Colour TV set distribution to begin in September

New Delhi, June 5 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today announced the first stage of distribution of colour television sets, which forms a major election promise of the DMK, would begin in September this year.

"We will launch distribution in September to coincide with the birth anniversary of Dr C N Annadurai (DMK Founder)," he told mediapersons after meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

He said the scheme would be implemented in stages. "It is not possible to complete the distribution overnight," he added.

He said a legislature group consisting of representatives from all the political parties had been formed to finalise rules regarding procurement of television sets.

Dr Karunanidhi said the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Nanguneri in Tirunelveli district would produce television sets for the scheme.

During his meeting with Dr Singh, he had sought exemption from excise duties on sale of goods in the Domestic Tariff Area in respect of electronics and hardware produts to be manufactured in Nanguneri SEZ.

UNI SH AK ND1928