Chennai: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has launched an app named after Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to serve as a one-stop platform for people to connect with the party’s activities as well understand the works being done by the Tamil Nadu government.
Stalin launched the ‘Makkaludan Stalin’ mobile app at a party event in Pallikonda, Vellore district, on 17 September.
“The mobile app, which is available for download, gives comprehensive information about various aspects of the DMK’s initiatives and the government’s activities,” a member of DMK IT wing told ThePrint.
After ‘Ungalil Oruvan’ and the podcast series, ‘Speaking for India’, Makkaludan Stalin app is aimed at disseminating information about the DMK government, its schemes launched in the last two years, and activities of the government in each of the 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu.
Sources in the DMK said that the app was Stalin’s brain child while the party’s IT wing formulated its look and content. Technical support was provided by Populus Empowerment Network, a socio-political research organisation.
“The app has been meticulously designed in accordance with Dravidian philosophy, inspired by the great leaders of Dravidianism: Periyar, Anna, and Kalaignar. It embodies the principle that ‘Everyone should have everything’, a cornerstone of the Dravidian ideology,” the DMK said in a statement
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‘Caters to a diverse range of individuals’
First-time app users have to fill up a brief questionnaire asking details such as name, age, gender and address. Based on the input provided, the app identifies schemes applicable to the specific needs of users.
Taking a leaf out of the BJP’s book, the app also helps the public register as party cadres. “On verification as party cadre, the user will have access to party-related features in the app,” the DMK IT wing member said.
The app’s feature “caters to a diverse range of individuals, from children to senior citizens, farmers, entrepreneurs, and those in need, simplifying the process of understanding and applying for schemes based on eligibility,” the DMK statement said.
The app will also feature Ungalil Oruvan question-answer segment allowing the public to submit their questions directly to the CM via this app. The CM will collectively answer questions of the users, said the DMK IT member.
It also features comprehensive detail on the CM’s Kala Aaivil Mudhalvar (Chief Minister on field visit), the news coverages on the CM, flash news on his announcements, and 30-second videos highlighting the latest updates.
“Day by day social media usage is increasing and to approach people personally has been a tried and tested strategy by the BJP, and the DMK trying it now is a welcoming move,” political analyst Priyan Srinivasan told ThePrint.
“This will give the people a sense of inclusiveness in the government activities as well as transparency. Additionally, when the people are able to put forward their queries or concerns to the CM directly, it will help them feel that they have reached him directly. If the app functions effectively, then these questions or concerns will reach the CM and he will be able to get a pulse of the ground reality and act accordingly,” Priyan added.
Till 19 September, over 15 lakh users downloaded the app, DMK insiders said.
“The app will be a bridge between the Government and the people. It will allow the public to access schemes, know about the hyperlocal activities in their respective constituencies. They will be able to connect with their elected representatives, district secretaries, and as well as the Chief Minister himself,” a senior DMK IT wing member said.
DMK sources added that the app will be a work in progress and in the next couple of months once questions, queries and requests start coming in, the app will start showing up a dashboard on enquiries and the actions taken as well.
“This app has been conceived to ensure that there is a last mile connectivity between the people and the DMK, and accessibility with ease to government schemes. This will also ensures that the leader will have an in depth view of the implementation and effectiveness of the government and its governance,” DMK spokesperson Advocate A. Saravanan said.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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