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.
"District collectors and Superintendents of Police should actively monitor and take action against drug trafficking and smuggling of mineral resources," Vijay said at the Secretariat here.
"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, he said, adding, "Special attention should also be given to the safety of students and children."
"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 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 internal online meetings with officials before taking up public grievances, he said, adding that farmers, fishermen and differently-abled persons deserved to be heard with courtesy and empathy.
They (collectors) should undertake field visits regularly and take follow-up action on petitions received, he insisted.
He suggested collectors hold monthly law and order meetings, coordinate with relevant departments, and consult legal experts on crucial cases to ensure wrongdoers do not escape the law.
Vijay stressed that caste inequalities should be eliminated in educational institutions and that strict action should be taken against caste-based discrimination and violence.
Officials should strive to take government services to the doorsteps of the people and orient their activities towards improving their lives, he said.
Since land disputes often lead to assault cases or murders in rural Tamil Nadu, a district-level land dispute resolution committee should be constituted in each district and meet at fortnightly intervals, he said.
"Police officials should review not only the statistics of crimes against women during inspections but also the quality of investigation, compensation to victims and their dependents, and the status of pending investigation cases every month," Vijay said, warning that delay in registering FIRs in crimes against women and POCSO cases would not be tolerated.
The rise in juvenile delinquency, gang-related activities and drug abuse should be curbed, he added.
Drug abuse among migrant workers in industrial zones like Chennai, Coimbatore and Tiruppur needed urgent attention, Vijay said, calling for active monitoring of ganja, gutka and other substances alongside targeted awareness and enforcement drives.
He asked mining, revenue and police officials to step up coordinated efforts to detect and curb illegal sand mining in the Cauvery, Vaigai and other river basins.
Referring to migrant workers from Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar and the northeastern states, the CM said they should not be subjected to exploitation or attacks. He directed the Labour Welfare Department to ensure the mandatory registration of all migrant workers in the state.
"Officials should be truthful, honest and transparent. Work for the welfare of the people, and good will come to you," Vijay said.
The conference was attended by district collectors, Superintendents of Police (SPs), Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), the Director General of Police (DGP) and heads of various government departments.