Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay addressing officials at a conference in Chennai on Monday.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
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 wrongdoers, regardless of their standing, should escape swift and impartial punishment.
Addressing the first two-day joint conference of Collectors, SPs and other senior police officials since his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government assumed office in May, Mr. 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,” Mr. Vijay said at the conference held 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.
Safety of women 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 Chief Minister said.
‘For social justice’
Mr. Vijay emphasised that the people elected the TVK-led government for social justice and for an administration that was transparent, honest, and corruption-free. “We must pay special attention to basic needs such as rations, 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 Chief Minister added.
Collectors should hold online meetings with officials ahead of public grievance redress meetings. Mr. Vijay asked them to treat farmers, fishermen and persons with disabilities with courtesy and empathy while handling their grievances. Officials should conduct 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.
Published – June 29, 2026 11:19 pm IST
