6 hrs ago
Tamil Nadu Plans Protest Case Withdrawals, Water and Waste Projects
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced several plans in the state Assembly.
The government said it would cancel cases filed against farmers and teachers who peacefully protested for their rights.
Some farmers had protested industrial projects and a proposed airport because they feared losing farmland, water bodies and livelihoods.
The government also announced large projects to improve drinking water supplies.
These include a desalination plant and upgrades to water treatment facilities.
New waste-to-energy projects in Tirunelveli and Salem are expected to produce electricity from waste.
From September 15, 2026, people in Tamil Nadu will receive digital driving licences and vehicle registration certificates with QR codes.
Sanitary workers in Chennai are still protesting for permanent jobs, better pay and benefits, while the government says it is seeking a solution.
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced withdrawal of cases against farmers and teachers who peacefully protested between May 2021 and April 2026.
The government announced drinking-water projects worth Rs 4,800 crore, including a desalination plant and expanded treatment capacity.
Waste-to-energy facilities in Tirunelveli and Salem will generate 19 MW through a combined investment of Rs 547 crore.
Digital driving licences and vehicle registration certificates with QR codes will be introduced statewide from September 15, 2026.
More than 2,000 Greater Chennai Corporation sanitary workers have protested for permanent employment, higher wages and social-security benefits.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced the measures; farmers, teachers and Greater Chennai Corporation sanitary workers are central to the developments.
- What
- The government announced withdrawal of protest-related cases, drinking-water and waste-to-energy projects, digital transport documents, and discussions over sanitary workers' demands.
- Where
- The measures concern Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, North Chennai, Avadi, Minjur, Madurai, Cuddalore, Tiruvannamalai, Parandur, Tirunelveli and Salem.
- When
- The announcements were made on Wednesday; the case withdrawals cover protests between May 2021 and April 2026, and digital documents begin September 15, 2026.
- Why
- The government said the case withdrawals would protect democratic rights and were taken on humanitarian grounds, while the infrastructure projects aim to improve public services.
Government Position
Protesters' Demands
Withdrawal of protest cases
Government Position
The government says withdrawing cases on humanitarian and democratic grounds will strengthen rights and public trust, and that it stands by farmers and teachers.
Protesters' Demands
Farmers and teachers had protested over livelihood concerns, rights and other demands, including opposition to projects affecting land, water bodies and livelihoods.
Sanitary workers' employment
Government Position
Minister Rajmohan said the government was working toward an amicable solution and that some files were ready.
Protesters' Demands
More than 2,000 sanitary workers sought permanent employment, wage increases, ESI and PF benefits, and regularisation of contract workers.
Key facts
- Case withdrawals
- Cases against farmers and teachers who peacefully protested between May 2021 and April 2026 are to be withdrawn.
- Drinking-water investment
- The government announced drinking-water projects worth Rs 4,800 crore.
- Desalination plant
- A 400 MLD plant will be established at Minjur for North Chennai, Avadi, Ponneri and Minjur.
- Avadi water supply
- A Rs 500-crore scheme is intended to provide 24-hour drinking water to all Avadi households.
- Waste-to-energy
- Projects costing Rs 256 crore in Tirunelveli and Rs 291 crore in Salem will generate 9 MW and 10 MW respectively.
- Digital documents
- Digital registration certificates and driving licences with QR codes will be available statewide from September 15, 2026.
- Sanitary workers' protest
- More than 2,000 Greater Chennai Corporation workers had protested for 15 days at Ripon Buildings.
Quotes
C Joseph Vijay
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister
“All those cases also will be withdrawn. This move will further strengthen democratic rights and reinforce trust between common people and government.”
deccanchronicle.com
“This government will stand by farmers and teachers and their just demands.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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