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Information and Tourism Department Policy Note - 2004-2005 Demand No. 27 Information and Publicity
CONTENT Introduction 1. Press Release Section 2. Memorials 3. Government Functions - Multimedia Publicity Campaigns 4. Tamil Nadu Government Film Awards 5. Cinema, Video and Cable Television Networks 6. Tamil Nadu Films Division 7. Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu 8. Exhibitions 9. Tamil Arasu 10. Advertisements 11. Reference Section 12. District Information and Public Relations Offices 13. Information Centres 14. Plan schemes implemented in 2003-2004 under Part-II schemes 15. General
INTRODUCTION Democracy is the best form of Government created by the human society. Democracy is not only related to Government and the administration, it has also become a way of life providing strong foundation for the people’s prosperity. Democracy is a form of Government which aims at the socio economic growth of the society as a whole. The Information and Public Relations Department is an important department in a democratic set up. This department plays a vital role in disseminating information on various government schemes through print and visual media to create awareness among the public. As a result the benefits of all schemes fully reach all sections of the people. This department strives hard to create the bridge of goodwill between the people and the Government, by interacting with the public and also propagating the schemes and programmes of the Government. This department also organises functions to honour freedom fighters, Tamil scholars and leaders who had served for the welfare of society. Under the able leadership and guidance of Hon’ble Chief Minister, the Department of Information and Public Relations has been strengthened with added infrastructural and modern technological facilities.
CHAPTER-1 PRESS RELEASE SECTION The Press Release Section in the Secretariat plays a vital role in sustaining media relationship by disseminating information about the Government Welfare Schemes and development activities. Press Releases and Press statements from the offices of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Ministers and various departments of the Government on Government’s achievements, welfare schemes, plans and programmes are sent daily to about 100 Press and Media organizations, All India Radio, Doordarshan Kendra and News Agencies through fax, e-mail and in person. Press Meets are also arranged for the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Ministers by this section. Important announcements, decisions and press releases are being sent to the Information and Public Relations Offices in the districts for immediate publicity in the local press. Important programmes, functions, meetings of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Ministers and Secretaries to Government are covered by photographers and sent to dailies and journals. This section also facilitates the television crew and the photographers of dailies to cover important appointments and programmes. A computer with accessories, a heavy duty photocopier and A/c facility have been provided for Press Release Section at a total cost of Rs.4.10 lakhs. PRESS ACCREDITATION ‘Press Accreditation Cards’ are being issued to eligible media personnel representing dailies, private television channels, All India Radio, Doordarshan, Tamil Nadu Films Division and officials of Information and Public Relations Department. 577 persons have been issued with Press Accreditation Cards in Tamil Nadu for the year 2004 as recommended by the Press Accreditation Committee. These Accreditation Card holders are eligible for free bus passes, 50% railway travel concession and preference in availing Government housing facilities. PRESS PASS TO REPORTERS OF PERIODICALS 255 Reporters and Photographers of periodicals in Chennai have been issued ‘Press Passes’ to enable them cover Government functions, VIP visits and Press Conferences of Hon’ble Chief Minister and other Ministers. JOURNALISTS’ FAMILY BENEFIT FUND Grants from Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund are sanctioned to the family members of Editors, Sub-Editors and Reporters of the Press who served for 20 years and had died in harness. Hon’ble Chief Minister has increased the benefit accruing from Journalists’ Family Benefit Fund substantially from Rs.50,000/- to Rs. 2 lakhs with effect from 4.9.2001. So far, 22 persons have been granted Journalists’ Family Benefit Fund. JOURNALISTs’ PENSION Journalists’
Pension scheme is being implemented for the benefit of retired journalists in
indigent circumstances. When the scheme was introduced in 1986, the pension
amount was a paltry Rs.250/- per month. This was being increased, step by step.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of JOURNALISTS’ FAMILY PENSION Journalists’ Family Pension provides succour to the family members of the deceased journalist pensioner. Rs.500/- was given as family pension at the time of introduction of the scheme. Hon’ble Chief Minister has enhanced this amount from Rs.500/- to Rs.1,500/- with effect from 4.9.2001. Presently, 12 persons are receiving journalists’ family pension. TNHB FLATS/HOUSES UNDER EASY INSTALMENT SCHEME FOR JOURNALISTS A comprehensive easy instalment loan scheme for the working journalists to purchase flats/houses from Tamil Nadu Housing Board has been announced and the scheme is tied up with the State Bank of India for sanction of loan. PHOTO SECTION Photo coverage of important Government functions, programmes participated by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Hon’ble Ministers and other VIPs are attended to by the Photo Section. The photographs taken on digital cameras are immediately released to the Press through e-mail. Two new digital cameras were purchased during 2002-2003, for use in this section.
