DEMAND No.28 INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY

Content

Sl. No. Subject Page No.

Introduction 1. Press Release Section...... 4 2. Reference Section...... 12 3. Memorials...... 13 4. Government Functions...... 21 5. Advertisement ...... 27 6. Tamil Nadu Government Film Awards, Film Subsidy & Small Screen Awards...... 32 7. Tamil Nadu Films Division...... 39 8. M.G.R. Govt. Film and Television Institute...... 41 9. Cinema, Video and Cable Television Networks...... 45 10. Tamil Arasu...... 49 11. Exhibitions...... 53 12. District Information and Public Relations Offices...... 57 13. Information Centres...... 59

Conclusion

INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY POLICY NOTE 2010-2011

INTRODUCTION

Following 'Ayyan Thiruvalluvar's advice that "all life on earth is same in origin; but each one's merit varies according to avocations and skills, not by birth", the Information and Public Relations Department is making vital contributions to the Government's efforts in its primary task of ushering in development in the life of people from all strata.

In the footsteps of Perarignar Anna who declared, "Tamil culture accepts people from all over the world as brothers and sisters and welcomes whoever comes closer with greetings; it respects other languages in a proper manner; it fetches wealth of knowledge from wherever it is available in the world,” Hon'ble Chief Minister Dr. Kalaignar's Government is implementing numerous schemes to preserve the health and promote the prosperity of the people of Tamil Nadu and the cherished language of Tamil.

The main objective of the department is to provide information in pleasant Tamil so that the commonfolk in the State understand fully the schemes of the Government and their benefits.

To achieve its aims, the department continuously carries out publicity campaigns in villages, town panchayats, towns and cities not wasting even a second making use of all new technologies.

The Press Release Section, meticulously releases information daily on Government announcements, schemes and other relevent information to the media of newspapers and television channels that add strength and shine to democracy.

The Memorial Section involves itself in honouring leaders, freedom fighters and Tamil savants by building and maintaining memorials and erecting statues and organises celebration of birthdays and observation of anniversaries of such great persons.

The Advertisement Section releases advertisements of the Government departments publicising the schemes and the achievements of the Government.

The Reference Section preserves newspapers and provides news clippings to the departments, whenever required. The Information Centres provide reference materials to students, research scholars and the public.

The Tamil Nadu Films Division produces documentary films and short films on Government schemes, activities and achievements.

The M.G.R. Government Film and Television Institute conducts courses on various aspects of film making.

Tamil Arasu Magazine periodically provides information on all Government schemes, activities and achievements in print as well as on internet.

The Exhibition Wing organizes Government exhibitions making the poor and commonfolk understand the schemes, achievements and activities of the Government.

The Information and Public Relations Officers in the districts organize multimedia campaigns and take the achievements and activities of the Government departments to the people through television, video shows and newspapers.

The Information and Public Relations department, a forerunner of rendering such indispensible services, functions as a bridge between the Government and the people.

PRESS RELEASE SECTION

Press Release Section is an important section functioning on all days including holidays.

The Press Release Section takes care of the publicity of the press notes of the Hon'ble Chief Minister, the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister and Hon'ble Ministers. Government press releases, announcements, achievements, information on Government welfare schemes, development works, Government sponsored programmes and related colour photographs by sending them by e-mail and fax to media consisting of daily newspapers, television channels, news agencies, periodicals and news websites numbering around 200 and working 24 hours a day in order to inform the public instantaneously.

This section makes arrangements for the press conferences of the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister and Hon’ble Ministers. Important press releases containing Government announcements are sent to district Information and Public Relations Officers so that the presspersons in the districts also receive them. The section makes all the necessary arrangements for the media to gather news on occasions of visits by VIPs and functions attended by Hon'ble Ministers and Government Secretaries.

Also, news and photographs of the Government functions and other programmes in the districts attended by the Hon'ble Ministers are received at headquarters through the Information and Public Relations Officers concerned and are arranged by this section to be published in newspapers and telecast / broadcast at the headquarters.

From 1.4.2009 till 31.3.2010, press releases, press notes, photos, video recordings and coverage letters have been sent to newspapers, news agencies and media from headquarters as follows :

Period Press Press Note Photos Press Releases Conference

1.4.2009 1,140 150 696 52 to 31.3.2010

JOURNALISTS' WELFARE

Journalists' Pension

This scheme is being implemented from 1987. The monthly pension of Rs.3000 given to retired journalists who have served for 20 years and are in indigent circumstances has been enhanced to Rs.4000 as soon as this Government assumed office. Rs.37.35 lakh were allocated in the budget 2009-10 for the pension. After this Government assumed office, 31 Journalists have been sanctioned pension. From 1.4.2009 till 31.3.2010, pension has been sanctioned to 9 Journalists. Yearwise details are given below :

Year Pension sanctioned

2006-2007 6

2007-2008 10

2008-2009 6

2009-2010 9

Total 31

Till 31.3.2010, pension to 95 Journalists has been sanctioned. 62 Journalists are now receiving pension.

Journalists' Family Pension

The monthly pension given from 1999 to the wives of deceased journalist pensioners has been enhanced by this Government from Rs.1500 to Rs.2000. From 2006, 24 persons are receiving this pension amount as on 31.3.2010. Rs.5.40 lakh have been allocated for this scheme in the financial year 2009-2010. After assumption of office, this Government has sanctioned family pension to families of 9 journalists; 4 persons have been sanctioned this pension from 1.4.2009 to 31.3.2010.

The new procedure to appoint nominees for the retired journalist pensioners has been introduced to avoid delay in getting death certificate, legal heir certificate etc. for sanctioning family pension to the wives of the deceased journalists.

Journalists' Family Benefit Fund Journalists' Family Benefit Fund is given from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund to families of Journalists who have served in any of these capacities viz, editor, sub-editor, reporter, photographer, proof reader for 20 years and passed away while in service. After assumption of office, this Government modified the eligibility criteria as follows:-

Years served Journalists' Family Benefit Fund Assistance

5 Rs.50,000

10 Rs.1 lakh

15 Rs.1.5 lakh

20 Rs. 2 lakh

Till 31.3.2010, Rs.41.05 lakh have been disbursed as assistance from the, Journalists' Family Benefit Fund to families of 44 Journalists. After this Government assumed office, Rs.26,25,000 have been disbursed as assistance to heirs of 16 deceased journalists. Journalists' Family Benefit Fund assistance has been sanctioned to heirs of 5 deceased Journalists from 1.4.2009 till 31.3.2010.

Assistance for Medical Treatment of Journalists

After assumption of office by this Government, financial assistance to 6 Journalists for medical treatment and to the daughter of a Journalist for surgery has been provided from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund. Rs.6 lakh have been given so far. From 1.4.2009 to 31.3.2010, Rs.1 lakh has been provided for the medical treatment of one Journalist.

Government Rental Housing Scheme for Journalists

Tamil Nadu Housing Board is allotting rental quarters to journalists under special category; so far 266 journalists have been allotted rental quarters all over the state. After this Government assumed office in 2006, 115 journalists in 22 districts have received this allotment.

House Sites for Journalists

Under this scheme, 603 journalists have so far been provided with house sites at concessional rates. After assumption of office by this Government, 234 reporters/photographers have been provided with house sites at concessional rates in , Vellore, Salem, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Tirunelveli and Thanjavur districts.

As mentioned in the budget speech, house sites will be provided to eligible journalists in Coimbatore district in the coming financial year.

Journalists' Welfare Benefit Fund

As per G.O.Ms.No.17, Tamil Development, Religious Endowments and Information (Admn. IV ) department dated 14.1.2008, Rs.1 crore was allocated for the fund and was deposited with Tamil Nadu Power Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation. The deposit amount yields Rs.83,333 per month as interest. A maximum amount of Rs.50,000 is given for the medical treatment of a Journalist for serious illness. Rs.1 lakh from the fund has been given to a journalist as a special care.

Accreditation Cards for Media

Press Accreditation Cards are provided every year to media personnel representing newspapers / television channels / news agencies on recommendation of the Press Accreditation Committee constituted by the Government.

In 2010, 597 persons in Chennai and 89 persons in other districts have been issued Press Accreditation Cards. 718 persons in the districts have been issued Identity Cards through the District Collectors.

Free Bus Passes to Journalists

To facilitate bus travel in Government buses for Presspersons having accreditation cards or identity cards issued by the District Collectors, free bus passes valid for one year are issued every year.

This year, 300 accredited journalists in Chennai and 1,025 journalists in the districts totaling 1,325 have been issued free bus passes. This department compensates the amount of Rs.55 lakh to the State Transport Corporations. This department has compensated in 2009-2010 the amount of Rs.402.47 lakh incurred as expenditure by the State Transport Corporations for issuing such bus passes during the period from 1999-2000 to 2007-2008.

In 2009-2010, free bus passes have been issued to 1,325 media persons at an estimated cost of Rs.55 lakh.

Press Pass cards to Journalists of periodicals

Press Pass Cards are issued to Journalists representing periodicals on the recommendation of Press Pass Recommendation Committee. In 2010, Press Pass Cards have been issued to 222 reporters / photographers of periodicals in Chennai.

Photo Section

The black and white photographs taken yesteryears were developed and printed in the photo section of this department. They were sent by motor cycle messengers to newspapers and agencies. On introduction of e-governance in Tamil Nadu, colour photographs are taken now with digital cameras and sent from Secretariat by e-mail or fax to more or less 200 media simultaneously. Further, photographs taken at important functions are sent immediately to media from the function site itself by using 3 laptops with internet facility. After assumption of office by this Government, 6 digital cameras with accessories have been purchased at a cost of Rs.13.94 lakh for the use of the Government photographers. Keeping in track with modern usage, all the photographs taken at functions are written in C.Ds and are preserved for the future. Under part II scheme of 2009-2010 budget, Rs.13.25 lakh were allocated and the job of digital scanning and cataloguing the negatives of rare photographs was entrusted with ELCOT. Similarly, the ELCOT has been requested to supply 5 digital cameras at a cost of Rs.12.5 lakh.

New Building for Madras Reporters’ Guild

To benefit Journalists in Chennai, the Government of Tamil Nadu sanctioned Rs.30 lakh for construction of a new building for the Madras Reporters’ Guild and the works were begun. As the Public Works Department requested for a re- estimated allocation to complete the works, the Government have allocated an additional fund of Rs.9 lakh in 2010-2011.

REFERENCE SECTION

The Reference Section of the Information and Public Relations department brings to the notice of the Government news items published in newspapers and periodicals. The section consolidates the news clippings from dailies, periodicals and upcountry papers and sends them for the perusal of the Hon'ble Chief Minister daily. Similarly, press clippings are sent to the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister and Hon’ble Ministers, Chief Secretary and Secretaries to Government concerned. Important Tamil and English newspapers are preserved as bound volumes for use in future. Whenever required, these volumes are given for the reference of the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Hon’ble Minister, Ministers and officials.

The Director of Information and Public Relations is the Registrar of Books as per the Newspapers and Books Registration Act, 1867. Two copies of books received from publishers are registered in this section. From April 2009 till February 2010, 372 books have been registered.

MEMORIALS

The Government of Tamil Nadu has constructed memorials in honour of the freedom fighters who sacrificed everything for the sake of their motherland, placing her freedom before their lives and fighting the British rule through 'Quit India Movement' and other agitations and in honour of Tamil savants so as to refresh the memory of their deeds and to inspire the youth towards service to the nation. 50 memorials, 3 Arangams, 4 Commemoration Pillars and 1 Memorial Park have been established and maintained by this department. The names of the memorials are given below :

Memorials 1. Thiruppur Kumaran Memorial, Tiruppur, Tiruppur district. 2. "Rationalist Poet" Udumalai Narayanakavi Manimandapam, Udumalaipettai, Tiruppur district. 3. Thanthai Periyar Memorial, Vaikkom, Kottayam district, Kerala State. 4. Periyar - , Erode. Erode district. 5. Dheeran Manimandapam, Odanilai, Arachalur, Erode district. 6. Mootharignar Rajaji's Birthplace, Thorapalli, Krishnagiri district. 7. Vallal Adhiyaman Kottam, Dharmapuri district. 8. Namakkal Kavignar Ramalingam Ninaivu IIIam, Namakkal district. 9. Va.Ve. Subramaniyam Ninaivu Illam, Varahaneri, Tiruchirapalli district. 10. Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram Manimandapam, Pattukottai, Thanjavur district. 11. Thillayadi Valliammai Memorial, Thillaiyadi, Nagapattinam district. 12. Tamil Thatha Dr. U.Ve.Sa. Ninaivillam, Uthamathanapuram, Thiruvarur district 13. Thiyagi P. Srinivasarao Memorial, Thiruthuraipoondi, Thiruvarur District. 14. Kaviarasar Kannadasan Manimandapam, Karaikudi, Sivagangai district. 15. Thavathiru Kundrakudi Adigalar Manimandapam, Kundrakudi, Sivagangai district. 16. Maruthupandiar Memorial, Tiruppattur, Sivagangai district. 17. 'Thiyaga Seelar' Kakkan Manimandapam, Thumbaipatti, Madurai district. 18. "Thiyagi" Viswanathadas Ninaivillam, Thirumangalam, Madurai district. 19. Parithimar Kalaignar Ninaivillam, Madurai district. 20. Mozhignayiru Devaneya Paavaanar Manimandapam, Madurai district. 21. Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Birthplace, Virudhunagar district. 22. Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Centenary Manimandapam, Virudhunagar district. 23. Mahakavi Bharathiyar Manimandapam, Ettayapuram, Thoothukudi district. 24. Mahakavi Bharathiyar Illam, Ettayapuram, Thoothukudi district. 25. Kappalottiya Thamizhan V.O.Chidambaranar Illam, Ottapidaram, Thoothukudi district. 26. Veeran Alagumuthukone Manimandapam, Kattarangulam, Thoothukudi district. 27. Freedom Fighter Veeran Sundaralingam Memorial, Gavarnagiri, Thoothukudi district. 28. Freedom Fighter Veeran Vellayathevan Memorial, Vallanadu, Thoothukudi district. 29. Poet Umarupulavar Memorial, Ettayapuram, Thoothukudi district. 30. Kappalottiya Thamizhan V.O.C. Manimandapam, Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli district. 31. Poolithevan Memorial, Nerkattumseval Village, Tirunelveli district. 32. "Pothuvudaimai Veerar" P. Jeevanandam Manimandapam, Nagercoil, Kanniyakumari district. 33. Gandhi Memorial, Kanniyakumari, Kanniyakumari district. 34. Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Manimandapam, Kanniyakumari, Kanniyakumari district. 35. "Sathavathani" Seiguthambi Pavalar Memorial, Idalakudi, Kottar, Kanniyakumari district. 36. Perarignar Anna Ninaivu Illam, Chinna Kanchipuram, . 37. Muthumandapam Memorial (in memory of Vikrama Raja Singan, the last Tamil King of Srilanka), Vellore, Vellore district. 38. Perarignar Anna Memorial and Perarignar Anna Museum, , Kamarajar Salai, Chennai. 39. Bharat Ratna Dr.M.G.R.Memorial and Museum, Marina Beach, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai. 40. Mahakavi Bharathiyar Ninaivu Illam, Thulasingam Perumal Koil Salai, Thiruvallikeni, Chennai. 41. Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Ninaivu Illam, Thirumalai Salai, Thiyagaraya Nagar, Chennai. 42. , , Chennai. 43. Gandhi Mandapam, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, , Chennai. 44. Mootharingnar Rajaji Memorial, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai. 45. Mozhippor Thiyagigal Manimandapam, Gandhi Mandapam Campus, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai. 46. Thiyagigal Manimandapam, Gandhi Mandapam Campus, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai. 47. Periyavar M.Bhakthavatchalam Memorial, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai. 48. Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Memorial, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai. 49. Rettamalai Srinivasan Memorial, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai. 50. "Kanniyathendral" Quaid-e-Milleth Manimandapam (near Quaid-e-Milleth Government Women's College) Chennai.

