A recent Right to Information (RTI) disclosure has sparked significant administrative and political discussion in Tamil Nadu, revealing that the state government has sanctioned a substantial sum of Rs 6.17 crore for the relocation of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). According to official documents provided by the Public (Buildings) Department, the CMO is set to be shifted from its traditional location within the Secretariat complex to the 10th floor of the nearby Namakkal Kavingar Malligai.
RTI Disclosure Details the Rs 6.17 Crore Relocation Budget
The financial allocation came to light following an RTI application filed on August 23. In its formal response, the Public Information Officer and Executive Engineer confirmed that a staggering budget of Rs 6.17 crore has been officially earmarked specifically for the CMO transfer and necessary civil infrastructure modifications. While administrative relocations within government complexes are occasionally routine, the multi-crore expenditure has drawn public attention and triggered intense scrutiny regarding government resource allocation and secretariat infrastructure management.
Minister Arun Raj Defends Administration Against Opposition Attacks
As the RTI revelation gained traction, the political arena in Chennai also heated up over separate debates surrounding law and order and legislative accountability. Addressing criticisms raised by opposition leaders—including remarks from MLAs concerning the state’s security climate over recent months—state minister Arun Raj stoutly defended the administration. Raj categorically rejected allegations of deteriorating law and order, dismissing claims that public safety had slipped. He asserted that the government remains fully accountable to the people of Tamil Nadu and announced that Chief Minister Vijay will personally address and answer all questions posed by opposition figures, including Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, on the floor of the Assembly.