CHAPTER-2 MEMORIALS Statues and Memorials have been installed by the Government of Tamil Nadu to honour the leaders who toiled for the Nation’s freedom and served for the welfare of the society. 38 Memorials, 2 Arangams, 4 Commemoration Pillars and 1 Memorial Park have been established so far. These Memorials are under the control of the Information and Public Relations Department and maintained by the Public Works Department. The details are :
A sum of Rs.35 lakhs was sanctioned and land acquired for the construction of a Manimandapam for Veeran Azhagumuthukkone in Kattarangulam Village, Thoothukudi District. The work has been completed. Steps are also on to erect a life size bronze statue. The foundation stone was laid by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on 13.3.2003 for construction of the Rs.75 lakh Manimandapam in memory of ‘Kappalottiya Thamizhan’ V.O. Chidambaranar at a function in Palayamkottai in Thirunelveli District. The building works have been completed. The "chekku" drew by V.O. Chidambaranar in Coimbatore Prison is now exhibited at Thiyagigal Manimandapam, Guindy in Chennai. Action is being taken to display a replica of this "chekku" and a replica of the ship floated by him at this Manimandapam in Thirunelveli. The Government have issued orders granting enter upon permission to the South India Artistes’ Association for constructing a Memorial for Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji Ganesan, on an extent of 0.65 acre in Mylapore - Triplicane Taluk, Chennai located near Adyar Andhra Mahila Sabha. Land has been acquired for constructing a Memorial for the former Chief Minister Omanthoor Ramasamy Reddiar in Omanthoor Village, Tindivanam Taluk of Villupuram District. The Public Works Department has been requested to prepare the plan and cost estimate for the construction of memorial and for installation of a life size bronze statue. Land is being acquired for construction of a Manimandapam in memory of ‘Mootharignar Rajaji’ at Thorapalli Village in Dharmapuri District. Private land of seven acres area is being acquired for construction of a Manimandapam for freedom fighter Deeran Chinnamalai in Oodanilai, Arachalur Village, Erode District. A life size bronze statue will also be installed. Land belonging to Arulmigu Badhrakali Amman Temple has been acquired for Rs.1,28,000 for constructing ‘Athiyamaan Avvaiyar Kottam’ in Athiyamaan Village, Dharmapuri District. The Public Works Department has been requested to prepare an estimate for the construction. The work will be started on receipt of estimate and fund allocation. In commemoration of the valedictory of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Birth Centenary Celebrations, Hon’ble Chief Minister laid the foundation for a Memorial Pillar to be erected at a cost of Rs.5 lakhs and a Manimandapam to be built at a cost of Rs.9 lakhs on 14.7.2003. A suitable site has been located near the Virudhunagar Municipal Guest House and efforts are on to acquire it. As part of Thiruppur Kumaran’s centenary celebrations, orders have been issued to install a bust size bronze statue of ‘Tiruppur Kumaran’ at the Tiruppur Kumaran Memorial. Work is in progress. Bharat Ratna Dr.M.G.R.’s museum has been constructed at a cost of Rs.38.50 lakhs in the campus of Dr.M.G.R. Memorial at Chennai. The museum will be inaugurated soon. Action has been taken to install nine feet tall statues of former President of India Dr.S. Radhakrishnan and Thanthai Periyar at a cost of Rs.2.50 lakhs each at the Parliament House, New Delhi. Rs.5 lakhs has been sanctioned for the erection of information boards made in granite at 20 memorials in the State. The work will begin soon.
CHAPTER-3 GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS - MULTIMEDIA PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS The Government of Tamil Nadu honours the great National leaders who fought for the freedom of our country and other eminent scholars and leaders who toiled for the cause of language and society. Functions are organised on the occasion of their Birthdays and Death Anniverseries to perpetuate their memory. The statues of the following leaders are being garlanded on behalf of the Government : 1.
January 17 Birthday of 2.
January 23 Birthday of Nethaji Subash 3.
January 30 Death Anniversary of 4. April 14 Birthday of Dr.Ambedkar 5. April 27 Birthday of Sir Pitty Thiyagarayar 6.
