CHENNAI: Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, popularly known as PTR, has lost the high-profile finance portfolio and been given information technology and digital services. An unfazed PTR took the change in his stride and thanked Chief Minister MK Stalin for giving him IT which is globally the No.1 industry for investment and job creation.
When speculation about the possibility of his shift from finance portfolio started doing the rounds, numerous persons on social media, including apolitical people and a host of DMK cadre, raised their voice in support of PTR and urged the CM not to disturb him. However, when the speculations came true, social media was abuzz with messages saying moving PTR from the finance portfolio was a wrong move.
PTR, a former international investment banker, rose to fame among public as well as DMK cadre in a very short span after becoming finance minister. He has been articulating his views in a bold manner on issues like GST dues and made several criticisms against the union government besides clarifying on issues like Hindi imposition and NEET, among others. His emphasis on data-driven governance and that welfare schemes should reach only the rightful beneficiaries and his strong reform initiatives were appreciated by many.
However, the first voice against PTR came from government employees when he spoke about difficulties in reverting to the old pension scheme in August 2021, citing the financial crisis the state is facing. Reverting to the old pension scheme is a promise in the DMK’s election manifesto. Government employees staged a protest in his hometown after a few months. Recently, the TN Government Employees Association hit out at PTR and charged that the minister might only toe a ‘corporate’ based economic model.
Besides, there were complaints that many of his ministerial colleagues did not relish his way of functioning, and sanctioning funds for schemes took much time since he wanted to check every file thoroughly. However, those who counter this charge contend that due to his straightforwardness and honesty, PTR went for details to give no room for complaint in the future. Just ahead of the release of the two audio clips, PTR continuously took on Raj Bhavan for violating the financial code in spending the discretionary funds. PTR asserted that the audio clips were fabricated.
On Thursday, within a minute after the portfolio change was announced, PTR, in a lengthy message on Twitter, said: “The past two years have been the most fulfilling in my life. Under the leadership of CM MK Stalin, I presented one revised budget (2021 - ‘22) during the pandemic, and two annual budgets (‘22 - ‘23, ‘23 - ‘24) post-pandemic. Despite inheriting record deficits and debt ratios, we have invested in a record number of social welfare schemes as well as record capital spending, all while delivering record-setting fiscal improvements. This is the epitome of my public service, and indeed of my life.”
While fiscal consolidation and social spending are necessary steps for an equitable society, drivers of development and growth are investment, enterprise expansion, and job-creation. He also thanked the chief minister for assigning him the portfolio of Information Technology - globally the No.1 industry for investment and job creation today.
“We know that technology shapes the future. Though Tamil Nadu was a pioneer in this field in Kalaignar’s time, we have unfortunately lagged our true potential in this sector in the last decade or so. I plan to build on the great efforts of my predecessor, T Mano Thangaraj, to attract more investments, accelerate job creation and deliver growth at a pace that will re-establish Tamil Nadu as a leading state in IT,” PTR added.
He also expressed confidence that his experience in establishing and managing a pioneering Global Capability Centre 15 years ago, and the connectivity with IT & ITES Industry gained during my professional career, would enrich his efforts in this new role.