VAOs seek probe into pattas issued in DMK regime

CHENNAI: An association of the Village Administrative Officers (VAOs) have sought a probe into the issue of 3,000 pattas during the DMK regime in Sivaganga district without adhering to the rules.The pattas were disbursed by former deputy chief minister and DMK treasurer M K Stalin in the presence of former DMK minister K R Periyakaruppan at Kalanivasal village in Karaikudi block. The DMK regime revoked the patta distribution last year when complaints regarding the distribution came up. This when the government had already collected money to the tune of Rs 20 crore from the beneficiaries for the pattas.The association has also raised its voice against the action initiated against the VAOs by the revenue officials, soon after the issue of pattas. According to the association, the revenue officials were not authorised to take action against VAOs.Condemning the action and seeking probe into the patta issue, the Tamil Nadu Government VAOs Association will organise a demonstration at the Karaikudi Tahsildar Office next month.Alleging that the handling charges of Rs 37.5 crore in connection with the disbursal of State-sponsored colour television sets were laundered by the revenue officials, association state secretary K Bakyanathan sought a probe into the issue by a retired judge.The association also called for immediate filling of around 5,000 vacancies across the State.Commemorating the creation of VAO posts by former chief minister and AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran, the association will erect a life-size statue of the leader at Karaikudi. Its members also thanked Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for her goodwill gesture of providing laptops to the VAOs. Association president Ravirangarajan was also present during the press conference.