April 29 Birthday of 7.
June 5 Birthday of ‘Kanniyathendral’ 8. June 24 Birthday of Kaviarasar Kannadasan 9. July 15 Birthday of Perunthalaivar Kamarajar 10.
July 17 ‘Thiyagigal Dhinam’ - 11.
September 5 Birthday of 12. September 15 Birthday of ‘Perarignar’ Anna 13. September 17 Birthday of Thanthai Periyar 14. September 29 Birthday of Former Mayor Sivaraj 15. October 2 Birthday of Mahatma Gandhi 16.
October 30 Birthday of Pasumpon 17.
November 14 Birthday of 18. December 10 Birthday of Mootharignar Rajaji 19. December 11 Birthday of Mahakavi Bharathiyar During 2003-2004, the birth anniversaries of the following leaders were celebrated :
Multimedia Publicity campaign Multimedia Publicity Campaigns and mini photo exhibitions are conducted in the districts. The activities and achievments of the Government are displayed by various departments by erecting stalls in a particular place. Multimedia Publicity Campaigns are also organised, during the mass contact programme by the District Collector, held once in a month. District Publicity co-ordination committee Publicity campaigns are conducted by various departments to create awareness among the people about Government Schemes, developmental activities and eligibility conditions for availing various welfare assistance. In order to co-ordinate the publicity work, District Publicity Co-ordination Committees were constituted in all Districts under the Chairmanship of the respective District Collector. The committee is convened once in a month under the Chairmanship of the Collector, to discuss the various strategies to be adopted for effective publicity. CHAPTER - 4 TAMIL NADU GOVERNMENT FILM AWARDS In order to encourage the Tamil Film Industry, the Government of Tamil Nadu has instituted Film Awards to the best Tamil feature films, actors, actresses and technicians from the year 1968. Every year a committee is constituted by the Government to select the best feature films, actors, actresses and technicians. The following awards are presented to the selected films: 1. First Prize .. Rs.2 lakhs and a memento 2. Second Prize .. Rs.1 lakh and a memento 3. Third Prize .. Rs.75,000 and a memento 4. Special Prize .. Rs.75,000 and a memento A cash award of Rs.1.25 lakh and a memento are presented to the best Tamil feature film which portrays women in good light and which promotes the cause of women and upholds their dignity. A five sovereign gold pendant and a memento are presented to the selected actors, actresses and technicians. Dubbing Artistes (both male and female) have been included for these awards from the award year 2000. VETERAN AWARDS Veteran awards are presented in the name of Arignar Anna, Kalaivanar, Raja Sandow, M.G.R., Kavignar Kannadasan, Nadigar Thilagam Sivaji and Thiagaraja Bhagavathar who have made indelible marks in the history of Tamil film industry and won the hearts of the millions. GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY To encourage production of low-budget, social conscious, quality Tamil feature films, the Government of Tamil Nadu is implementing a scheme of granting subsidy to such films. Every year a Selection Committee is constituted by the Government to select quality Tamil films. The selected films are granted subsidy at the rate of Rs.5 lakhs per film.
EXEMPTION OF ENTERTAINMENT TAX In order to encourage production of low budget quality Tamil films, entertainment tax is exempted for a period of four weeks from the date of release of the eligible films. GOVERNMENT’s CONCESSIONS TO TAMIL FILM INDUSTRY
CHAPTER - 5
CINEMA, VIDEO AND CABLE TELEVISION NETWORKS Film industry is one of the major industries in Tamil Nadu and Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of Films in India in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi. The revenue from cinema industry is one of the major resources to local bodies and to the Government. In Tamil Nadu 1,835 cinema theatres are functioning under the following categories. i. Permanent Cinema Theatres 1,372 ii. Semi-permanent Cinema Theatres 136 iii. Touring Cinema Theatres 320 iv. Open Air Cinema Theatres 7 Total 1,835 The Tamil Nadu Cinema (Regulation) Act 1955 and the Rules framed there under, viz., the Tamil Nadu Cinemas (Regulation) Rules, 1957, provide for proper maintenance of cinema theatres, including structural soundness of buildings, with basic amenities. With a view to encourage the film industry this Government have extended the following concessions.
