MK launches schemes coinciding with birthday

Chennai, Jun 3: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today launched the 'Rice at Rs two per kg' and 'Marriage Assistance to poor women' schemes to coincide with his 83rd birthday and resolved to continue with the Government's welfare measures.

The octogenarian leader, who signed the orders for distribution of PDS rice at Rs two per kg on the dais of swearing-in ceremony to fulfil his poll promise, formally launched the scheme at a PDS shop in Teynampet here.

He also launched the 'Moovalur Ramamirthammal Memorial Marriage Assistance Scheme,' which had been revived with an enhanced assistance, by distributing Rs 15,000 each to three poor women.

Speaking on the occasion, he said political rivals mocked at the DMK when it announced the cheap rice scheme in its election manifesto. But despite criticisms, the Government had implemented the scheme and would continue with it, he said.

Stating that the Government had revived the marriage assistance scheme, which was scrapped by the previous AIADMK regime, to brighten the lives of poor women, he said the Government would find ways and means to augment financial resources for the continuation of the scheme.

The Chief Minister said the modalities for distribution of two acres of land to landless farmers, another poll promise of the DMK, was being worked out. The 'free colour TV scheme' was also given a final shape at a high-level meeting of Ministers and officials, he added.

Announcing that more welfare measures were in the pipeline, Mr Karunanidhi said his Government would fulfil the expectations of the people with the cooperation of allies.

Food Minister E V Velu told newspersons that about 1.78 crore family card-holders would be covered under the cheap rice scheme.

Stating that the scheme would come into effect all over the State from today, he said rice was being distributed through 28,000 PDS outlets.

Local Administration Minister M K Stalin, Cooperative Minister Ko Si Mani, Union Ministers Dayanidhi Maran and A Raja took part in the function.

UNI

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