Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay concluded the first Collectors Conference of his administration on Tuesday, June 30, issuing a strong directive to district collectors and police officials: function without political interference and ensure lawbreakers are punished strictly, regardless of influence or status.
The conference resumed Tuesday morning at 9:30 AM with District Collectors and senior Forest Department officials, continuing discussions until 6 PM, before CM Vijay delivered his concluding address and presented awards to District Collectors and police officers who performed exceptionally well.
"District collectors and Superintendents of Police should actively monitor and take action against drug trafficking and smuggling of mineral resources."
— CM C. Joseph Vijay, closing addressAddressing the joint conference of district collectors, SPs, DIGs, the DGP and heads of government departments, CM Vijay stressed that public welfare, transparent governance and effective policing must remain the administration's top priorities. He called for tougher action against organised crime, specifically instructing officials to intensify efforts against drug trafficking and illegal mining activities.
The Chief Minister directed officials to identify the root causes of crime rather than merely responding after incidents occur — urging a shift in approach toward those who disturb law and order in their districts.
One of the most concrete directives of Day 2: CM Vijay ordered coordinated enforcement against illegal sand mining in the Cauvery, Vaigai and other major river basins — requiring close cooperation between the mining, revenue and police departments. This addresses a long-standing environmental and law-and-order concern across multiple districts.
Referring specifically to migrant workers from Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar and the northeastern states, CM Vijay said they must not face exploitation or attacks while working in Tamil Nadu. He directed the Labour Welfare Department to ensure mandatory registration of all migrant workers so they receive proper protection and access to welfare measures.
CM Vijay suggested that every district conduct monthly law and order review meetings, coordinating with all concerned departments and consulting legal experts in important cases — ensuring offenders do not escape legal action through procedural delays.
Concluding his address, CM Vijay urged officials to remain committed to ethical governance, reiterating that the government's focus must stay on improving essential public services — ration distribution, education, healthcare, drinking water, electricity, roads and public transport — across all 38 districts of Tamil Nadu.
← Read Day 1 coverage | Full Conference Overview →
Collectors ConferenceDay 2Closing Address Sand Mining CrackdownMigrant WorkersForest Conservation Welfare DeliveryJune 30 2026