அமைச்சர் (MINISTER)

The role of a minister is important in a monarchy. While appointing some one, the king should ensure he is capable of functioning efficiently, Valluvar believes that a minister's abilities should be based on this concept. There is a tradition of choosing intelligent people as ministers. Nothing is impossible for the man who is intelligent as well as knowledgeable. A minister should be pure of heart and blemishless. His linguistic and communicative skills should be profound. He should be able to take part in discussions. Only with his mastery over language would a minister guide the king along the righteous path.

What are the basic skills a minister should possess? He should be capable of analyzing problems and arriving at the right solutions. In addition to selecting challenging deeds, a minister should be able to execute the deed at the proper time and with the right tools. He should develop the right friendships for the king by dismissing the bad friends and encouraging the good ones. Whatever advice he would like to offer the king, should be imparted with firmness.

A minister has certain duties as well. Only that minister who knows his duties and acts accordingly, will fulfil his role. He should follow the footsteps of the great. There should be no hesitation on his part to give his king proper advice at the right time. He should not worry about infuriating the king thereby.

What are the things that a minister should not do? He is next to the king in status; The king trusts him absolutely; the minister should not conspire against the king; nor should be betray his trust. குடிலன் from மனோன்மணீயம் is a classic example of a treacherous minister. A minister may be a good planner; but if he lacks the skill of effective implementation, he is not fit to be a minister. Such a minister brings only harm to his king.

Though based on monarchy, Valluvar's ideas on ministers are still relevant today in a democratic set up.