Early Life and Education
A. Raja, born on May 10, 1963, in Velur, Tamil Nadu, was raised in a modest household by his parents Shri S.K. Andimuthu and Smt. Chinnapillai. He received his early education in his hometown before pursuing higher studies. Raja’s academic journey led him to Government Arts College in Musiri, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree. His thirst for knowledge and commitment to justice led him to pursue a legal career. He went on to acquire a Bachelor of Law degree from Government Law College, Madurai, and subsequently a Master of Law degree from Government Law College, Trichy.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Personal Details | |
| Place of Birth | Velur, Distt. Perambalur (Tamil Nadu) |
| Date of Birth | 10-May-1963 |
| Father’s Name | Shri S.K. Andimuthu |
| Mother’s Name | Smt. Chinnapillai |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Date of Marriage | 04 Feb 1996 |
| Spouse’s Name | Smt. M.A. Parameswari |
| Children Details | Son: 0 |
| Daughter: 1 | |
| Profession | Advocate |
| Educational Qualification | B.Sc., B.L., M.L. |
| Educated at Government Arts College, Musiri, Distt. Trichy; Government Law College, Madurai; and Government Law College, Trichy, Tamil Nadu | |
| Addresses | |
| Permanent Address | 3/125, Mariamman Kovil Street, Vill.& P.O. Velur, Distt. Perambalur – 621 104 Tamil Nadu |
| Present Address | 21, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi-110003 |
| Contact Details | |
| Email ID | raja.andimuthu@gmail.com; a.raja@sansad.nic.in |
| Phone No. (Local) | Tels: (011) 24644455, 24644466 |
| Phone No. (Permanent) | Tel: 09999864553 (M) |
| Positions Held | |
| Member, Consultative Committee, Ministry of Defence | 21 Nov. 2019 onwards |
| Member, General Purposes Committee, Lok Sabha | 09 Oct. 2019 onwards |
| Member, Committee on Subordinate Legislation | 13 Sept. 2019 onwards |
| Member, Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice | 24 July 2019 onwards |
| Member, Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes | 26 June 2019 onwards |
| Member, Panel of Chairpersons, Lok Sabha | 25 June 2019 onwards |
| Member, Business Advisory Committee | Chief Whip, DMK Parliamentary Party, Lok Sabha |
| Re-elected to 17th Lok Sabha (5th term) | 31 May 2009 – 14 Nov. 2010 |
| Union Cabinet Minister, Communications and Information Technology | May 2009 |
| Re-elected to 15th Lok Sabha (Four Terms) | 18 May 2007 |
| Union Cabinet Minister, Communication and Information Technology | 23 May 2004 – 17 May 2007 |
| Union Cabinet Minister, Environment & Forests | May 2004 |
| Re-elected to 14th Lok Sabha (Three Terms) | 30 Sept. 2000 – 21 Dec. 2003 |
| Union Minister of State, Health and Family Welfare | 13 Oct. 1999 – 29 Sept. 2000 |
| Union Minister of State, Rural Development | 1999 |
| Re-elected to 13th Lok Sabha (Two Terms) | 1996 |
| Elected to 11th Lok Sabha | Other Details |
| Special Interests | Activities on Social Reforms |
| Countries Visited | Widely Travelled |
| Other Information | Contributing articles to leading Tamil and English Dailies and magazines, involved in public life during college days through Dravidar Kazhagam founded by Periyar EVR; President, Dr. Ambedkar Thinkers Forum, Perambalur; Secretary, (i) Rationalist Forum, Perambalur; and (ii) Tamil Ilakkiya Peravai (Literary movement), Perambalur; District Secretary, DMK Party, Perambalur Reading books and writing columns and poems in Tamil and English. |
Legal Career and Advocacy
Armed with a strong educational background, Raja embarked on a career in law. He began practicing as an advocate, dedicating himself to upholding justice and serving the people of his community. His legal expertise and commitment to fairness earned him respect both professionally and personally.
Political Journey
A. Raja’s political journey commenced with his involvement in various social and political organizations during his college days. Influenced by the principles of social justice and equality advocated by Periyar EVR and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Raja actively participated in the Dravidar Kazhagam and later became the President of the Dr. Ambedkar Thinkers Forum in Perambalur.
His entry into mainstream politics occurred when he joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. His dedication and leadership qualities quickly propelled him through the ranks of the party. He served as the District Secretary of the DMK Party in Perambalur, showcasing his organizational skills and commitment to grassroots politics.
Political Career and Ministerial Tenure
A. Raja’s political career reached new heights when he was elected to the 11th Lok Sabha in 1996. This marked the beginning of his illustrious parliamentary journey. Over the years, he has been re-elected multiple times, demonstrating the trust and confidence reposed in him by the people of Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu.
