CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Wednesday announced a slew of benefits for MLAs, including government vehicles and a monthly allowance of Rs 1 lakh, as part of measures aimed at promoting transparent and efficient governance.
During a series of announcements in the Assembly, Vijay said the annual coverage under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme would be raised to Rs 25 lakh from the existing Rs 5 lakh.
He also announced that seven government medical college hospitals would begin offering additional medical and surgical care to transgender persons.
Vijay also announced an increase in Aavin’s milk procurement price from Rs 38 to Rs 41 per litre, entailing an additional expenditure of Rs 360 crore per annum benefitting 3.16 lakh milk producers. He said the decision was taken despite the state’s financial constraints to ensure a fair and remunerative price for milk producers and support their livelihoods.
Commenting on the announcement concerning MLAs, Vijay said the range of benefits would allow legislators to meet their official needs without relying on others. He added that the measures would empower them to discharge their responsibilities independently, honestly, and without having to compromise.
"I am happy to announce that the government will provide vehicles to all MLAs," he said, adding it would assist newly elected legislators, as well as those serving without financial means, in addressing public grievances.
The CM announced Rs 75,000 allowance per month for vehicle maintenance, fuel expenses and as expenditure on hiring a driver.
Also, Rs 25,000 will be provided to recruit an assistant.
He underscored that the announcement on perks for MLAs is in alignment with the TVK regime's goal of corruption-free, transparent, good governance.
Necessary amendments will be made to relevant laws to give effect to the perks, he said.
Vijay also underlined that the government had received representations in this regard and Kattumannarkoil legislator L E Jothimani (VCK) also had made a request, and that she had pointed out about difficulties faced by legislators without "economic strength."
Even before winning polls, his party MLA-candidates had taken a pledge to be honest and they are functioning in accordance with that goal, he said.
Notably, the TVK government, on the basis of the principle of governance for the people following the path of honesty, is functioning with the objective of delivering graft-free, honest, and transparent administration down to the grassroots level, the CM said.
Vijay's announcement on vehicle and allowances made the ruling TVK legislator K Sindhu break into a rapturous glee, singing a song in praise of the actor-turned-politician and thanking him for the gesture.
The CM turned to look at the "singer-legislator" and could not restrain himself from smiling at the musical expression when she sang a few lines of the song 'Koduthathellam Koduthaan," from the 1964 movie "Padagotti," starring yesteryear icon and late CM M G Ramachandran (MGR).
The philosophical song on divine equality was sung by T M Soundararajan and penned by lyricist Vaali.
Further, the seven state-run facilities where the services for transpersons will be provided are Chennai Stanley, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Chengalpattu, Thiruvarur, Dharmapuri, and Kanyakumari under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme.
Outlining significant new initiatives to improve the state's healthcare system, the chief minister emphasised that medical care is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and the government aims to remove barriers to quality healthcare regardless of income or location.
To ensure easily accessible high-quality medical services to north Chennai people, a world-class "Multi-Super Speciality Hospital" with 400 beds will be set up in Perambur at an estimated cost of Rs 300 crore.
The Chief Minister's Cancer Care Mission will be upgraded with a budget of Rs 677.44 crore and additionally, a new integrated cancer treatment unit (G+4 floors) will be established at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai for Rs 471.80 crore, and five regional cancer centres will be established in districts including Thanjavur, Coimbatore, and Madurai.
Advanced equipment, including robotic surgery systems and linear accelerators, along with HPV DNA testing for women in specific districts to prioritise early detection (of high-risk types of human papillomavirus that may lead to Cervical cancer) and nutrition support, will be provided, Vijay said.
Key announcements
MLA benefits: Government vehicles will be provided to all MLAs to help them address public grievances and meet official requirements independently.
MLA monthly allowance: ₹75,000 per month for vehicle maintenance, fuel and hiring a driver.
MLA assistant allowance: ₹25,000 per month to hire an assistant.
Health insurance: Annual coverage under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme will increase from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
Healthcare for transgender persons: Seven government medical college hospitals will provide additional medical and surgical services to transgender persons.
Aavin milk procurement price: Increased from ₹38 to ₹41 per litre, benefiting 3.16 lakh milk producers.
(With inputs from PTI)
