SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION APPROACH OF THE

RULE OF K. KAMARAJ IN TAMILNADU (1954 - 63 C.E)

- A STUDY

������������������� ��������������������������������

������������������������������������������������

�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

����

����

����������N. Sivakumar, M.A., M.Phil

������������� �����Dr. C. TAMILCHELVI, M.A., M.A., M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D.,

Associate Professor

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY

THIRU. VI. KA. GOVERNMENT ARTS COLLEGE

TIRUVARUR - 610 003.

MARCH – 2013

Dr. C. Tamilchelvi, M.A., M.A., M.A., M.Ed., Ph.D.,

Research Adviser

and Convener,

Associate Professor,

P.G. Department of History,

Thiru. Vi. Ka. Government

Arts College,

Tiruvarur - 610003

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “SOCIAL

TRANSFORMATION APPROACH OF THE RULE OF

K.KAMARAJ IN TAMILNADU (1954 - 63 C.E.) –

A STUDY” submitted to the Bharathidasan University,

Tiruchirappalli by Mr. N. Sivakumar, is a record of bonafide

research done under my supervision and that it has not

previously formed the basis for the award of any degree,

diploma, associateship, fellowship or other similar titles. It is

also certified that this thesis represents the independent

work on the part of the candidate.

Place : (Dr. C. TAMILCHELVI)

Date : Supervisor and Guide

N. Sivakumar, M.A., M.Phil.,

Research Scholar,

P.G. Department of History,

Thiru. Vi. Ka. Government

Arts College,

Tiruvarur - 610003

DECLARATION

This is to certify that the thesis entitled “SOCIAL

TRANSFORMATION APPROACH OF THE RULE OF

K.KAMARAJ IN TAMILNADU (1954-63 C.E.) –

A STUDY” submitted by me for the degree of Doctor of

Philosophy is the record of work carried out by me under

the supervision of Dr.C.Tamilchelvi, Associate Professor,

Post Graduate Department of History, Thiru. Vi. Ka.

Government Arts College, Tiruvarur and the thesis has not

previously formed the basis for the award of any degree,

diploma, associateship, fellowship or other similar titles in

the University or any other similar institutions of higher

learning.

Place :

Date : (N.SIVAKUMAR)

ii

DEDICATION

This humble task is

dedicated to

My parents,

Tmt. Vijayalakshmi

Thiru. D. Neelakandan,

Beloved Pioneer

Er. N. Sivanantham

and

Dr.P.Venkatesan

for their supports and

inspirations.

iii

CONTENTS

Page

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS i

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS iv

LIST OF TABLES vi

CHAPTERS

INTRODUCTION 1

I A BRIEF PERSONAL AND POLITICAL

BIOGRAPHY OF KAMARAJ 10

II EDUCATIONAL REFORMS OF

KAMARAJ’S RULE 55

III UPLIFTMENT OF DEPRESSED CLASS

PEOPLE 104

IV DEVELOPMENT OF IRRIGATION,

AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRIES 135

V RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND WOMEN

EMPOWERMENT 167

CONCLUSION 198

BIBLIOGRAPY 224

APPENDIX

PHOTOS

i

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my sincere thanks to the research supervisor

Dr.C.Tamilchelvi, Research Adviser and Convener, Department of

History, Thiru.Vi.Ka.Government Arts College, Tiruvarur, for her

invaluable guidance. She gave me enough freedom and she was a

source of inspiration for me to complete this work.

I express my sincere thanks to the Pricipal, Thiru. Vi. Ka.

Government Arts College, Tiruvarur.

My heartiest thanks are to Prof. D. Rajendran, M.A, M.Phil,

Head of the Department of History, Thiru.Vi.Ka.Government Arts

College, Tiruvarur and all Associate and Assistant professors and

guest faculties of the Department of History.

My deep sense of gratitude to Dr. D. Leslie Thiagakumar,

Department of History, Periyar E.V.R. College (Autonomous),

Tiruchirappalli and Dr. P. Jothi Packiam, TBML College, Porayar

for their constructive comments on the development of this thesis.

I am deeply obligated to Prof. Dr. M. Sundararaj, Research

Co-ordinator (Retired), Tamilnadu Archives and Historical Research,

Egmore, Chennai, Dr. C. Paramarthalingam, D.D.E., (Rtd.),

Madurai Kamaraj University and Dr. C. Selvaraj and

Dr. J. Lawrance, Assistant Professors, P.G. Department of History,

Alagappa Government Arts College, Karaikudi, for their counsel.

ii

I express my thanks to Dr. A. Uthirapathy, M. P. Ed., Ph.D.,

Physical Education Director, Yoga Research Centre, Thiru. Vi. Ka.

