CHENNAI: TVK president Vijay on Saturday unveiled a host of populist promises for women if his party comes to power after the Assembly elections. These include a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 to all women heads of families up to 60 years of age, with the exception of State and Central government employees.
The TVK president made these promises while addressing the party’s celebrations for International Women’s Day.
The party also announced the ‘Annapoorani Super Six Scheme’, under which six gas cylinders will be provided free of cost to each family every year. Under the ‘Annan Seer Thittam’, eight grams of gold and a quality silk saree will be presented to each girl for her marriage, Vijay said.
To prevent school dropouts, the Kamarajar Educational Assurance Scheme will be introduced, under which financial assistance of Rs 15,000 per year will be provided to every mother or guardian.
Women will also be allowed free travel in all categories of State transport corporation buses and can travel across Tamil Nadu without paying bus fare, he added.
A separate department will be created to support women, children, and the elderly, and it will function under his direct supervision.
A 'Rani Velu Nachiyar Padai' will be formed to ensure zero tolerance for crimes against women. Under this initiative, women personnel dressed in plain clothes will be deployed at various locations with body cameras. As part of the scheme, 500 teams will be formed across the State to ensure women’s safety. Smart panic buttons will also be installed in public transport systems, including shared autos, through which women can receive assistance within five minutes while travelling. Fast-track courts will be set up to quickly dispose of cases involving crimes against women.
Sanitary pads will be provided free of cost to women through all public distribution shops, schools, and colleges. Additionally, women’s self-help groups will receive interest-free financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh, he said.
Under the ‘Thaai Maaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam’, the State government will present a gold ring for each child born.
In addition, a baby welcome kit containing nutritional items, baby clothes, baby soaps, oils, powders, mosquito nets, toys, napkins, and diapers will be provided.
Without going into the details of the recent controversy, Vijay said, “Recently, certain issues have been ongoing. I see that you are getting hurt because of them, and seeing that hurts me as well. I am aware of all this. Let us focus only on addressing the people’s problems together. Do not feel hurt over such matters. There is no need to feel distressed about them; I will take care of them. Remain confident, good things will happen. Success is certain.”
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami had recently announced that the party would provide a monthly assistance of Rs 2,000 to women heads of families if it comes to power.
