CHENNAI, July 1: In a bid to avert further caste clashes over the issue of naming districts and transport corporations after community leaders, the Tamil Nadu government has removed all the names of political and community leaders from all districts and transport corporations in the State.

The significant and bold decision, taken at a cabinet meeting here, was announced by Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to mediapersons today. The decision would come into force with immediate effect.

The Chief Minister said the State Government would set apart Rs 7 crore for instituting 28 endowments named after these leaders in the 15 universities in the State from which scholarships would be awarded to academically brilliant students.

This idea was first mooted by Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) leader G K Moopanar. The cabinet decision follows an all-party meeting held here on June 5 last, in which a majority of the participants favoured removal of names of political and community leaders from districts and transport corporations.

Karunanidhi said 19 districts, from which the names were being removed, would henceforth be named after their respective headquarters.

He said the 21 transport corporations, from which the names of ancient kings, freedom-fighters, writers and political and community leaders were being removed, would be regrouped into six geographic zones.

All the corporations would be called Tamil Nadu Arasu Transport Corporation, he added.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.