In Sivaganga district, petitions submitted at the ‘Ungaludan Stalin’ grievance redressal camp were found dumped in the Vaigai River, sparking public outrage.
The ‘Ungaludan Stalin’ initiative, announced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, is being held across Tamil Nadu to provide quick solutions to unresolved government-related issues faced by the public. District administrations have been making elaborate arrangements to handle these camps.
On August 21 and 22, camps were organized in Thiruppuvanam, Poovanthi, Keezhadi, Madappuram, Enathi, and Nelmudikarai villages of Sivaganga district. However, shortly after, bundles of petitions submitted by the public were seen floating under the Vaigai River bridge in Tiruppuvanam. Locals retrieved the petitions from the water and alerted the authorities.
Reacting to the controversy, Sivaganga District Collector K. Porkodi issued a statement:
“We received information through the media that petitions related to the ‘Ungaludan Stalin’ camp were found near the Vaigai River in Tiruppuvanam. An enquiry was conducted under the chairmanship of the Revenue Divisional Officer, Sivagangai. The investigation revealed that the discarded documents were copies of petitions — including patta transfer requests, six petitions that had already been disposed of immediately, and seven petitions routed through the Taluk Office.”
The Collector further added:
“Officers and staff of the Tiruppuvanam Taluk Office were questioned over the past two days. A complaint has been filed with the District Superintendent of Police through the Revenue Divisional Officer. Investigations are underway to take legal action against those indulging in such anti-social activities aimed at tarnishing the image of the government.”
While the administration maintains that only copies were discarded, the sight of petitions floating in the river has raised questions about the handling of grievances and the seriousness of the initiative. Authorities have assured strict action against those responsible.