Government Arts College, Tiruvarur, Dr. Pirai. Arivazhagan, (Rtd.

HOD), Dept. of History, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Government Arts College,

Tiruvarur and Dr. K. S. Krishnasamy, Associate Professor,

Pachaiyappa’s College, Chennai, for their encouragement.

It is my pleasure to record of the thanks to

Dr. S. Udayakumar, M.Sc.,(Zoo), Ph.D., Guest Lecturer,

Government Arts College, Salem, Dr. C. Chithralatha, M.A., Ph.D.,

Guest Lecturer, Department of History, Bharathidasan University,

Tiruchirappalli and Dr. P. Raghu, M.A., Ph.D., Guest Lecturer,

Thiru. Vi. Ka. Government Arts College, Tiruvarur, for their support.

I would like to thank Mr. N. Govindarajulu, M.A, B.L,

Editor-Gazetteers, Government of Tamilnadu, Department of

Archives and Historical Research, Chennai and research hall officer

and staffs Mr. S. Neelavannan, Mr. K. Suresh, (RHPC),

Mr. R. Karthik, Mr. A. Senthil and Assistant Librarian

Mr. K. Sivakumar for their support on the access to the needed

research documents.

I also extend my sincere gratitude to librarian of Periyar Thidal

Rationalist Library, Mr. K. Govindan, M.Sc., M.L.I.S., librarian of

Connemara Public Library, Mr. Meenakshi Sundaram and librarian

of Tamil section Mr. L. Pugazh Anand and old building staff of

Connemara Public Library for their timely help.

iii

My earnest thanks are to fellow research scholars from

Department of History of Thiru. Vi. Ka. Government Arts College,

Tiruvarur, Mr.M.Ulaganathan, Mr.R.S.Muthukumar,

Mr.V.Arulanandam, and my friends, who helped, Mr.S.Antony

Raj, Mr.S.Lenin, and Mr.M.Mareeswaran for their valuable

suggestions to complete this work.

This research could not have been possible without all the

helps given by my brother Mr.N.Gurusankar, B.E., Head master, the

co-teachers and special teachers of Panchayat Union Middle School,

Athipuliyur.

I convey my heartiest thank to Maha Digital Studio

Mr. M. Vijayaragavan, B.Sc., Neermulai and Mr. V.P.

Kalaikkovan, M.A., (Eng.), M.Ed., (Eng.), Kilvelur.

Last but not least, my deep sense of thanks to Tiruvarur Ajmal

Graphics, Mr. M.J. Ajmal Khan, for their best quality formatting

and printing of this thesis.

Also I extend my gratitude to one and all who helps me to do

this research work.

(N.SIVAKUMAR)

iv

ABBREVIATIONS

A.I.C.C. - All India Congress Committee

AIR - All India Radio

B.C. - Backward Classes

B.D.O - Block Development Officer

B.T. - Bachelor Teacher

C.L.P. - Congress legislative Party

C.W.C. - Congress Working Committee

CARE - Cooperative American Relief Everywhere

Congress (O) - Congress (Organisation)

Congress (R) - Congress (Requisition)

D.K. - Dravidar Kazhagam

D.M.K. - Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam

DOTE - Directorate of Technical Education

E.S.L.C. - Elementary School Leaving Certificate

E.V.R. - Erode. V. Ramasamy

FFYP - First Five Year Plan

G.O. - Government Order

HWS - Harijan Welfare School

I.A.S. - Indian Administrative Service

I.P.S. - Indian Police Service

IITM - Indian Institute of Technology Madras

INC - Indian National Congress

ITI - Industrial Training Institute

K-PLAN - Kamaraj Plan

M.L.A. - Member of Legislative Assembly

M.L.C. - Member of Legislative Council

M.P. - Member of Parliament

v

MSAR - Madras State Administration Report

MSEAC - Madras State Education Advisory Committee

MSIR - Madras State Information Report

NLC - Neyveli Lignite Corporation

NSEE - New Scheme of Elementary Education

OAP - Old Age Pension

S.S.L.C. - Secondary School Leaving Certificate

SC - Scheduled Castes

SFYP - Second Five Year Plan

ST - Scheduled Tribes

T.N.C.C. - Tamilnadu Congress Committee

TFYP - Third Five Year Plan

TNA - Tamil Nadu Archives

U.D.F. - United Democratic Front

USA - United States of America

USSR - United States of Soviet Russia

vi

LIST OF TABLES

Table

No. Table Description Page

1 Portfolio details of Kamaraj’s First Cabinet –

1954 36

2 Portfolio details of Kamaraj’s Second Cabinet -

1957 38

3 Poll details for Sattur Constituency – General

Assembly Elections (1962) 40

4 Portfolio details of Kamaraj’s Third Cabinet -

1962 41

5 Central Cabinet Ministers renounced office by

K-Plan 44

6 Chief Ministers renounced office by K-Plan 44

7 Poll details for Virudunagar Constituency –

General Assembly Elections (1967) 49

8 Poll details for Nagercoil Parliamentary

Constituency – By-elections (1969) 51

9 List of new schools under ‘Employment for the

Educated Unemployed’ Scheme 63

10 Statistics of Mid-day meals beneficiaries (1957-

1963) 72

11 Growth of Public libraries between 1954 and

1964 94

12 Statistics on Public library usage between 1954

and 1964 95

13 Statistics on Literacy in Tamilnadu (1901-1961) 96

vii

14 Details of expenditure for education in Kamaraj

decade 96

15 Growth of Educational Institutions between

1951 and 1963 98

16 Details of Untouchability offences booked (1955-

1963) 115

17 List of Free Hostels for SC and BC students in

1960 121

18 Award winners for Hygienic Harijan Areas of

Ramanathapuram District in 1962 124

19 Details of expenses for a Single Twin-House

Block 126

20 Details of expenses for a Single Five-House Block 127

21 Expenditure for acquisition of Harijan House

Sites (1954-1964) 128

22 Statistics of Electrified Harijan Colonies (1957-

1964) 129

23 Total Food and Grains Production of Madras

State (1949-1956) 136

24 Major Irrigation Projects under First Five Year

Plan 137

25 Irrigation Projects under Third Five Year Plan 142

26 Power Projects in Madras State by 1962 153

27 Details of Industrial Estates in Madras State by

1962 158

28 Details of Credit allotted for Private Industries

(1955-1962) 164

viii

29 Loan disbursement details to Small Industries

(1957-1962) 165

30 Cooperative Movement Development at a glance

- 1962 177

31 Cooperative Movement Development at a glance

- 1962 185

32 Progress in Madras State on Family Planning

(1956-1961) 191

33 Statistics of Panchayats and Panchayat Unions

of Madras State - 1961 195

INTRODUCTION

1

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this thesis is to study the approach of K.Kamaraj

during his regime as Chief Minister towards the objective of social

transformation in Tamilnadu for almost a decade from 1954 to 1963.

The thesis attempts to present a detailed account of the approach of

Kamaraj based on both primary and secondary sources.

Two things regarding the title of this study are worth some

clarification. First, the title of this thesis indicates the scope of the

study covers Tamilnadu, however, that period had been undergoing

several changes and reorganisation in terms redefining physical

boundaries of the State. The name Tamilnadu to the State was

officially announced in 1969, and until then the State was known as

Madras State. Thus, throughout the period of the study the State was

officially known as Madras State.

At the time of its formation in 1956, the Madras State,

previously Madras Presidency under the British rule, until

independence had included the whole of present day Tamil Nadu,

Coastal Andra and Rayalaseema, the Malabar region of North Kerala,

and the Bellary, Dakshin Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka.

Coastal Andra and Rayalaseema were separated to form Andra State

in 1953 with its Capital at Kurnool while South Canara and Bellary

districts were merged with Mysore and Malabar district with

Travancore-Cochin in 1956.

Despite of all the changes and reorganisations throughout

history, the Tamilnadu with its official boundaries today, has always

2

been included and also has formed the major part of the Madras

Presidency or the Madras State in the past. Thus the objectives and

conclusion of this study are not significantly influenced by the

reorganization. Besides, further studies with respect to the subject of

this research in terms of continuity and impact would be of better

clarity with the boundaries limited to Tamilnadu rather than Madras

State.

Second item of clarification is on the mention of the word

‘rule’ in the title. The term is used on its mutually interchangeable

noun-form meanings such as regime, leadership, reign, Government,

charge and administration, basically to indicate ‘time in power’ or

‘period in office’. The usage of the word ‘rule’ in the title is also

intended to reflect the popular usage of ‘Kamaraj Rule’ in both print

and electronic media of the State.

Statement of the problem

Kamaraj’s rule as Chief Minister was hailed as a ‘Golden Era’

of Tamilnadu and a “Decade of Reforms and Achievements”. He was

unflinching in implementing various schemes for the welfare of the

people which ultimately piloted to transform the society. He gave

importance to the effective implementation of Government’s policies

for the benefit of the people. In this thesis, an attempt is made to

study the social transformation approach of the rule of Kamaraj

between 1954 and 1963 and its impact on society in Tamilnadu.

