NEW DELHI: TVK chief Vijay on Saturday unveiled a slew of welfare promises ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, including several women-centric schemes, echoing a strategy that has proved electorally successful in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and recently Bihar.The poll promises by actor-turned politician include 8 gram gold, silk saree to women beneficiaries for marriage, along with Rs 2,500 for women and free sanitary pads through ration shops, schools and colleges. He also promised free 6-cooking gas cylinders in a year. This comes even as SC has raised concerns over rising trend of “freebies” culture across states. “Most of the states in the country are revenue deficit states and yet they are offering such freebies” overlooking development, the top court had said earlier this year. The top court was hearing a petition by Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Ltd seeking to provide free electricity to all consumers irrespective of income.Also read: Why Supreme Court flagged ‘freebies culture’ and cautioned states
Here’s a list of announcements made:
- Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women, barring government staff, till they turn 60
- Free bus travel in all govt-run buses for women
- 8 gram gold, silk saree to women beneficiaries for marriage
- Special fast-track courts for expeditious disposal of cases of crimes against women
- Annapurani super six scheme: Free 6-cooking gas cylinders in a year
- ‘Smart panic buttons’ in public transport for women safety
- Interest-free allocation of upto Rs 5 lakh for women SHGs
- Dedicated ‘Rani Velu Nachiyar’ unit in police to ensure safety for women
- Free sanitary pads for women through ration shops, schools and colleges
- Gold ring to each newborn child born in TN as state govt’s ‘Ashirwad,’ and a baby welcome kit
- ‘Kamarajar Kalvi Uruthi Thittam’: Rs 15,000 assistance per year to ensure zero dropout
