Chennai, 14 August (H.S.):The DMK is preparing for a major organisational restructuring that could increase the number of its district units from the existing 79 to more than 100, party sources said.

The proposed expansion is aimed at strengthening the party's grassroots network, improving coordination among functionaries and providing greater representation to young leaders and women. New district secretaries are expected to be appointed once the reorganisation is approved.

A committee constituted by DMK president M.K. Stalin to study the party's organisational structure and recommend measures to revitalise it has submitted an interim report. The recommendations are likely to be discussed at the party's executive committee meeting scheduled for August 22.

According to party sources, some of the proposed changes may require amendments to the DMK constitution before they can be implemented. The leadership is expected to examine the recommendations in detail and work out the modalities for creating the additional district units.

The restructuring exercise is expected to involve the division of several existing district units into smaller organisational territories. Party leaders believe smaller units would allow district secretaries to maintain closer contact with local functionaries and respond more effectively to political and organisational issues.

The committee has also recommended inducting more young leaders and women into important organisational positions, including the post of district secretary. It has underlined the need for broader social and regional representation to make the party structure more inclusive and effective.

The panel includes former Ministers Thangam Thennarasu, Geetha Jeevan, R. Sakkarapani, S.S. Sivasankar and Tamilarasi Ravikumar; MP Murasoli; former MP M.M. Abdullah; former MLAs I. Paranthaman and Dr. Ezhilan; and party functionary S.K.P. Karuna.

A final decision is expected after the executive committee considers the interim report and approves the proposed constitutional and organisational changes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman