Chennai, Aug 15 : Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Saturday pledged to firmly protect Tamil Nadu's interests and constitutional rights while building a transparent, people-friendly and corruption-free administration.

Delivering his maiden Independence Day address from the ramparts of Fort St George after hoisting the national flag, Vijay said his government would cooperate with the Union government on administrative matters that benefited the people of Tamil Nadu. However, it would strongly oppose any action that undermined the Stateâ??s interests or infringed upon its rights.

Paying homage to the freedom fighters and national heroes who sacrificed their lives for Indiaâ??s independence, Vijay said the true spirit of freedom could be realised only when people united against oppression and overcame divisions based on caste, religion, language and race.

The Chief Minister said transparency, truthfulness and honesty would remain the guiding principles of his administration. The government had initiated measures to prevent public revenue from being diverted into private hands and to eliminate bribery and corruption at every level.

Highlighting his governmentâ??s welfare initiatives, Vijay said the Amma Unavagam network and the breakfast scheme were being strengthened and expanded to benefit more people.

He said funds had also been allocated for crop-loan waivers and the kuruvai cultivation package to support farmers.

Vijay announced that 717 TASMAC liquor outlets had been closed and that steps were underway to computerise the corporationâ??s administration. The move was intended to improve transparency and ensure better monitoring of its operations.

The Chief Minister said the law-and-order situation was being closely monitored. Government officials had been directed to treat citizens approaching public offices with dignity and courtesy. People should not be forced to run from pillar to post to obtain services or resolve grievances, he said.

Reiterating his governmentâ??s development vision, Vijay said sustained efforts would be made to transform Tamil Nadu into a model State and raise its standards to those of developed countries.

Earlier, the Chief Minister left his Neelankarai residence around 8 a.m. and arrived at Fort St George for the official ceremony. He received the ceremonial guard of honour and inspected the police parade from an open jeep.

CM Vijay hoisted the tricolour at around 8.45 a.m., marking his first Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony after assuming office as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.

/IANS