Arangams 1. , Omanthurar Government Estate, , Chennai. 2. Anna Kalai Arangam, Vellore, Vellore district. 3. Mahamagam Kalai Arangam, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district. Commemoration Pillars 1. "Quit India" Movement's Golden Jubilee Commemoration Pillar, Gandhi Mandapam Campus, Sardar Vallabhai Patel Salai, Guindy, Chennai. 2. Golden Jubilee of India's Independence Commemoration Pillar (Near War Memorial), Kamarajar Salai, Chennai. 3. Golden Jubilee of Indian Republic Commemoration Pillar, Near Gandhi Statue, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai. 4. Commemoration Pillar of Sepoy Mutiny, Vellore district. 5. Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Centenary Commemoration Pillar, Virudhunagar, Virudhunagar district.

Memorial Park

Veerapandiya Kattabomman Memorial Park, Kayathar in Thoothukudi district where he was hanged to death.

Other works

1. Based on the announcement of the Honourable Minister for Information during the Budget session 2007-2008, orders have been issued for the construction of memorial for Pattukottai Azhagiri at a cost of Rs.39.00 lakh at Pattukkottai town and the works are in progress.

2. Based on the announcement of the Honourable Chief Minister, orders have been issued for construction of Manimandapam with statue of the Thamizhisai Moovar - Arunachala Kavirayar Marimuthapillai and Muthuthandavar, at a cost of Rs.1.51 Crore at Sirkazhi in Nagapattinam district. Preliminary works for constructing the Manimandapam are being carried out.

3. Renovation work at a cost of Rs.17.73 lakhs has been carried out at Bharathiar Memorial, . A meagre rent of Rs.500 per day only is charged for conducting meetings in the hall at the memorial.

4. Orders have been issued for construction of Memorial for freedom fighter Thiyagi Subramaniya Siva at a cost of Rs.40.00 lakh at Papparapatti in Dharmapuri district. Preliminary works for constructing the Memorial are being carried out.

5. Construction of Manimandapam with statue in honour of Sangam Age Poet Kaniyan Poongundranar at Mahibalanpatti Tirupathur taluk in Sivaganagai district is under process.

6. The Government has issued orders to change the residence of Robert Caldwell who gave ‘oppilakkanam’ to us, at Idaiyankudi in Tirunelveli District into memorial. Caldwell's bust is to be installed at the memorial; renovation works at a cost of Rs.18.50 lakh are in progress.

7. Action is being taken to install the statue of Frontier Fighter Ma.Po.Si. next to the compound wall of the N.K.T. Girls school at the junction of Dr. Besant Road, Irusappan street and Gajapathylala street opposite to the Arulmigu Parthasarathy Temple arch in Triplicane, Chennai at a cost of Rs.6.25 lakh.

8. Memorial will be constructed for Veerathiyagi Vanchinathan at his brithplace, Sengottai.

9. A memorial will be constructed at Viruppatchi for Gopal Nayakkar who lost his life for the freedom of our nation.

10. A memorial in honour of the freedom fighter Ondi Veeran belonging to the Arunthathiyar Community will be established in Tirunelveli.

11. A memorial in honour of Omanthur Ramasamy Reddiyar who was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1947 till 1949 will be constructed at Omanthur.

12. Kalaivanar Arangam will be reconstructed in Omanthurar Government Estate as a modern auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,500 at an estimate of Rs.50 crore.

GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS

The Government of Tamil Nadu celebrates the birth day and observes the death anniversary of Uthamar Gandhiadigal and birthdays of freedom fighters who dedicated their lives for the Independence of India and Tamil Savants who toiled for the development of Tamil language and prosperity of Tamil people, with a view to educate the present generation about their achievements and sacrifices. On these occasions. His Excellency the Governor, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Hon'ble Ministers and other VIPs pay floral tributes to their portraits placed near the statues of the above leaders on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

At Chennai, the statues of the following leaders are garlanded on behalf of the Government and floral tributes are paid to the portraits placed near their statues :.

1. April 14 Birthday of Dr.Ambedkar 2. April 17 Birthday of Freedom Fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai 3. April 27 Birthday of Sir Pitty Thiyagarayar 4. April 29 Birthday of Paventhar Bharathidasan 5. April or May "Symbol of Tamil culture" Kannagi On full moon day (Chitra Pournami) 6 June 5 Birthday of Kanniyathenral Quaid-e-Milleth 7 June 24 Birthday of Kaviarasu Kannadasan 8 July 15 Birthday of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar 9 July 17 'Thiyagigal Dhinam' Thiyagi Arya alias Bhashyam 10 July 17 'Thiyagigal Dhinam' Thiyagi Sankaralinganar 11 July 17 'Thiyagigal Dhinam' Thiyagi Shenbagaraman 12 September 5 Birthday of Kappalottiya Thamizhan. V.O.Chidambaranar 13 September 15 Birthday of Perarignar Anna 14 September 17 Birthday of Thanthai Periyar 15 September 29 Birthday of former Mayor Sivaraj 16 October 2 Birthday of Uthamar Gandhiadigal 17 October 30 Birthday of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar 18 November 8 Birthday of Veeramamunivar, the Italian Tamil scholor 19 November 14 Birthday of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru 20 November 23 Birthday of Kavignar Suratha 21 December 10 Birthday of Mootharignar Rajaji 22 December 11 Birthday of Mahakavi Bharathiyar 23 January 17 Birthday of Bharat Rathna Dr.M.G.R. 24 January 23 Birthday of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose 25 January 30 Death Anniversary of Uthamar Gandhiadigal

Every year, celebrations marking the birth anniversaries of the following leaders are organised in the districts.

