Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday directed district collectors and superintendents of police to effectively tackle crimes by identifying the root cause and maximise public safety.
Stressing the need to crack down on drug trafficking and protect natural resources from plunder, he said no wrongdoer, regardless of their standing, should escape swift and impartial punishment.
Addressing the first two-day joint conference of collectors, SPs, and senior police officials since his TVK government assumed office in May, Vijay said the officials “could act without political interference.”
“Collectors and SPs should take steps to prevent criminal incidents by identifying the root cause. A change should be brought about in the behaviour of those who disturb law and order,” he said in his opening remarks.
Women’s safety should be ensured without any compromise and special arrangements should be made for their protection. Special attention should also be given to the safety of students and children, he said.
“Shops near schools should be continuously monitored. Periodic checks should be conducted if necessary. Those involved in drug-related crimes should be immediately arrested and punished,” the CM said.
He emphasised that the people elected the TVK government for social justice and for an administration that is transparent, honest and corruption-free.
“We must pay special attention to basic facilities like ration, education, drinking water, health, electricity, road facilities, and bus facilities,” he said.
“Regarding law and order, you can decide freely. Whoever the wrongdoers are, no matter how powerful they are, they should be punished immediately and impartially according to the law. Innocent persons should not be penalised,” the CM added.
Collectors should hold online meetings with officials ahead of public grievance redressal meetings.
Vijay asked them to treat farmers, fishermen, and differently-abled persons with courtesy and empathy while handling their grievances.
They should undertake field visits regularly and take follow-up action on petitions received, he said.
The chief minister suggested that collectors hold a law and order meeting every month and coordinate with the relevant departments.
He emphasised the importance of consulting legal experts on crucial cases so that wrongdoers do not escape the law.
Apart from district collectors and Superintendents of Police, Deputy Inspectors General of Police, the Director General of Police and heads of various government departments also participated in the conference.