Since cinema is one of the popular means of entertainment and the patrons pay considerably for such entertainment, it would not be unreasonable to expect the licensees of theatre to maintain the theatres in hygienic condition. This Government’s ambition is that the cinema goer should get the entertainment in a hygienic atmosphere and they should enjoy the movie comfortably. Since several complaints are being continuously received about poor maintenance of toilet facility, lack of ventilation, non-functioning of A/C, etc, the Government in their Lr. No. 35964/Cinema-I/2002-1, Home Department, dated 16-04-2002 issued instructions to all the licensing authorities to organize a joint inspection of the theatres and to take stern action against the theatre licensees who do not maintain the theatres properly. VIDEO ACT AND RULES To
regulate the exhibition of films on Television Screen through Video Cassette
recorders in the State of Tamil Nadu and for matters incidental or ancillary
thereto, the Government have enacted the Tamil Nadu Exhibition of Films on
Television Screen through the Video Cassette Recorders (Regulation) Act 1984.
This Act provides for the grant of licences to individuals for exhibition of
films on Television Screen through Video Cassette Recorders and for running
Video Libraries. The District Collectors act as the VIDEO PIRACY CELL The Video Piracy Cell, CB CID, Tamil Nadu was created as per G.O.Ms. No. (3D) 16, Home (Cinema II) dated 17-2-1995. Now it is functioning under the direct control of the Additional Director General of Police, Crime, Chennai. The Government directed that the services of this cell should be utilized to check the violations relating to the Copy Right Act / Information Technology Act 2000. The sanctioned strength of the cell is one Superintendent of Police, one Deputy Superintendent of Police, six Inspectors of Police, two Sub-Inspectors of Police, fourteen Grade-I Police Constables and two Police Constables. The Video Piracy Cell is sanctioned with one car, one jeep and four motorcycles.All the units were provided with direct line telephones in the year 2004. There are six Units of VPC sanctioned each with a strength of one inspector and two Grade-I Police Constables. All six units of Video Piracy cell have been declared as police stations vide GO Ms No.864, Home pol.XIV Dept dated 10.6.2004. The Headquarters of the six units and their jurisdiction are furnished below :- Sl 1
Chennai Unit Chennai City, 2
Salem Unit Salem City, 3
Coimbatore Unit Coimbatore City and 4
Tirchirapalli Unit Tirchirapalli Unit, 5
Madurai Unit Madurai City, 6
Tirunelveli Unit Tirunelveli City and
Video Piracy is a recent phenomenon using new technologies. The piracy of popular movies are being done mostly by persons having commercial links with Video Library Owners. These persons, either with connivance of the theatre owners or with the Projector Operators of the theatres are illegally recording/pirating the newly released films in Video Cassettes. Other methods are also being adopted for pirating Video Cassettes and VCDs have also been coming from Malaysia and other countries, which however, is now controlled. To control piracy, Acts like the Copyright Act, 1957, the Tamil Nadu Exhibition of Films of TV Screen through V.C.R. and Cable T.V. Network (Regulation) Act, 1984 and the Cinematography Act, 1952 are invoked.
The functions of the Video Piracy Special Cell are 1. Collection of Intelligence regarding pirated VCDs. 2.
Verification of information furnished by the 3. To conduct raid and arrest the accused. 4. Seizure of incriminating materials. 5
Follow-up action - Remand of the accused and 6.