Government Functions in Districts

District Government Function & Venue

Thoothukudi Birthday of Veeran Alaghumuthukone, Kovilpatti

Birthday of Veerapandiya Kattabomman, Panchalankurichi

Birthday of Veeran Sundaralingam, Gavarnagiri

Birthday of Mahakavi Bharathiyar, Ettayapuram

Thoothukudi and Birthday of Kappalottiya Thamizhan Tirunelveli V.O. Chidambaranar.

Ramanathapuram Rebel Muthuramalinga Sethupathy, Ramanathapuram. Erode Birthday of Dheeran Chinnamalai, Odanilai, Arachalur

Namakkal Valvil Ori Vizha, Kolli Hills

Chennai and all Birthday of Uthamar Gandhiadigal other districts

Madurai and Birthday of Pasumpon Ramanathapuram Muthuramalinga Thevar

Krishnagiri Birthday of Mootharignar Rajaji Thorapalli

Kanniyakumari Birthday of “Sathavathani” Seiguthambi Pavalar, Nagercoil

Sivagangai Death anniversary of Marudhupandiyar, Tirupattur

Tiruchirapalli Birthday of the Mutharaiyar King, Perarasar Perumpidugu, Tiruchirapalli

Special Functions conducted by Information and Public Relations Department:

1. As a result of serious efforts taken by the Hon'ble Chief Minister, the installation of the Thiruvalluvar statue in Bengaluru, eluding for many years, was achieved. Hon'ble Chief Minister unveiled the statue on 9.8.2009 in the function presided by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka Thiru.B.S.Ediyurappa. Ayyan Thiruvalluvar in Tamil, Vemanna in Telugu and Sarvajna in Kannada are called the Trinity of Dravidian Languages. The statue of Sarvajna the Kannada poet who sang about humanity was unveiled on 13.8.2009 by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka Thiru. B.S.Ediyurappa in the function presided by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu at the - Jeeva Park in Chennai.

2. The Government issued orders for the grand celebration of Peranignar Anna Centenary for one year from 15.9.2008 to 15.9.2009. As the Government ordered to execute various welfare schemes during these celebrations, free house site pattas and other benefits were distributed to poor people in both villages and urban areas. Saplings were planted; Photo exhibitions were organized; newly constructed Government buildings were named as Anna Centenary Buildings.

The Valedictory of Perarignar Anna Centenary was celebrated on 15.9.2009 at the University Centenary Auditorium, Chennai in a grand manner, Hon'ble Chief Minister released the Anna Centenary Special souvenir. Hon'ble Union Minister for Finance Thiru. Pranab Mukerjee released the Perarignar Anna Commemorative Five Rupee Coin. The Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister launched the Website - www.anna100.tn.gov.in,; the book, 'Annavin Ponmozhigal' was released.

3. The Centenary of Thiyagaseelar Kakkan was celebrated at Thumbaipatti, Madurai district on 10.10.2009 at a function presided over by Hon'ble Minister for Information in which Hon'ble Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers participated as special guest. Thiyagaseelar Kakkan's portrait was unveiled and his family members were honoured by the Government.

4. The Government of Tamil Nadu celebrated Thiruvalluvar Thirunal at Valluvar Kottam, Chennai on 15.1.2010. Hon'ble Chief Minister presided over the function and distributed awards to scholors.

5. Hon'ble Chief Minister presided over the function organised to release the commemorative stamp in memory of Rebel Muthuramalinga Sethupathy on 30.3.2010 and released the commemorative stamp.

6. The centenary of the legend of , Ezhisai Mannar M.K.Thiyagaraja Bhagavathar will be celebrated this year (2010) in a grand manner.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Department of Information and Public Relations releases advertisements on Government policies, schemes, development works, tenders, welfare activities and achievements in daily newspapers enabling the public to understand them well.

All the advertisements of Government departments, boards and Government undertakings are centralized through this department and released to dailies and periodicals. The advertisements are released after considering their importance, the target group and the area to which they should reach.

Government welfare schemes such as

1) Distribution of rice at Rupee 1 per kilo in connection with Perarignar Anna Centenary celebrations.

2) Kalaignar Kappeettu Thittam

3) 108-- Ambulance

4) Kalaignar Housing Scheme

5) Inauguration of New Legislative Assembly

6) World Classical Tamil Conference, Coimbatore.

7) Valedictory function of Perarignar Anna Centenary Celebrations.

8) Distribution of provisions for Rs.50 in fair price shops.

9) Distribution of free dhotis to the families below poverty line, in connection with Thamizhar Thirunaal.

10) Distribution of free cooking ingredients for Pongal to public in connection with Tamil New Year and Thamizhar Thirunaal.

11) Opening of several fly-over bridges. 12) Birth days of leaders and Tamil savants.

13) Film Awards and Kalaimamani Awards function.

14) Inauguration of operating new buses in various bus routes by Metropolitan Transport Corporation

15) Villupuram Government Medical College - Hospital opening function.

16) Government functions attended by Hon'ble Chief Minister.

17) Hon'ble Chief Minister's statements on important matters

were released to leading dailies so that they reach all sections of people and create awareness of Govt. welfare schemes among them. Advertisements of importance are released to increase the influx of domestic and foreign tourists. Advertisements that portray the infrastructure availability in the state have paved the way for the attraction of foreign direct investment and additional investment from investors from other states. By adopting modern technology, tender and display advertisements are released through the National Informatics Centre of Government of India free of cost in Government website www.tn.gov.in and permission has been granted to make tender schedules freely available on the Website www.tender.tn.gov.in. As the Government advertisements are released in newspapers as well as websites, transparency in Government administration is ensured. It also facilitates all eligible persons to participate in Government tenders.

Tender advertisements are released in newspapers by this section as per the G.O. regarding the release of advertisements as folows :

Construction Works

Sl.no Estimate Newspapers and Editions for issuing advertisements

1. Above Rs.25 lakh Advertisement in two Tamil and below dailies (district level editions Rs.1 crore only) 2. Above Rs.1 crore Advertisement in two Tamil and below dailies (all editions in Tamil Rs.5 crore Nadu)

3. Above Rs.5 crore Advertisement in one English and below daily (all India edition) and Rs.50 crore one Tamil daily (all editions in Tamil Nadu)

4. Above Rs.50 crore Advertisement in two English dailies (one to be a business daily) all India editions and one Tamil daily (all editions in Tamil Nadu) and Indian Trade Journal

Purchase

Sl.no Purchase Newspapers and Editions Estimate for issuing advertisements

1. Above Rs.10 lakh Advertisement in two Tamil and below dailies (all editions in Tamil Rs.50 lakh Nadu)

2. Above Rs.50 lakh Advertisement in one English and below daily (all India edition) and one Rs.50 crore Tamil daily (all editions in Tamil Nadu)

3. Above Rs.50 crore Advertisement in two English dailies (one to be a business daily) -all India editions and one Tamil daily (all editions in Tamil Nadu) and Indian Trade Journal.

