The details of the written replies given by the concerned department ministers to the important demands and questions raised by MPs from Tamil Nadu in both Houses of Parliament are as follows:
In the Lok Sabha...
1) Kanyakumari should become a world-class tourist destination!
Vijay Vasanth (Congress) made the following request under Rule No. 377: In Kanyakumari, where the three seas meet, modern roads, clean drinking water, toilet facilities, and beach maintenance work should be undertaken. Starting international-standard government luxury resorts, ship and boat transport services will boost the local economy. He said the Central Government should give special priority to modern maritime tourism projects in order to ensure a pollution-free environment through scientific waste management and coastal protection, and to attract international tourists.
2) Will the Chennai Metro projects be expedited?
In response to a question raised by Tamilachi Thangapandian (DMK), Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu said, "Construction work on Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail project has been completed by 54.62 percent. This 118.9 km project has been approved at an estimated cost of Rs. 63,246 crore. Since October 2024, a total of Rs. 14,545.91 crore in central funds has been released. The work is being continuously monitored through a high-level committee."
3) How many houses are coming up in Tamil Nadu under the housing scheme?
In response to the questions raised by DMK members C.N. Annadurai and Dr. Rani Srikumar, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar said, "Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana 2.0, permission has been granted for the construction of 18,577 houses in Tamil Nadu. Of these, construction work has begun on 7,083 houses, and 2,334 houses have been completed. So far, Tamil Nadu has received Rs. 54.61 crore in central funds and Rs. 7.44 crore as interest subsidy."
4) What is the central government's support for startup companies in Tamil Nadu?
In response to a question raised by S. Jothimani (Congress), Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan said, "The Central Government is providing the necessary technological support to startups engaged in the food processing sector in Tamil Nadu. In particular, through the autonomous institutions National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in Thanjavur and Haryana, training, laboratory facilities, and guidance are being provided to two startups from Tamil Nadu."
5) What measures are being taken to ensure the regular availability of cooking gas cylinders?
In response to a question raised by A. Mani (DMK), Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi said, "In the Dharmapuri and Salem districts under the Dharmapuri constituency, 110 LPG distributors of public sector oil companies are operating. In the past 3 years, 2 new distribution centers have been opened. Through this, 15.80 lakh consumers are benefiting."
In the Rajya Sabha...
1) How much funds have been allocated for Tamil Nadu national highway projects?
In response to a question raised by P. Wilson (DMK), Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari stated that "Rs. 4,155 crore was allocated for Tamil Nadu highway projects in 2021-22, Rs. 8,287 crore in 2022-23, Rs. 9,576 crore in 2023-24, Rs. 7,823 crore in 2024-25, and Rs. 6,587 crore in the 2025-26 financial year."
2) Is there a flood warning system in the southern districts?
In response to a question raised by Praveen Chakravarthy (Congress), Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh said, "The primary responsibility for issuing flood forecasts in the country lies with the Central Water Commission. Flood warnings are issued based on rainfall forecasts provided by the India Meteorological Department. No proposal has been received to install urban flood risk warning systems in Madurai, Thoothukudi or Tirunelveli, and Coimbatore."
3) Drug trafficking must be prevented!
L.K. Sudheesh (DMDK), while speaking during the allotted time after bringing important issues to the attention of the House, said, "It is worrying that drugs are freely available near schools and colleges in Tamil Nadu, a state renowned for education. To prevent drug smuggling in Tamil Nadu's coastal areas, the National Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the state police, and the Coast Guard should work together. Counselors should be appointed in educational institutions," he urged.
4) A separate scheme is needed to reduce postpartum depression
Rajathi (alias) poet Salma (DMK) said, "One in four mothers in India suffer from postpartum depression. This greatly affects the health of both the mother and the child after childbirth. The Central Government should formulate a national maternal mental health strategy to detect this at an early stage and provide treatment," she requested.
