Free Colour TV scheme from Sept 15, 17: DMK

Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu), May 18: The much awaited free Colour Television scheme would be launched on September 15 and 17, the birth anniversaries of DMK stalwart C N Annadurai and rationalist leader Periyar E V Ramasamy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said.

After announcing the distribution of rice at Rs two per kg, waiver of co-operative farm loans and supply of eggs twice in a week to children in noon meal centres, the DMK Government is all set to fulfill another of its attractive poll promises-distribution of colour television sets to poor people.

Addressing a public meeting at Tiruvarur near here last night, the first since assuming office, Mr Karunanidhi said the free colour television scheme would be launched on September 15 and 17 and implemented in a phased manner.

Stating that it would be simply impossible to distribute colour TV to all the people at one stroke, Mr Karunanidhi said after the scheme was launched in September, colour television sets would be given to all eligible people in a phased manner.

Similarly, work would be started soon to fulfill another of the DMK's poll promises -- distribution of two acres of free land to the landless farmers. ''The preliminary work to develop the wasteland to implement the scheme has already been started,'' he said.

He said after the Governor's address on May 24, the DMK Government would present the budget for the year 2006-07. The party's poll manifesto would form the basis for the budget, he added.

The manifesto was not just the brain child of DMK, but had the collective support of all its allies -- the Congress, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), CPI(M), CPI and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The Government, after taking into consideration the views of itd allies, and if necessary the suggestions of the opposition, would implement schemes for the welfare of all sections of the society, Mr Karunanidhi said.

UNI

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