The State and the District Tender Bulletins are released every week giving detailed information about the activities of the Government under the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Act 1998 and the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Rules 2000 framed thereunder. State Tender Bulletin is made available in the Government website www.tn.gov.in. Tender advertisements for works at a cost of Rs.25 lakh to Rs.1 Crore are released in District Tender Bulletins. Tender advertisements for purchase exceeding the cost of Rs.10 lakh and works exceeding the cost of Rs.1 crore are released in State Tender Bulletin. Decisions taken on the tenders are also published in the bulletins.

TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT FILM AWARDS, FILM SUBSIDY & SMALL SCREEN AWARDS

The Government of Tamil Nadu, has been presenting Film Awards since 1968 to the best Tamil feature films, actors, actresses and technicians to encourage the Tamil Film Industry. The Government constitutes a Committee every year to select the best feature films, actors, actresses and technicians.

The following awards are presented to the best films selected by this committee :

1. First Prize - Cheque for Rs.2 lakh , a memento and certificate

2. Second Prize - Cheque for Rs.1 lakh, a memento and certificate

3. Third Prize - Cheque for Rs.75,000/-, a memento and certificate

4. Special Prize - Cheque for Rs.75,000/-, a memento and certificate

A cheque for Rs.1.25 lakh, along with a memento and certificate is awarded as special prize to a Tamil film which portrays the dignity of women.

Cheques for Rs.50,000/- as first prize, Rs.25000 as second prize, Rs.10000 as third prize, memento and certificate are given to films depicting small, planned family values.

A five sovereign gold pendant, a memento and certificate are presented to the selected actors, actresses and technicians. Dubbing Artistes (both male and female) have been included for these awards since 2000. New awards for Best Character Artiste (Male), Best Character Artiste (Female) and Best Comedy Artiste (Female) were instituted in 2001 and are being presented.

Veteran Awards

Veteran awards are presented in the name of Arignar Anna, Kalaivanar N.S. Krishnan, Thiyagaraja Bhagavathar, Raja Sandow, Makkal Thilagam M.G.R., Kavignar Kannadasan and Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan who have left indelible impressions in the history of Tamil Film Industry.

Government Film Subsidy

The Government of Tamil Nadu is implementing a scheme of granting subsidy to quality low-budget Tamil films, with social commitment. Every year, a Selection Committee is constituted by the Government to select quality Tamil films for the grant of subsidy. Every selected film is granted a subsidy of Rs.7 lakh.

Small Screen Awards

Hon'ble Chief Minister honours the artistes of the small screen with Small Screen Awards, the first of its kind, from the year 2006.

Every year, a cheque for Rs.2.00 lakh, a memento and a certificate as the first prize, a cheque for Rs.1.00 lakh, a memento and a certificate as the second prize are awarded for the best mega serial and a cheque for Rs.1.00 lakh, a memento and a certificate are awarded for the best weekly serial. Besides, 3 sovereign gold pendant, a memento and a certificate are presented every year to the Best Story Writer, Best Screen Playwright, Best Dialogue Writer, Best Director, Best Cinematographer, Best Editor, Best Hero, Best Heroine, Best Character Artiste (Male), Best Character Artiste (Female), Best Villain (male and female), Best Child Artiste, Best Music Director, Best Dubbing artiste (Male and Female) and Best Special Effects Technician.

A cheque for Rs.1.00 lakh, a memento and a certificate are given every year each to the Best Achiever of the year and the Best Lifetime Achiever. A Selection Committee under Hon'ble Justice Marudhamuthu has been constituted to select the awardees for the Small Screen Awards for the year 2007 and 2008. The Selection Committee is viewing the small screen serials.

Film Awards Function

The Tamil Nadu Government Film Awards for 2007 and 2008 were presented at a grand function held on 8.12.2009 at Madras University Centenary Auditorium. Hon'ble Chief Minister presented the awards consisting of gold medals, mementos and certificate to best films, best actors, best actresses and best technicians. Awards to the students of M.G.R. Government Film and Television Institute were also presented on the occasion.

Government's concessions to Tamil Film Industry

1. Cash awards, gold medals, mementos and certificates are presented to the best Tamil films, actors, actresses and technicians.

2. Veteran Awards are presented for notable achievements in film industry.

3. As given to artistes from Film Industry, Cash awards, gold medals, momentos and certificate are presented to the small screen actors, actresses, and technicians also from the year 2006.

4. The low budget, quality Tamil feature films are granted subsidy of Rs.7 lakh each.

5. Committees have been constituted at district and state level to resolve disputes in film industry.

6. A sum of Rupees one lakh is granted from the Chief Minister's Public Relief Fund to the family of a stunt actor who is injured and dies during film shooting. A sum of Rs.50,000/- is granted if he becomes incapacitated, while shooting a stunt sequence.

7. Permission is granted under single window system for film shooting in Government premises.

8. On the representation of Film & TV industry and to encourage them, the fees for outdoor shooting were reduced considerably and orders have been issued.

9. Government has ordered to provide incentives to films getting National, International awards as an encouraging measure.

10. Subsidy of Rs.95 lakh has been awarded to the Tamil film "Periyar" in which Inamurasu Sathyaraj has acted.

11. Rs.50 lakh were given as subsidy to the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commence and Industry for conducting an international conference in Chennai held to infuse new technologies and develop the film industry.

12. Reforms Committee to reconsider the concessions to the film industry was consitituted as per G.O.(M.S).No.374, Tamil Development, Religious Endowments and Information (FT.1) department dated.5.6.2009. 13. As announced by the Hon'ble Chief Minister, the Film Industry Welfare Board has been constituted.

14. As announced by the Hon'ble Chief Minister, orders have been issued to provide 39.14.5 hactare land on long lease to the members of FEFSI and Tamil Film Producers' Association for constructing multi-storied tenements at Paiyanur Village in Taluk, Kancheepuram district.

15. A Benefit Fund with a deposit of Rs.1 crore has been established for small screen artistes.

16. Shooting charges for small screen productions have been fixed by the Government at 50% of film shooting charges.

Title in Tamil

The Commercial Taxes department has fully exempted entertainment tax for new Tamil films with title named in Tamil since 22.7.2006 in order to encourage passion for Tamil language.

Reforms Committee

As announced in the budget 2009-2010, this Government reduced the charges for outdoor shooting and has exempted entertainment tax for films titled in Tamil. As the benefits did not reach the people, the Government has issued orders forming a Reforms Committee to reexamine the concessions by holding discussions with representatives of film industry, local bodies and public on entertainment tax and shooting charges and make recommendations to the Government.

Benefit Fund

The Small Screen Artistes' Benefit Fund has been established to facilitate medical treatment to the small screen artistes and technicians as the Small Screen Industry is gaining popularity. The Government has announced a fund assistance of Rs.1 crore to this benefit fund.

Film Industry Welfare Board

In order to constitute the Film Industry Welfare Board for the artistes and technicians from the Film Industry who make invaluable contributions to the development of the Tamil Film Industry at various levels and for those from small screen industry, a Welfare Board Committee under the Chairmanship of the Hon'ble Minister for Information has been formed. Enrollment of members is in progress.

