Policies, their formulation and implementation are the critical aperture through which modern states have evolved and reified. Though the policies are politically defined and ideologically loaded, they have helped to better the state.
Here's a quick look at the chief ministers coming from different political contexts who have shaped the destiny of Tamil Nadu through their bold decisions. Though the list is endless, the few instances elucidate the prudence, health and good life - features that have been accorded utmost importance by the dispensers of destiny.
Hailing from Rajapalayam, P.S. Kumaraswamy Raja, a Gandhian, spent much of the time helping the poor and needy and contributed towards spreading khadi among people and even donated his house to Gandhi Kalai Mandram.
C. Rajagopalachari, popularly known as Rajaji, from Thorapalli, in Salem, was a lawyer, politician, writer, statesman and had the rare distinction of being the last governor general of India.
King-maker K. Kamaraj, from Virudhunagar district, improved education in the state and was instrumental in reopening 6,000 schools that were closed previously and also in starting 12,000 more schools. He introduced mid-day meal scheme for poor students and introduced free uniforms to schools and sowed the seeds for starting IIT Madras.
M. Bhaktavatsalam, a freedom fighter, introduced the three-language formula (English, Tamil & Hindi) in the Madras Legislative Assembly in 1964.
CN. Annadurai, from Kancheepuram, legalised self-respect marriages. He renamed Madras state as Tamil Nadu.
Mr M. Karunanidhi, from Thirukkuvalai, has been the chief minister five times, introduced marriage assistance and other schemes to promote agriculture and help the social sector.
Iconic M.G. Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR, showed keen interest in education and social development. He banned liquor and restored historical monuments and old temples in Tamil Nadu.
Ms J. Jayalalithaa, the first woman chief minister and third-time chief minister now, introduced 4 gm gold thali scheme, laptops for students and several social welfare schemes. Also, she is focusing on improving the state on various sectors including health, industries and infrastructure.
Tamil Nadu's adoption of the Centre's Rashtriya Swastiya Bima Yojana (health insurance scheme) launched in 2008, for BPL families, went beyond the provisions of RSBY when the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme for life-saving treatments was introduced in 2009. It was substantially expanded by the present government to include treatments to cover 1,016 types of treatments, 23 types of medical tests and 113 continuous medical treatments besides enhancing the insurance sum.
Benefiting about 5.6 lakh poor families, the creation of corpus fund with an initial sum of Rs 10 crore will help to sustain the scheme.