3

Objectives of the study

� To review personal and political biography of Kamaraj.

� To examine educational reforms of his administration.

� To find out the inner objective of the regime’s upliftment

schemes for depressed class people.

� To trace the growth of agriculture, irrigation and industry in

Tamilnadu during the decade

� To analyse the impact of various welfare schemes for rural

community and women’s empowerment.

Scope of the study

Kamaraj as a Chief Minster had a close contact with the

masses at the same time he strove hard in promoting socio-economic

and educational progress in the State through his efficient

administration. He gave chief priority to the educational development

of the State.

Next to education, he paid the special attention to the energy

sector and electricity almost reached majority of the villages in

Tamilnadu during his period. Due to the extended electrification in

the rural side, with other ingredients from the administration, the

agricultural production reached new heights and the state could boast

of a surplus food produce by the time he left office in 1963. Besides

improving the condition of education, agriculture and industries, the

community development schemes through Panchayats had paved the

way for greater development of the rural areas and also in protecting

the interests of the women in the State.

4

This study has included every aspect of Kamaraj’s

administration, schemes, interactions and execution of plans,

strategies and approaches that characteristically could lead or

influence a significant impact on the social transformation.

Methodology

The research methodology adopted for the study was

both historical and analytical. Events have been narrated in logical

order. Analysis and interpretation with traditional historical narrative

have been adopted for research exposition. The structure and

functions of the administrative reforms of Kamaraj were studied in

detail by collecting primary and secondary sources from Archives and

interviews were conducted with the close relatives and followers of

Kamaraj.

Sources

The sources consulted for writing this thesis include

two divisions namely primary and secondary. The primary sources

include Government records, Government Orders, personal

interviews, Jailslips, News Paper report from The Hindu, Navasakthi,

Viduthalai, Kudiyarasu, Administrative Reports of Madras State

Government from 1954 to 1963 provided a vivid description about

the implementation of various schemes and other works on

Education, Economic, Public health, Financial position, etc.

The next important source was Madras Information Report

from 1954-63 which contained information on Government orders

and notifications which portrayed the allotment of grants,

5

establishments and Government schemes of Tamilnadu. Further, the

annual budget, Second and Third five year plan reports, Madras

Legislative Assembly Debates, Madras Legislative Council Debates

and annual reports of Tamilnadu State Government gave a lot of

information about the allotment of grants particulars and social

welfare measures.

The sources, vast majority of them, were collected from

Tamilnadu Archives, Chennai, Anna Arivalayam Library,

Periyarthidal Rationalist Library, Chennai, Connemara Library,

Chennai, Maraimalaiadigal Library, Chennai, Madras University

Library, Chennai, Madurai Kamaraj University Library, Madurai,

Annamalai University Library, Chidambaram, Tamil University

Library, Thanjavur, Pachaiyappa Arts College Library, Chennai,

Rojamuthaiah Library, Tharamani, Chennai, District Library

Nagapattinam, and Tiruvarur and Kamarajar Ninivu Illam (Kamaraj

Memorial) both at Chennai and Virudhunagar.

Besides these primary sources some published books which

are of secondary in nature also was referred and they gave a lot of

information about the social change in Tamilnadu. The sources

collected from the Internet were also immensely helpful for this

research work.

Whenever the published books, magazines and interview

reports were in Tamil, they were translated into English and used as

sources.

6

Review of Literature

There have been a number of works by eminent

scholars on K.Kamaraj. K.Kamaraj the patriot and statesman by

S.R.Bakshi, The Political career of K.Kamaraj by P.Kandaswamy,

Kamaraj: A Study by V.K.Narasimhan, K.Kamaraj A Socio-Political

Study by V.K. Muthuswamy, Kamaraj by T.S.Chockalingam,

Kamaraj and His secrets of Success by Palayam M.Balasundaram,

K.Kamaraj by Dr.M.H.Syed, The history of the Struggle for Social

Justice in Tamilnadu by K.Veeramani, Gandhi and Kamaraj by

Dr.S.Gowsalya, The Great Personalities by Jayashree, Kamaraj by

Mrs.Malarrajan, Kamaraj plan by Biju Patnaik, Kamaraj: The Iron

Man by R.P. Kapur, Kamaraj Builders of Modern India by

R.S.Parthasarathy, Kamaraj The man of the masses by E.K.Swamy,

Socio-Economic Upliftment of Depressed classes in Tamilnadu(1882-

2000) by Dr.R.Ramasubramanian, History of Depressed class

Education in Tamilnadu(1882-2000) by Dr.R.Ramasubramanian,

Kamaraj Oru Sarithiram (Tamil) by Muruga Dhanuskodi, Kamaraj

Oru Sagaptham (Tamil) by A.Gopanna, Ninaivil Nirpavarkal(Tamil)