To attend to the trial of the cases in the courts of There are four types of piracy, namely, piracy of printed word, piracy of sound recordings, piracy of cinematograph films and computer software piracy that comes under the Copyright Act, 1957. The objective of the pirates in all such cases is to make quick money and avoid payment of legitimate taxes and royalties. Recorded music and video cassettes of films and television programmes are reproduced, distributed and sold on in many parts of the world without any remuneration to the authors, artists, publishers and producers concerned. The emergence of new techniques of recording, fixation and reproduction of audio programmes, combined with the advent of video technology have greatly helped the pirates. In addition, because of the recent video boom in the country, there are reports that uncertified video films are being exhibited. Under the Tamil Nadu Exhibition of Films of TV Screen through V.C.R. and Cable T.V. network (Regulation) Act, 1984, no person shall give an exhibition of film on Television screen through Video Cassette Recorder - (i) except under and in accordance with a license granted under section 6 read with section 5 of this Act; and (ii) elsewhere than in place for which permission has been granted under section 7 read with section 5 of the Act. Under this Act, no person shall give an exhibition of film through the Cable Television Network except and in accordance with a license granted under section 6 read with section 5 of this Act. Under the Cinematography Act, 1952, Information and documents to be given to the distributors and the exhibitors with respect to certified films - Any person who delivers any certified film to any distributor or exhibitor shall, in such manner as may be prescribed, notify to the distributor or exhibitor, as the case may be, the title, the length of the film, the number and the nature of the certificate granted in respect thereof and the conditions, if any, subject to which it has been so granted, and any other particulars in respect of the film which may be prescribed. Cinematograph exhibitions to be licensed - save as otherwise provided in this part, no person shall give an exhibition by means of a cinematograph elsewhere than in a place licensed under this part or otherwise that in compliance with any conditions and restrictions imposed by such license. The Video Piracy Cell has registered 594 cases in the year 2003 as against 650 cases in the year 2002. The value of incriminating properties seized by the piracy cell during the period 1-1-2003 to 31-12-2003 is Rs 4,15,04,230/- . The value of incriminating properties seized by the Video Piracy Cell for the period from 1995 to 2004(upto 31.5.2004) is Rs.17,01,02,673/-. Vigorous action has been taken against the Video piracy, as well as the cable television operators who are pirating the VCDs without obtaining proper copy right from the concerned producers. Some long distance buses are exhibiting pirated films, on Television Screens through Video Cassette Recorders. These types of cases are being booked under the Copy Right Act. All the Unit Officers have taken stringent action against the cable television operators who are exhibiting the new films on cable televisions, through Video Cassette Recorders without getting copyright from the concerned film producers. CABLE TELEVISION NETWORK SYSTEM With a view to regulate the exhibition of films through Cable Television, the Government enacted the Tamil Nadu Exhibition of Films on Television Screen through the Video Cassette Recorders (Regulation) Amendment Act 1991. The amended Act came into force from 11-11-1991. The Government of India have enacted the Central Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act 1995 and Rules 1994, which is applicable all over India. According to it, the Head Post Master is the Registering Authority. 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. CONDITIONAL ACCESS SYSTEM (CAS) CAS is an addressability system required for viewing the desired pay channels by the subscribers. It will enable the viewers to pay only for the channels they wish to view. For viewing pay channels a "Set Top Box" (STB) is required while no STB is required for viewing free channels. This ensures that subscribers get minimum 30 free to air channels at a cost of Rs.72/- plus taxes from cable operators and above it he / she has to pay for only those pay channels he / she wishes to view. This has been regulated u/s.4(A) of Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 ( 7 of 1995).This came into effect in Chennai city and part of Delhi in July 2003 but was subsequently suspended by the Central Government through notification in February 2004. Prime channel operators in Chennai had approached the Hon’ble High Court, Chennai against the notification of Central Government and got a stay order which is still in force. Hence as on today CAS is under enforcement in Chennai city. The Video Piracy Cell, CB CID Chennai registered 50 Cable Television cases in the year 2003 as against 66 in the year 2002. All the cases are now pending in the Court.
CHAPTER - 6 TAMIL NADU FILMS DIVISION Tamil Nadu Films Division produces News Reel Bulletins and Video News Magazines that carries important events and various welfare schemes launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Previously, 12 Video News Magazines and 6 Films in 35 mm of 10 minutes duration were produced every year. Now it has been proposed to produce twelve numbers of Video News Magazine and twelve films in 35 mm from the year 2004-2005 onwards. Video News Magazines are produced and telecast through Doordarshan and other private satellite channels to reach the people. Apart from this, the Video News Magazines were recorded in compact discs and 60 copies were sent to District Information and Public Relations Offices for field publicity. It has now been ordered to make 350 copies of CDs for publicity from the year 2004-05. 75 copies of 35 mm films were produced and distributed for release in theatres all over Tamil Nadu through the Central Government’s Films Division. From the year 2004-2005, instead of 6 films per year, 12 films with 147 prints instead of 75 prints will be made and released throughout Tamil Nadu. Documentaries in films and video are produced by Tamil Nadu Films Division for various Government Departments and Government undertakings as per the funds provided by the concerned Departments. The proceedings in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly are being recorded and the video copies are distributed to all Television Channels, with the permission of the Hon’ble Speaker. In this regard, modern equipments costing Rs.2.29 crores have been purchased and installed.