Film Shooting Charges

This Government has reduced the charges for shooting in public places with a view to encourage film shooting in Tamil Nadu and help the film industry out of difficult times.

The shooting charges of Rs.25,000 for shooting in Rajaji Hall has been reduced to Rs.10,000 by this Government Charges for shooting at historical monuments, Valluvar Kottam, schools, colleges, parks, wildlife sanctuaries and tribal habitats have been reduced from Rs.10,000 to Rs.5,000 and the charges for places like beaches, roads and other public places have been reduced from Rs.5,000 to Rs.3,000.

The details of permissions given for shooting in public places from 2006 are as follows :

Year Shooting permission given January - December (incl.Small Screen)

2006 900 2007 914 2008 980 2009 997

TAMIL NADU FILMS DIVISION

The Tamil Nadu Films Division, functioning from 1968, is doing excellent work by making use of the media of film and video technology creating awareness of Government schemes among people. It functions as an agency producing advertisement films and documentaries of Government departments and understakings.

News Coverages

Tamil Nadu Films Division covers all Government functions especially functions participated by the Hon'ble Chief Minister and the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister throughout Tamil Nadu in video.

35 mm. Film News Reel / Documentary Productions

Video News Coverages are edited into 10 minute films and 147 prints are taken and released through Films Division, Government of India, Chennai and Madurai branches all over Tamil Nadu in 1410 theatres. Tamil Nadu Films Division has so far produced 419 News Reels / Documentaries.

Production of Video News Magazines

Tamil Nadu Films Division has produced this year 10 Video News Magazines containing programmes of important welfare schemes. To publicize these through the Information and Public Relation Offices in the districts 10 copies of these Video News Magazines written in C.Ds are sent to each district.

Perarignar Anna Centenary Celebration Valedictory Function In the veledicitory function of Perarignar Anna Centenary Celebration held on 15-09-2009 at University Centenary Auditorium, the video short film "Edhaiyum Thangum Idhayam" and the song "Anna Anna" produced by the Tamil Nadu Films Division were received well by all.

M.G.R. GOVERNMENT FILM AND TELEVISION INSTITUTE

The Institute was started in 1945 as a wing of the Government Central Polytechnic College. In 1960, it was upgraded as a Speciality Institute of Technology. It started functioning as Institute of Film Technology from 6.11.1964 in the Government Central Polytechnic Campus at Taramani, Chennai. This is a leading institute in teaching various nuances of Film technologies and artistic expressions. The main objective of this institute is to teach necessary technologies for production of various types of films and video productions and anciliary subjects to poor students.

The M.G.R. Government Film and Television Institute is one of the three institutes in India that provide training in film and television technologies. This Institute functions under the control of the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. The other two are the Film and Television Institute in Pune and the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in Kolkatta.

The All India Council of Technical Education New , has approved all the diploma courses conducted by the Institute. The following diploma courses are offered at the Institute. The details of eligibility for admission are given below :

Direction and Screenplay and Dialogue writing

Any degree from a recognised University.

Cinematography

Pass in Higher Secondary with physics and chemistry as subjects (or) educational qualification equalent to the above (or) Vocational education with still Photography as special subject (or) equalent diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (or) equalent diploma in Electronics and Communication Engineering.

Film Processing

Pass in Higher Secondary with Physics and Chemistry (or) educational qualification equalent to the above (or) Vocational education with still photography as special subject (or) equalent diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (or) equalent diploma in Electronics and Communication Engineering

Sound Recording and Sound Engineering

Pass in Higher Secondary with physics and Chemistry (or) educational qualification equalent to the above (or) Vocational education with electronic radio / television instruments or electronic home appliances as special subject (or) equalent diploma in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (or) equalent diploma in Electronics and Communication Engineering.

Editing

Pass in Higher Secondary with any subject.

The above courses are taught for three years. 14 students in each category including one student from other state and one student recommended by the South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce are admitted every year.

Rs.10,000 as tuition fees, Rs.1,500 as special fees and Rs.1,000 as development fees are collected. Every year, admission is done in July (academic year) by issuing advertisement in major Tamil and English dailies. Notification is also published on the Tamil Nadu Government website for this.

In the final year of the course, 14 groups out of all students are formed and each group is provided training in production of short films at one short film per group. The Government provides financial assistance of Rs.14 lakh approximately every year to the diploma students for production of short films.

The Government of Tamil Nadu presents, on the occation of the Government Film Awards function, the "M.G.R Government Film and Television Institute Students Award" which consists of a gold medal, cheque for Rs.5,000/- a memento and a certificate to the best director, best Cinematographer, best sound recordist, best editor, best film processor of diploma short films produced by the students of this Institute.

Every year, the Government of Tamil Nadu allocates Rs.75,000 as financial assistance for sending the diploma short films produced by students to national and international film festivals. After the past seven years, the short film "Karnamotcham" directed by Thiru.S.Muralimanohar, a direction student of this Institute, was selected as the best short film during 2007-2008 by Government of India and the award winning student and the Director of Information and Public Relations in his capacity as the producer of the short film received the award on 19.3.2010 from Her Excellency the President of India.

CINEMA, VIDEO AND CABLE TELEVISION NETWORK

Film Industry in Tamil Nadu continues to be a very important industry providing employment to several thousands of artistes and technicians. Considering its importance the Government have been extending various concessions to encourage all round growth in the Film Industry.

There are 1257 Cinema theatres in Tamil Nadu in the following four categories.

(i) Permanent Cinema Theatres - 1123

(ii) Semi - Permanent Cinema Theatres - 63

(iii) Touring Cinema Theatres - 63

(iv) Open - Air Cinema Theatres - 8

Total - 1257

The Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Act 1955 and the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules 1957 provide for proper maintenance of cinema theatres, including structural soundness of buildings, with basic amenities.

Cable Television Network System

The Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act 1995 (Central Act), regulates the cable television network all over India. As per the amended Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act of 2000 (Act of XXXVI of 2000 ) District Magistrates, Sub-Divisional Magistrates and Police Commissioner, Chennai have been designated as Authorised Officers to take action against offending Cable Television Operators for contravening Section 3,5,6 or 8 of the Act. The Government of India, by its notification dated 09.01.2004, have entrusted the cable services under the purview of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

Video Act and Rules

"The Tamil Nadu Exhibition of Films on Television Screen through the Video Cassette Recorders (Regulation) Act 1984, regulates the exhibition of films on television screen through video cassette (VCR) recorders in the State of Tamil Nadu. This Act provides for the grant of license to individuals for exhibition of films on television screen through VCR and for running Video Libraries. The respective District Collectors/ Commissioner of Police, Chennai act as the Licensing Authorities. No license is necessary for the purpose of any exhibition of films on television screen through VCR for domestic purpose to the family members of households.

