Chennai: When the public highlights their concerns on social media and expects quick and effective intervention from the concerned department, they may not expect their complaints to be addressed constructively, instead seeking a permanent solution. Joel Shelton, a policy researcher with Reach the Unreached, an initiative that works to uplift and empower people, took to social media on September 8th to raise awareness about the incorrect signboards at the Royapuram bus stand. It’s worth noting that the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) temporarily relocated the bus stand from its original location to Royapuram to redevelop the Broadway bus stand and build a multi-modal facility. However, the signboards at the bus stand bear the names “Perumpakkam SCB” and “Kannagi Nagar SCB,” even though the government has renamed the Slum Clearance Board (SCB) to the Tamil Nadu Urban Housing Development Board (TNUHDB).
Speaking to DT Next, Joel said, “In 2021, under Government Order No. 103, SCB was officially renamed TNUHDB. However, bus stands, digital boards on buses, and nameboards continue to have SCB written on them, defeating the very purpose of the name change.” Interestingly, after the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai) Limited assured prompt action, Joel discovered on September 20 that the nameboards in Royapuram had been covered with sacks. “The purpose of changing SCB to TNUHDB is to respect the residents by removing the derogatory term. However, by continuing the name, the department is ignoring the purpose behind the change. And, I’m really surprised that the MTC decided to resolve this issue through sacks instead of changing the nameboards or changing the name,” Joel said. Despite several attempts, officials remained unresponsive.
Appeal to the public: Instead of covering the display board, re-post the TNUDB name on it