His exemplary service and leadership qualities led to his appointment as a Union Minister of State for Rural Development in 1999. Subsequently, he held several significant ministerial portfolios, including Health and Family Welfare, Environment & Forests, and Communications and Information Technology. His tenure as the Union Cabinet Minister for Communications and Information Technology saw significant strides in the telecom sector, including the implementation of policies aimed at expanding connectivity and bridging the digital divide.
A. Raja’s contributions to policymaking and governance have been widely recognized, earning him admiration from colleagues and constituents alike. His tenure as Chief Whip of the DMK Parliamentary Party in Lok Sabha underscored his ability to navigate the complexities of parliamentary proceedings while effectively representing the interests of his party and constituents.
Commitment to Social Reforms and Literary Pursuits
Apart from his political endeavors, A. Raja remains deeply committed to social reforms and community development. He actively engages in activities aimed at promoting social justice, equality, and empowerment, reflecting his steadfast belief in creating a more equitable society.
In addition to his political and social engagements, A. Raja is also a prolific writer and thinker. He contributes articles to leading Tamil and English publications, advocating for various social and political causes. His passion for literature and language is evident in his poetry and columns, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to Tamil culture and literature.
Personal Life and Legacy
A. Raja’s personal life is characterized by his dedication to his family and community. He is married to Smt. M.A. Parameswari, and they share a daughter. Despite his demanding political commitments, Raja maintains a balance between his public responsibilities and his familial duties.
As a political stalwart, advocate, and social reformer, A. Raja’s legacy is defined by his unwavering commitment to serving the people and advocating for their rights. His journey from a humble background to becoming a respected parliamentarian and minister is a testament to his perseverance, leadership, and dedication to the principles of democracy and social justice.
In short A. Raja’s life and career exemplify the power of determination, integrity, and service to the community. He continues to inspire generations with his tireless efforts towards building a more inclusive and equitable society, leaving an indelible mark on the political landscape of India.
In the realm of parliamentary proceedings, A. Raja has been an active participant, reflecting his dedication to legislative duties. With a remarkable tally of 191 questions posed, Raja showcases his commitment to parliamentary scrutiny and accountability. Additionally, his involvement in scrutinizing and shaping legislation is evident through his contribution to 25 bills. As a member of 13 committees, Raja engages deeply in policy formulation and oversight.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Questions | 191 |
| Bills | 25 |
| Committee Membership | 13 |
| Debates (Proceeding) | 72 |
| Assurances | 10 |
| Citizens Visited | 5 |
Funds Expenditure Details:
| Type | Amount (in Crores) |
|---|---|
| Total G.O.I Release | ₹7.00 |
| Amount Sanctioned | ₹10.86100 |
| Funds Utilized | |
| – Utilized | ₹6.7523 |
| – Yet to be Utilized | ₹0.4142 |
Furthermore, his active engagement in debates, totaling 72 proceedings, highlights his role in shaping public discourse and advocating for his constituents. Raja’s efforts extend beyond rhetoric, with 10 assurances provided, indicating his commitment to addressing pressing issues faced by citizens.
In addition to his parliamentary duties, Raja’s extensive outreach is demonstrated through visits to 5 citizens, ensuring he remains connected to the grassroots. His conscientious approach to fund utilization is evident in the detailed expenditure, with a total government release of ₹7.00 crore and an amount sanctioned totaling ₹10.86100 crore, of which 6.7523 crore and 0.4142 crore have been utilized respectively, showcasing his prudent financial management.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arajadmk/
Political Rating of A. Raja, Ex DMK Minister
- Legislative Effectiveness:
- Rating: 7/10
- Rationale: A long-standing member of the Lok Sabha with multiple terms and a history of holding various positions within parliamentary committees and the Union Cabinet indicates a solid legislative track record.
- Constituency Development:
- Rating: 6/10
- Rationale: While there’s evidence of involvement in social reforms and activities, specific details about direct constituency development projects or initiatives are not explicitly mentioned. However, the engagement with various forums and parties may indicate some level of constituency development indirectly.
- Transparency and Accountability:
- Rating: 5/10
- Rationale: No notable controversies or scandals mentioned in the provided information. However, without specific details on transparency measures or accountability mechanisms undertaken, it’s challenging to provide a higher rating.
- Public Engagement and Communication:
- Rating: 8/10
- Rationale: Actively contributing articles to leading Tamil and English dailies and magazines, involvement in public life during college days, and engagement in various forums and parties indicate a strong commitment to public engagement and communication. Additionally, holding positions such as Chief Whip and being involved in various committees within the Lok Sabha suggests effective communication skills and engagement with the public.