In a bid to address local unemployment and economic issues, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has urged the Tamil Nadu State government to renovate and reopen the Arasu Cement factory located in Alangulam, Virudhunagar district. The demand was made during the 24th Virudhunagar district conference held on Sunday, where the party passed several resolutions to support local industries and improve public services.
A key resolution passed at the conference emphasized the need for reviving the Arasu Cement factory, which was once a significant source of employment for the region. The CPI(M) argued that the factory’s reopening would help generate much-needed job opportunities for the local youth, who are facing unemployment challenges in the area. A. Gurusamy was elected the new district secretary of the party during the conference. The party also passed additional resolutions focusing on local economic and social issues. One of the demands included protecting industries in the region, such as fireworks, printing, and matches, which the CPI(M) claimed were under threat due to flawed economic policies from the Central government. The party also advocated for the removal of the tollgate at Kappalur on the Virudhunagar-Madurai highway, citing its impact on local transport and commerce.
In terms of infrastructure, the CPI(M) called for the introduction of MEMU services connecting Madurai, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Tiruchendur, and Sencottai, as well as the construction of a hostel for students at the Virudhunagar Sports Stadium. The party also raised concerns about high property taxes imposed by municipalities, demanding a reduction to alleviate the financial burden on residents. Other demands included healthcare improvements such as the establishment of specialized wards for nephrology, cardiology, and neuro treatment at the Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital. The party also proposed the setting up of an electric crematorium at Allampatti and the establishment of a museum in Vembakottai to preserve the region’s cultural heritage.
In addition to these, the CPI(M) called for scrapping the GST on powerlooms and restoring incentives for gauze bandage production. It also sought the removal of import duties on cotton to benefit the textile industry. The party highlighted the need for effective measures to prevent wild animals from straying into farmlands along the Western Ghats, and requested a ₹25 lakh compensation for families of those killed by wild animals. The resolutions were discussed and endorsed during a public meeting held at the Desabandhu Ground, where the party’s state and district leaders, including U. Vasuki, S. Noor Mohammed, and Madurai MP Su. Venkatesan, addressed a large gathering of party cadres. Through these resolutions, CPI(M) aims to address the pressing socio-economic issues facing the region, with a particular focus on job creation, healthcare, and local industry support.