Video Piracy Cell

The Video Piracy Cell, CB CID, Tamil Nadu is functioning under the direct control of the Additional Director General of Police, Crime, Chennai. The services of this cell is also being utilized to check the violations relating to the Copy Right Act/Information Technology Act 2000. There are twelve units of Video Piracy Cell functioning now. The following table gives the details of cases registered, number of accused arrested and value of properties seized etc., by the Video Piracy Cell from the year 2004 to 2010 (up to 28.02.2010):-

Year No. of No. of Value of Value of cases cases accused properties registered registered arrested seized against (Rs.) Cable TV Operators

2004 1151 120612,06,43,647/- 53

2005 813 950 9,44,55,557/- 13

2006 1153 119319,00,04,502/- 10

2007 1844 186617,38,74,360/- 09

2008 1968 1955 1,72,23,401/- 17

2009 2204 2201 8,32,59,759/- 31

2010 (upto 28.02.10) 474 473 2,21,84,090/- 10

The Film Industry in Tamil Nadu has been facing problems due to activities of video pirates, as a result of which, unauthorized copies of the films are taken and distributed within the country and outside. Recently, an offence has been reported in Tamil Nadu, wherein unauthorized copies of a film, which is yet to be released, has been made for large scale distribution. Although immediate action was taken to arrest the persons responsible for this, it is felt that laws governing video piracy have to be made more stringent.

The provisions of the Copy Right Act 1957 are being invoked to deal with such offences and prosecuting authorities initiate criminal cases for an offence punishable under section 63 of the Copy Right Act, 1957. As per section 63 of the said Act, a minimum punishment of imprisonment for a term not less than 6 months with fine, which shall not be less than fifty thousand rupees, shall be imposed. However, as per the proviso thereunder where the infringement of Copy Right has not been made for gain in the course of trade or business, the Court may impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than 6 months or a fine of less than fifty thousand rupees. More often than not, the proviso is being invoked and as a result, small amounts of fine are imposed as punishment and the persons indulging in these kinds of illegal acts continue to do so, without any impunity. Hence, the Hon'ble Chief Minister has addressed the Government of India on 13.01.2010 with a request to amend sections 63 and 63A of the Copy Right Act, 1957 suitably so as to omit the proviso thereunder, to enable imposing of a minimum term of imprisonment with fine by the Court of competent jurisdiction and also to increase the minimum term of 6 months to one year in order to curb the menace of video piracy effectively.

TAMIL ARASU

Tamil Arasu magazine serves as a print medium of the Government, disseminating information about the schemes, welfare activities, and achievements of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Arasu provides useful information to its readers and the public. Speeches of His Excellency the Governor, speeches and announcements of the Hon'ble Chief Minister, the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and the Hon'ble Ministers, Government schemes and programmes, its activities and achievements, welfare measures of the Government, important Government orders, articles on the developmental works in the districts and interviews with the beneficiaries and success stories are published in the magazine. Articles on women's welfare and related schemes, literature, small stories and poems are also published. Apart from this, special publications, posters, pamphlets, invitation cards for Government functions and brochures on developmental activities are also printed in Tamil Arasu. Further, applications and forms relating to other sections of this departments are also printed.

To enable the masses understand and benefit by Government schemes, "ARASU SEITHI" - a fortnightly wall poster is published by Tamil Arasu. The Arasu Seithi poster was printed through Government Central Press untill December 2009 and is printed in Tamil Arasu Press from January 2010 (by printing 20,000 copies for each fortnightly issue). The wall posters are pasted at prominent public places all over the State through the Information and Public Relations Officers in the districts and municipal corporations.

The Tamil edition of Tamil Arasu is a monthly magazine and the English edition is quarterly. The cost of a single copy of the Tamil issue is Rs.10/- and that of the English issue is Rs.15/-. The annual subscriptions are Rs.120/- and Rs.60/- respectively. The life subscriptions (10 years) for Tamil and English editions are Rs.1,000/- and Rs.500/- respectively.

The total number of subscriptions are 69,591, out of which 56,206 are life subscriptions.

Tamil Arasu magazine, both Tamil and English, is now being webcast on Tamil Nadu Government's official website www.tn.gov.in.

Special Publications

1. "Makkal Vaazhvil Valam Serthida Mahathana Panigal"

- Speech delivered by Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister Thiru.M.K. Stalin as reply for the debate on the demand of the Local Administration and Rural Development Department in Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on 29.6.2009.

2. "Thozhil Valarchiyin Munnodi Maanilam Thamizhagam"

- Speech delivered by Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister Thiru. M.K. Stalin as reply for the debate on the demand of the Industries Department in the Legislative Assembly on 13.7.2009.

3. "Amaidhi Thavazhnthidum Thamizhagam"

- Speech delivered by Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister Thiru. M.K. Stalin as reply for the debate on the demand of the Police Department in the Legislative Assembly on 20.7.2009.

4. " Kannada Kavignar Sarvajnar"

- Special booklet released in connection with the unveiling of the statue of the Kannada Poet Sarvajna in Jeeva Park at Ayanavaram, Chennai on 13.8.2009.

5. Speech delivered by Hon'ble Chief Minister Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi in the District Collectors and Police Officers' Conference held on September 17 & 18th 2009.

6. Address of the Hon'ble Minister for Information, Government of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Parithi Ellamvazhuthi at the XXVII Conference of State Information Ministers at New Delhi.

7. "Ayaraadhu Paniyaatrum Arasu"

- Speech delivered by Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister Thiru. M.K. Stalin as reply for the debate on the motion of thanks to His Excellancy the Governor's address to the Legislative Assembly on 11.1.2010.

8. Citations of awardees for the Ayyan Thiruvalluvar Award, Thanthai Periyar Award, Annal Ambedkar Award, Perarignar Anna Award, Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Award, Mahakavi Bharathiyar Award, Pavendar Bharathidasan Award, Thamizhthenral Thiru.Vi.Ka. Award, Muthamizhkavalar K.A.P. Viswanatham Award who received them from the Hon'ble Chief Minister on the occasion of Thiruvalluvar Day on January 15, 2010. 9. "Thamizhagathil Mihachirantha Podhuviniyoga Murai"

- Speeches delivered on behalf of the Hon'ble Chief Minister by the Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister on Control of Price Hike and Internal Security at the Chief Ministers' Conference held at New Delhi on 6.2.2010 and 7.2.2010.

10. "Ulakathamizh Chemmozhi Maanadu - Kovai 2010" - Handbook (15.3.2010)

Publications on Peraignar Anna Centenary

1. 'Perarignar Anna Nootraandu Vizha Sirappu Malar' - a quality publication printed in 588 pages containing Perarignar Anna's biography, rare photographs and eminent scholors' articles and sold for Rs.500.

2. 'Annavin Ponmozhigal' - booklet.

3. 'Perarignar Anna Avargalin Vaazhkai Kurippu' - brochure.

4. The website 'Anna 100' was launched and can be visited at www.tn.gov.in.

EXHIBITIONS

As exhibitions will enable people to easily understand Government schemes, achievements and activities and will also provide entertainment to the public to enjoy with families, orders were issued to organise exhibitions by the Government. The Information and Public Relations Department having good contact with public, is organising the Government exhibitions. These exhibitions are conducted during festival seasons and vacations in distict headquarters to attract large number of visitors.

Government exhibitions are organised in Madurai and Coimbatore during April-June, in Salem during July-September and once in a year in Tirunelveli or Vellore.