CHAPTER - 7 FILM
AND TELEVISION INSTITUTE The Film and Television Institute of Tamil Nadu is an advanced Technical Institute imparting Film Techniques and Aesthetics. The main objective is to impart training in various Film Production and Television Production and allied subjects. This Film and TV Institute of Tamil Nadu is one of the three major institutes in India. The Film and TV Institute of Tamil Nadu is under the Administrative Control of Director of Information and Public Relations, Government of Tamil Nadu. This institute conduct courses on Film Production. The details of courses and qualifications required for admission are as below: Sl.
Name of the Duration Quali- No.of 1.
Direction and 2. Cinematography 3 years Plus 2 14 3.
Sound Recoding & 4. Film Processing 3 years Plus 2 14 5. Film Editing 3 years Plus 2 14 All the Diploma Courses are approved by the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), New Delhi. As per the advice of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, two additional seats have been created in addition to the usual 12 seats in each of the above mentioned Diploma Courses from the Academic Year 2001-2002 onwards. Notification for the Admission in July is released in the leading Tamil and English Newspapers every year. The students from different branches form into 14 units and each unit is trained to make a fulfledged short film independently. A Programme named ``Mudhal Muyarchi’’ is being telecast every Saturday in the Pothigai channel of Doordarshan. This Channel has come forward to telecast short films (Kurum Padangal) produced by diploma students with their interviews. Successful students of this institute are well placed in the Film Industry, Doordharshan Kendras and other Private TV Channels. ``Paramapatham’’,
a documentary film produced by a third year `Direction’ student, Thiru Prabu
Radhakrishnan, bagged the National Award for the year 2001-2002.The Silver Lotus
Award and cheque for Rs.5,000 was The Government of Tamil Nadu present an Award of One Sovereign Gold Medal, Rs.5,000 and a Memento each to the Best Director, Best Cinematographer, Best Editor, Best Sound Recordist and Best Film Processor of the Short Films produced by the students of this Institute. Computer Centre A Computer centre has been set up at a cost of Rs.11 lakhs. The students are now trained in advanced digital technologies. The Government have also sanctioned a sum of Rs.75,000/- for sending Films produced by students to participate in the National and International Film Festivals.
CHAPTER-8 EXHIBITIONS Government Exhibitions are organised by the Information and Public Relations Department. Government Exhibitions are organised to educate the people on various achievements, welfare schemes and policies of the Government of Tamil Nadu. These exhibitions are scheduled during April-June in Madurai and Coimbatore and in July-September in Salem every year. Various Government departments, Undertakings and Private concerns take part in these exhibitions. The Government exhibitions apart from educating and entertaining the general public, also provide direct and indirect employment opportunities. 111 Government exhibitions were held since 1978 and a sum of Rs.11.74 crores was earned as profit. A Government Exhibition was organised for 30 days in Kumbakonam in connection to the Mahamaham festival during February-March 2004 and a net profit of Rs.18.46 lakhs was earned. A Government Exhibition is now being held at Thirunelveli. Action is being taken to hold a Government Exhibition at Salem. Mini exhibitions are also conducted by the Information and Public Relations Offices in the districts, every year, during festivals and on important occasions. This Department, on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu participated in the Flower Festival (Phool Walon-Ki-Saire) for the promotion of National Integration and Communal Harmony organised at New Delhi in the month of October 2003 and won the First Prize. The Information and Public Relations Department, participates in the Republic Day celebrations at Chennai every year. The cultural programme, compering of events and fabrication of tableaux for the pageantry are arranged by this Department. Every year this Department participates in the All India Tourist and Industrial Trade Fair, Chennai. Every year, during November, this Department coordinates and organises the showcasing of Tamil Nadu, at the India International Trade Fair at New Delhi. CHAPTER-9 TAMILARASU Tamil Arasu serves as a mass medium disseminating information regarding the activities of various departments and the achievements of the Government. Tamil Arasu publishes the achievements of the Government, speeches of His Excellency, the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Ministers. It also carries the announcements of the Government, policies, schemes, programmes and details of developmental works being implemented in the districts, literary essays, news on health and short stories. An exclusive press with modern machinery is functioning for printing of Tamil Arasu. Apart from the printing of Tamil Arasu journal, special publications, pamphlets, Government invitations, brochures on developmental activities of various departments are also printed. The
Tamil edition of Tamil Arasu is a monthly and the English edition is a quarterly
one. The price of a single copy of Tamil issue is Rs. 10 and that of English is
