CM announces Rs one cr personal contribution to BAPASI

Chennai, Jan 11 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has announced a personal contribution of Rs One crore to the Book Sellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI) to give annual cash awards to best writers.

Speaking after inaugurating the 30th edition of the Annual Chennai Book Fair here, Mr Karunanidhi said to encourage progressive writers, he would make a personal contribution of Rs One crore, interest from which, could be used to give cash awards to five best writers.

He said the Association could constitute a corpus from his contribution and use the interest accrued from the amount to give a cash award of Rs one lakh each to five best writers every year.

These awards could be given to the best authors of books, dealing with social reforms, knowledge and constructive approach to shape the younger generation for the future, he said.

Referring to the Association's plea to allot a permanent site to it to organise the annual Book Fair, Mr Karunanidhi said the Association could select a place near Ethiraj College or in Saidapet and assured all possible help.

UNI