by N.D.Sundaravadivel, Perumthalaivar Kamarasar(Tamil) by

Aru.Sangar, Kamarajurudan Kaal Nootrantaandu (Tamil) by C.P.S

Vairavan, Periyarum Perunthalaivarum (Tamil) by A.Gopanna,

Kamarasar Ninaivugal(Tamil) by Sulur Ka.Devarasu, Kamarajar

Vazhkaiyum Aatchiyum (Tamil) by Dr.G.K.T.Balan, Nenjukku Needhi

Vol 1&11(Tamil) by Dr.M.Karunanithi, Kamaraj (Tamil) by Ilasai

Sundaram, Kaalam Thantha Kamarajar (Tamil) by Dr.Muhilai

Rajapandian Porkala Aatchi (Tamil) by Ka.Sakthivel, Aachariyar

Aatchiyin Kodumaigal (Tamil) by Periyar E.V.Ramasamy, to name

few notable ones, based on their academic and popular values, that

7

provide details about the life, political career and achievements of

Kamaraj as Chief Minister.

With all the relevant contributions of the existing research,

nonetheless, this study differs in the perspective of investigating the

approach of Kamaraj’s administration towards an arguably intended

social transformation.

Plan of the Thesis

First chapter - A Brief Personal and Political Biography

of Kamaraj is intended to account the background of his family, early

life, turning points, main stream participation in the freedom

movement and subsequent political entry. The chapter also

summarizes the establishment of his personality from various

influences, both from older generation and also his contemporaries.

The narration of the chapter, then, pins his political journey of

becoming the President of Tamilnadu Congress Committee,

relationship with Rajaji, King-Maker role in the State to end up as

Chief Minister of the State. Further, the formation of three Cabinets

in his administration during the decade long rule has also been

discussed in detailed. Afterwards, the K-Plan and consequent King-

Maker role in deciding Prime Minister of the nation and conflicts

with Indira Gandhi were described. Finally, the chapter ends with a

brief summary of his last days and demise.

Second chapter - Educational Reforms of Kamaraj’s Rule

begins with documenting the details of education development, a

portion of which is strongly connected to his entrance to replace

Rajaji, in the State at the time of his entry as Chief Minister of the

8

State. Further account has been on the extensive details of his

attempts and approaches towards providing free, inclusive and

compulsory education to all primary children of the state and

subsequent secondary and tertiary education systems. Benefits to

teachers, concessions to economically disadvantaged students,

development of technical education, steps towards Tamil as the

medium of teaching higher education and establishment of libraries

also have been discussed.

Third chapter - Upliftment of Depressed Class People deals his

efforts to eradicate untouchability, Harijan welfare, concentration to

their educational development and providing housing and hygiene to

them. It also covers the details of the Government took steps on

developing the economic situation of the downtrodden through

agricultural concessions, cottage industries, technical training and

other measures.

Fourth chapter - Development of Irrigation, Agriculture and

Industries reveals the details of food crisis at the time of his taking

office and eventual declaration of self-sufficiency of the State in food

production in a short span. The chapter contains details of irrigation

projects, stacked under First, Second and Third Five Year Plans,

agricultural development through land reforms, fertilizer control, etc.

Similarly the administration’s large scale work on the power

production has also been explained. Industrial development both large

and medium scale has been elucidated with details of sources of

capital and other resources. Finally, the chapter has covered small and

agro-related industries of the State.

9

Last chapter - Rural Development and Women Empowerment

holds Panchayats and the formation Panchayat Unions, National

Extension Service Scheme and their tied-in agricultural programs.

Further discussions include Cooperative movement inclusive of the

developments in various units such as fisheries, milk campaign, etc.,

while rural industrialization and Khadi schemes are the subsequent

ones. Rural electrification, village health and sanitation and other

measures of improving lifestyle in villages to match towns have also

been discussed before landing the Women Empowerment. Women’s

education development and Associations formation have been

examined besides cottage industries for women. Maternity assistance

and Welfare service homes are some of the other areas discussed in

this chapter.

Finally, the thesis ends with conclusion that contains detailed

and logical arguments based on facts and observation to exemplify

the cream of this study.