Shifted Minister PTR's Portfolio As IT Sector Required Transformation: TN CM Stalin

Palainvel Thiaga Rajan, who served as the first Finance minister under the Stalin regime since 2021, was reassigned to oversee the IT and Digital services portfolio in May last year.

Stalin inaugurated the two-day IT summit - UmagineTN 2024 organized by the state IT and Digital Services department ( Image Source :X/@CMOTamilNadu )

Amidst speculations surrounding the reason for shifting of Minister PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan's portfolio from Finance to Information Technology (IT), Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin put an end to the allegations by asserting that the decision was made to bring about necessary changes for the enhancement of IT sector's operations. Commending PTR Thiaga Rajan, CM Stalin reminisced about the role played by former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in transforming the IT sector through his dedicated endeavours, as reported by PTI.

Stalin made the statement during an address at the inauguration of the two-day IT summit - UmagineTN 2024, organized by the state IT and Digital Services department at the Nandambakkam Trade Centre.

Thiaga Rajan, who served as the first finance minister under the Stalin regime since 2021, was replaced by Thangam Thennarasu in May last year and reassigned to oversee the IT and Digital services portfolio.

Stalin reflected on the significant contributions of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in revolutionizing the IT sector, particularly in introducing the country's first IT policy and establishing a dedicated IT department in 1997. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to position the state as a global hub for human resources and a premier destination for the IT industry.

During the summit, Stalin inaugurated free Wi-Fi services at 500 locations in Chennai, as part of a broader initiative to extend the amenity to 1,000 sites across major cities in Tamil Nadu, the report said.

He reiterated the government's commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at achieving the goal of making the state a one trillion-dollar economy by 2030.

At the occasion, Thiaga Rajan, as per PTI said, "We have always seen equitable access as the basis for our uniquely calm, peaceful, collaborative society and this event is intended to ensure that the dissemination of knowledge is not limited to a few people."