village. Now that kids in the rural area are familiar with online classes, a weekly Zoom session will be affordable and effective for us to provide."
An archaeology enthusiast G Saravanakumar (26), fielding for Village Panchayat Ward member at Thiruvamathur village is eager to bring out the archaeological richness of the village that includes the famous Thiruvamathur Shivan temple which is believed to be built during the Chola period, centuries ago.
"It is most viable for the local body administration to bring out the historic value of a village or panchayat and I would extend the lengths of my capacity if elected, to bring about developments through the state archaeology department to assert the existing monuments in the archives of TN archaeology," he said.