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 seen electoral success in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and, most recently, Bihar.The actor-turned-politician’s poll promises include providing 8 grams of gold to female marriage beneficiaries, silk sarees and Rs 2,500 to women and free sanitary napkins through ration shops, schools and colleges. He also promised to provide six cooking gas bottles for free within a year.
Meanwhile, the SC has expressed concern over the rising trend of “freebie” culture across states. The Supreme Court said earlier this year that “most states in the country are revenue deficit states but they offer such freebies” ignoring development. The Supreme Court is hearing a petition from the Tamil Nadu Electricity Distribution Corporation Ltd. seeking free power to all consumers irrespective of their income.
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Also read: Why Supreme Court labels ‘freebie culture’ and warns states
The following is a list of announcements that have been made:
- Rs 2,500
women monthly aid except government workers, until reaching the age of 60 - Women can travel free on all government-run buses
- 8 grams gold silk saree given to female marriage beneficiary
- Special fast-track court for expedited hearing of cases of crimes against women
- Annapurani Super Six Plan: 6 cooking gas cylinders free in one year
- “Smart emergency buttons” in public transportation ensure women’s safety
- Interest-free allocation of up to Rs 5 Lakhs for women SHGs
- Police sets up special ‘Rani Velu Nachiyar’ unit to ensure safety of women
- Free sanitary pads for women through ration shops, schools and colleges
- Each newborn born in TN is given a gold ring as ‘Ashirwad’ by the state government and a baby welcome kit is provided
- ‘Kamarajar Kalvi Uruthi Thittam’: Assistance of Rs 15,000 per annum to ensure zero dropout
