She pointed out that her government had implemented a series of welfare schemes
Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa arrives to hoist the tricolour at Fort St George on Friday. (Photo: DC)
Chennai: Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Friday said that the AIADMK government had been working for the poor and that it was evident in her opposition to critical projects that would affect them adversely.
In her Independence Day address, Jayalalithaa said, “This government does not allow the GAIL project, the methane extraction project in Thanjavur, GM crops and even FDI in retail. There is an old saying that the wails of the poor do not reach the fortress, but in this government, the voice of the poor will echo across Fort St George.”
She pointed out that her government had implemented a series of welfare schemes for the poor, including free rice for ration card holders, fans, mixers and grinders free of cost, marriage assistance schemes for women, like gold for a thali (mangalsutra), ‘Amma’ canteens and even ‘Amma’ salt.
Recognising the sacrifice made by freedom fighters to win the country’s independence, the Chief Minister announced an increase in their pension from Rs 9,000 to Rs 10,000 and family pension to the kin of freedom fighters from Rs 4500 to Rs 5,000. The CM also announced that the nutritious meal scheme of providing rice with spiced boiled egg that was now practised in select schools would be expanded to all centres and anganwadis as it had been well received.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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