2 days ago
Thoothukudi Collector's absence at grievances redress meeting irks farmers; stage sit-in protest
Farmers from Thoothukudi district staged a sit-in protest at the Collectorate on Thursday (June 19, 2025), following the absence of the District Collector at the monthly grievances redress meeting.
The meeting, which was presided over by District Revenue Officer (DRO) A. Ravichandran witnessed a brief commotion, when a section of farmers sat on the floor of the meeting hall, raising concerns about the absence of the District Collector. The DRO explained that senior officials had arrived in Tiruchendur regarding the consecration ceremony of the temple and this had prompted the Collector to attend their visit.
However, the farmers argued that the meeting must be conducted under the leadership of the District Collector and claimed that any proceedings without the Collector would be ineffective. They also pointed out the absence of Revenue Divisional Officers (RDO's) of Kovilpatti, Tiruchendur and Thoothukudi and noted that divisional-level grievance meetings had not been conducted for the past two months.
The DRO assured that RDO's would be instructed to attend all future meetings, and directed the officials to ensure that the divisional-level meetings are conducted regularly.
Meanwhile, another section of farmers urged that the meeting should continue. This led to a brief commotion and officials tried to pacify the agitated farmers.
Despite the efforts to calm the situation, the agitation continued. The officials further contacted the Collector, who spoke to one of the farmers over the phone and it helped to diffuse the situation. The meeting resumed after a delay of 45 minutes.
At the meeting, the farmers raised several key demands which included an integrated plan to control weeds in agricultural lands and measures for the distribution of relief assistance to crops affected by the 2024 monsoon. They demanded that milk producers be paid fair and fixed price and wage of the employees at the milk producers cooperative society to be increased.
Farmers from Kulathur and Sivagnanapuram sought insurance compensation for shallots crops for the 2023-2024 season to be released. Additionally, they called for a Forest Extension Centre in Sathankulam, proper water flow to the tail end of the Korampallam tank and strengthening of the bunds along the 'Uppar' canal. They also demanded the speedy completion of works at Maruthur 'Melakaal' canal.
Addressing the grievances, the DRO said that a subsidy of ₹800 is currently being provided for farmers for summer ploughing and for weed control measures. He added that flood damage assessments have been completed and that necessary audit work have also been finalised for the distribution of relief funds. The Forest Extension Centre at Sathankulam would be inspected and necessary action would be taken accordingly, noted Mr. Ravichandran. He further said that subsidised chilli and jasmine saplings would be distributed through the Horticulture Department.
