CHENNAI: Placing decentralisation at the centre of his poll promise, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman on Thursday unveiled the party’s election manifesto, proposing a five-capital model for Tamil Nadu along with a mix of administrative reforms and welfare measures.
Under the proposal, Tiruchy will serve as the administrative capital, Coimbatore as the industrial and business capital, Chennai the technology capital, Madurai the cultural and heritage capital, and Kanniyakumari the philosophical capital.
Seeman said the move is aimed at ensuring balanced regional growth and easing population pressure on Chennai and its surrounding regions. Interestingly, the roadmap also indicates a review of the existing reservation system, with a stated focus on prioritising native Tamils in opportunities.
However, Seeman did not elaborate on this aspect while addressing the media after releasing the 400-page document. On the welfare front, the party proposed setting up sports universities in the name of SP Adithanar and promised to ban the sale of packaged drinking water while ensuring free access to clean water for all. It also pledged to create a separate ministry for Siddha medicine and promote nature-based treatment systems. NTK said it would enforce a total ban on alcohol, tobacco, ganja and other narcotics, and constitute a special force to curb illegal sand mining.
In agriculture, the party promised to bring 21 lakh acres under cultivation and phase out chemical pesticides within five years by promoting natural alternatives. Farmers aged above 60 would be provided a monthly pension.
The party assured equal employment opportunities for women across government departments and announced a waiver of loans taken by women’s self-help groups.
In healthcare, NTK pledged round-the-clock functioning of primary health centres, mobile hospitals for the elderly, and rehabilitation centres for those affected by alcohol and drug addiction. It also promised better wages for sanitation workers and an end to privatisation in the sector.
Among other measures, the party said teachers would be paid on a par with their central government counterparts. It also proposed boosting exports of products such as tender coconut, fruit juices and palm-based items, while promoting heritage tourism.