Chennai: Amidst expectations of announcements of new schemes by the AIADMK government to fulfil party’s election promises, the first budget session of the new government begins on Thursday, even while opposition DMK is bracing up to raise a storm over law and order situation, closure of Tasmac shops and Palar check dam.
During the election, the AIADMK promised free mobiles for every ration cardholder, besides subsidy for two-wheelers for women. Immediately after returning to power, Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa had ordered the closure of 500 Tasmac shops, besides the reduction of timing by two hours in the morning.
For the farmers, the Chief Minister had announced waiver of crop loans, besides the introduction of new crop insurance scheme with 50:50 participation from the state and central governments.
The Opposition parties criticised the Governor’s address for lack of new schemes and the government is expected to come out with announcements fulfilling some of its poll promises.
With the local body elections a few months away and the ruling party looking to retrieve the lost ground to the DMK, new schemes are expected to boost the AIADMK’s chances further in the civic body polls.
Unlike the earlier times, DMK with 89 MLAs is looking to corner the state government by raising its voice on every issue. During the earlier session the DMK resorted to walkout on many issues, but this time leader of Opposition Stalin had promised not to resort to walkout. The DMK is looking to put the government in the dock over spate of murders including that of techie Swathi, besides questioning the health of economy and industrial development.
The budget for this financial year was not presented in February due to Assembly elections and only an interim-budget was tabled. The first session of the newly elected Assembly was held from June 16 to 23. The schedule of the session will be decided at the business advisory committee meeting to be held on Thursday.
After the budget is presented, discussion on the budget will he held for a few days followed by the discussion on the demand for grants for various ministries.
Finance minister O. Panneerselvam had discussed the budget with the officials and the representatives of industry and traders. With many parties not getting a representative in the Assembly, they are preparing to watch the proceedings from outside and express their views.