Central and State Government departments, Public Sector Undertakings and private concerns take part in these exhibitions. The Government exhibitions apart from entertaining the general public provide employment opportunities. Various cultural programmes are being organised in the exhibitions, which benefit artistes who live in impoverished conditions; stalls are provided free of rent to Women Self Help Groups to sell their products. Best pavilions of the government departments are selected and awarded prizes. So far, 126 Government exhibitions have been orangised by the Information and Public Relations Department and a sum of Rs.22.07 Crore has been earned as profit for the Government.

The details of Government exhibitions organized in 2009 - 2010 and number of visitors are given below :

Month Exhibition Exhibition No. of Ticket Venue Days Visitors Amount collected (Rs.)

June-2009 Tirunelveli 45 3,17,866 17,92,466 to September 2009

July-2009 to Septmber 2009 Salem 60 6,23,311 29,18,945 December-2009 to February 2010 Vellore 45 2,24,670 10,51,478

Total 150 11,65,847 57,62,889

Mini Exhibitions are also conducted by the Information and Public Relations Offices in the districts every year during festivals and on important occasions. A sum of Rs.3.00 lakh has been earmarked for this purpose every year.

The department of Information and Public Relations frames rules and regulations for the conduct of private exhibitions for the benefit and recreation of public and sanctions permission for private exhibitions.

It is notable that every year this Department represents Government of Tamil Nadu in the Flower Festival (Phool Walon-Ki-Saire) organised for the promotion of National Integration and Religious Harmony in the Indian Sub-continent at New Delhi every year. This department won prizes in the festival conducted in 2009.

The Information and Public Relations department participates in the pagaentry procession at the Republic Day celebrations at Chennai and New Delhi every year. The cultural programmes, and fabrication of tableaux for the pageantry displaying various welfare measures in the Republic Day Celebrations held at Chennai are co-ordinated by this department. It is remarkable that this Department participated in Republic Day Parade in Chennai, 2010 and won the second prize.

This department participates in the All India Tourist and Industrial Trade Fair conducted every year in Chennai which depicts the policies, activities and achievements of the Government, putting up exclusive pavilion with photos and models displaying Government policies and achievements so that the people easily understand them and become socially aware and earns appreciation from one and all. This department also participates every year in India International Trade Fair, New Delhi displaying the aims, activities and achievements of the State Government. The Government earns profit through these exhibitions besides providing employment opportunities to thousands of youngsters.

Multimedia Publicity Campaigns

Multimedia Publicity Campaigns and mini photo exhibitions are conducted in all districts by co-ordinating various departments of the government and putting up pavilions thereby vividly explaining schemes, policies and achievements of the Government to the people. Publicity is done through various other programmes during multi media campaigns.

Moreover, mini multimedia exhibitions are conducted during the Mass Contact Programmes of the District Collector in villages of all districts.

District Publicity Co-ordination Committees discuss and finalise various means of advertising welfare schemes of the Government so as to enable people enjoy maximum benefits.

DISTRICT INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICES

The Information and Public Relations Offices in the districts form a vital part of the Information and Public Relations department. The district Information and Public Relations Officers take care of advertising the welfare schemes and activities of the Government in addition to creating awareness of the benefits that accrue from the welfare measures.

The district Information and Public Relations Officers release Government press releases and photorgraphs to media, organize screening of Government Video magazine in places where people gather in numbers, organize press conferences and publicity through local cable TV channels, conduct Government functions, multi - media campaigns and min exhibitions and look after the maintenance of memorials.

With a view to facilitiate the work of the Information and Public Relations Officers in the districts, new colour television sets, digital cameras, fax machines, scanners, photostat machines and cell phones have been provided. Further, laptops with internet facility have been provided to information and Pubic Relations Officers in 6 districts. To enable speedy execution of works, the district offices have been upgraded with modern equipments and are self - sufficient now.

The faulty fax machines, photostat machines and vehicles in the district offices have been upgraded and office works are going on without any delay. In 2009- 2010, two tempo traveler video vans have been purchased at a cost of Rs.12 lakh and provided to the Information and Public Reltions Offices in Kanniyakumari and Theni districts.

One Tempo Traveller Video van has been purchased at a cost of Rs.5.55 lakh and provided to the Information and Public Relations Office of the newly created Tiruppur district. Video and office equipments have also been provided; the Tiruppur district office is functioning well.

INFORMATION CENTRES

Information Centres

Information Centres are functioning under the Information and Public Relations dept at Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Coimbatore and New Delhi. Books on various subjects, newspapers and periodicals are kept in these Information Centres for public use. The number of books available in the libraries of the Information Centres is as follows :

Information Centre No. of Books

Chennai 21,500 Madurai 17,000 Tiruchirapalli 319 Thanjavur 1,371 Coimbatore 1,400 New Delhi 263

Total 41,853

School and college students, teachers and research scholors make good use of these Information Centres.

State Information Centre, Chennai

The State Information Centre, which was located in Omanthurar Govt. Estate, Chennai was shifted to the first floor of Bharathiyar Illam, Triplicane, Chennai on 14.12.2009. Library and reading room are functioning in this centre.

In the Library, books on various subject such as history, biographies of leaders, children's books, science books and books on politics etc. are available. Proceedings of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, publications of the Assembly and Government publications are available here for reference. In the reading room of the State Information Centre, Tamil and English daily newspapers, periodicals are kept for reading by the public. Daily 100 to 150 persons make use of this facility. Periodicals and newspapers are preserved for future reference by the Government. Notes on functions of the Information and Public Relations dept are provided to Hon'ble Ministers and officials for reference. Books for use for Tamil Arasu magazine are also provided.

The notice board at the State Information Centre displays the achievements of the Hon'ble Chief Minister and the photographs taken in various programmes.

The process of binding the old books at State Information Centre Library for preservation is going on.

CONCLUSION

As desired by the Hon'ble Chief Minister Dr. Kalaignar that "Tamil Nadu is a leader among the states in various aspects; the stage, a permanent one, should be reached where the state will be the forerunner of every work; the people of Tamil Nadu should enjoy a ife of prosperity ", the Government of Tamil Nadu has attained the frontal position in various fields. The Information and Public Relations department is doing excellent work as a bridge between the Government and the people to substain the present stage of development and to facilitate further growth in all sectors.

PARITHI ELLAMVAZHUTHI Minister for Information Government of Tamil Nadu

ANNEXURE – 1 Budget Estimates 2010-2011 Rupees in Thousands

2008-2009 2009-2010 2009-2010 2010-2011 Accounts Budget Revised Budget Estimates Estimates Estimates

2059 PUBLIC WORKS 75,97 65,70 90,43 68,98

2220 INFORMATION AND 39,44,36 40,90,97 43,49,93 39,46,14 PUBLICITY

2235 SOCIAL SECURITY AND 34,96 42,75 43,15 44,55 WELFARE

2250 OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES 6,08 8,20 6,38 7,20

4220 CAPITAL OUTLAY ON 4,96 1 10,45 1 INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY

6220 LOANS FOR INFORMATION 5,43,42 AND PUBLICITY

TOTAL 46,09,75 42,07,63 45,00,34 40,66,88