Rs.15/-. The annual subscriptions are Rs.120/- and The total number of subscription has risen to 86,160 of which 48,814 are annual subscription and 37,346 are life subscription as on 30.6.2004. Efforts are on to increase the number of subscribers. Special Publications The following special publications have been brought out since the present Government headed by Hon’ble Chief Minister Selvi J Jayalalithaa assumed office :
This department has published the life sketch of Tamil savants and leaders for distribution at the memorials in the State. CHAPTER -10 ADVERTISEMENTS All the advertisements of Government of Tamil Nadu are centralised through Information and Public Relations Department and released to newspapers and periodicals. Advertisements are released to newspapers after considering the importance of the advertisement and the target group to which it ought to reach. In order to encourage the small and medium scale newspapers, the advertisements are also released in such newspapers. To give wide and effective publicity, by adopting latest technology, all the Tender and Display advertisements are hosted free of cost in the Tamil Nadu Government Website, namely: www.tn.gov.in by National Informatics Centre, a Government of India organisation. The publication of tender notices in newspapers and internet ensure transparency of the tender process and participation of all eligible persons. Under the provisions of Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Act, 1998 and the Tamil Nadu Transparency in Tenders Rules, 2000 framed there under, State Tender Bulletins and District Tender Bulletins are published every week. Tenders having purchase value of Rs.5 lakhs and below Rs.10 lakhs and works having value between Rs.10 lakhs and Rs.25 lakhs are published in District Tender Bulletins. Tenders with purchase value of more than Rs.10 lakhs and works value more than Rs.25 lakhs are published in State Tender Bulletin. The particulars of Tenders and the decision taken on the tenders are also regularly published in these Bulletins.
CHAPTER -11 REFERENCE SECTION Press clippings of newspapers and journals are sent to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, concerned Hon’ble Minister and Secretaries of various departments on the day of their publication. This
section is preserves newspapers of yesteryears and press clippings are supplied,
whenever desired. A computer and accessories along with a fax machine has been
purchased for Rs.1.51 lakh, for use in this ELECTRONIC ARCHIVING SYSTEM An Electronic Archiving System to archive important news items in dailies and journals in compact discs for instant retrieval is being set up in this section.
CHAPER -12 DISTRICT INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICES All
the Information and Public Relations Offices in For giving wide publicity of Government welfare schemes for the benefit of poor and downtrodden, the Government have taken action to supply modern publicity equipments. Accordingly, this year, 12 Photo copiers and 12 Fax Machines were purchased and supplied to District Information and Public Relations Offices. 14 Media Vans and 2 Video Vans were purchased at a cost of Rs.66 lakhs for 15 district Information and Public Relations Offices, last year, and distributed by the Hon’ble Chief Minister. During last year, 10 VCD players at a cost of Rs.0.29 lakh were purchased and distributed to 3 District Information and Public Relations Offices, 6 Information Centres of this Department and one for Headquarters. Booklets detailing the achievements of the various departments in the districts are being published since last year. Moveable Photo Exhibition Panel Boards purchased at a cost of Rs.10.59 lakhs were supplied to 29 Information and Public Relations Offices in Districts to enable them hold mini exhibitions, wherever functions and video shows are held.
CHAPTER - 13 INFORMATION CENTRES There are six Information Centres functioning under the control of this Department. The State Information Centre at Chennai is functioning at Omanthoorar Government Estate, Chennai. A library housed in this Information Centre with 16,977 reference books serve journalists, students, general public and research scholars. The Information Centre at New Delhi is functioning at Tamil Nadu House in Chanakyapuri, under the control of Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations Department. The other four Information Centres are functioning at Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichirapalli and Thanjavur under the administrative control of respective District Information and Public Relations Officers. CHAPTER - 14 PLAN SCHEMES implemented in 2003-2004 under part-ii schemes SL.
NAME OF SCHEME EXPENDITURE 1
Air conditioning of Press Release Section, 2.
Purchase of Fax and one computer 3.
Purchase of 10 VCDs for 3 District 4.
Web-streaming arrangement for 5.
Computer Centre for Students of 6.
Hosting a Website in the name of 7. Training for Officers in I & PR Dept. 1.99 TOTAL 41.68 CHAPTER - 15 GENERAL TRAINING TO OFFICERS 36 officers of the Information and Public Relations Department were trained in modern communication technologies and publicity methodologies at the Anna Institute of Management at a cost of Rs.2 lakhs in the first phase of training to the officers in the Department.
K.P.
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