TN Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin Inaugurates New Auditorium at Government Arts and Science College; Urges Early Registration for Chief Minister’s Trophy

Chennai, Aug 2025 – Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated a newly constructed auditorium worth ₹3 crore at the Perambur Government Arts and Science College today. The project was funded through the MP Local Area Development Scheme by Rajya Sabha member P. Wilson, with additional support from the Chennai Corporation Welfare Fund.

Speaking at the event, Udhayanidhi Stalin expressed gratitude to P. Wilson for using his constituency development funds for educational and sports infrastructure, benefiting schools and colleges in his area. He highlighted several projects undertaken by Wilson, including a ₹2.35 crore indoor stadium in Saidapet, ₹2 crore for this college’s infrastructure, ₹5 crore for the Queen Mary’s College auditorium, ₹1.5 crore for a hostel in Tiruvottiyur, and ₹3 crore for a community welfare centre in Villivakkam. The Deputy CM praised Wilson’s focus on benefiting underprivileged students through such allocations.

He noted that over 262 students would receive degree certificates during the ongoing graduation ceremony and expressed joy at being part of an institution with a rich academic history. Since its establishment in 2016 with 16 courses, the college has grown to enrol over 1,300 students. The state government, under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has expanded facilities, including constructing a main block with 12 classrooms and two labs in 2021, and is currently undertaking an ₹8 crore infrastructure development project.

Udhayanidhi stressed that 75% of the college’s students are first-generation learners, underlining the institution’s social impact. He lauded the higher number of female students, noting that women’s education benefits entire families and communities. He linked this progress to the Dravidian model of governance, which has positioned Tamil Nadu as the leader in India for higher education enrolment, with around 75% of students pursuing higher studies. The CM aims to raise this figure to 100%.

The Deputy CM also mentioned government initiatives such as the Pudhumai Penn Scheme, which provides ₹1,000 monthly to girl students from government schools pursuing higher education, and the Thamizh Pudhalvan Scheme, which grants ₹1,000 monthly to boys from government schools entering higher education. Over 8 lakh students benefit from these schemes annually, with more than 1,200 girls and 500 boys from this college receiving support.

He further spoke about the Naan Mudhalvan Scheme, which offers skill training to 1,000 students from the college annually and has helped over 400 secure jobs in multinational companies. He urged students to excel both in academics and sports, noting the importance of physical fitness for mental and intellectual growth. He praised the college’s sports achievements, including Ashok’s gold medal at the National Boxing Championship and the performances of athletes Dharani, Rajalakshmi, and Kethikesh.

Concluding his address, Udhayanidhi invited aspiring sportspersons to register for the Chief Minister’s Trophy via the SDAT website before the 16th of this month, encouraging them to continue honing their academic and athletic skills. He affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting students’ growth and preserving the college’s legacy.

The event was attended by Higher Education Minister Dr. K. Ponmudy, Rajya Sabha MP P. Wilson, MLAs S. Aravind Ramesh and A.M.V. Prabhakar Raja, Higher Education Secretary Dr. P. Shankar (IAS), Director of Collegiate Education E. Sundaravalli (IAS), Chennai District Collector Thiru T. Sikanth (IAS), College Principal Dr. A. Umamaheswari, government officials, faculty members, and students.

Issued by: Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9.