Free land to be distributed from Sept 17

Chennai, Aug 7 (UNI) The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is all set to fulfil its popular poll promise-- distribution of two acres of land each, free of cost --- to the poor landless farmers in the state from September 17.

The much awaited poll promise would be launched on September 17, coinciding with the birth anniversary of rationalist leader Periyar E V Ramasamy, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi has announced, addressing a public meeting here last night.

It would be a double for the poor people in the state as they would get the free lands, two days after receiving free colour televisions, from September 15, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Dravidian stalwart and former Chief Minister C N Annadurai.

Addressing the meeting, when he highlighted the significance of the revised budget for the year 2006-07, Mr Karunanidhi said a team comprising Ministers and officials concerned would, in a couple of days, visit West Bengal, a pioneer in land reforms to study the pattern of distribution.

The state government had already spoken to the West Bengal Government, which had agreed to give full details of land distribution system to the team, he added.

The scheme became the bone of contention in the state politics, after former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa said it was not feasible, citing lack of availability of sufficient land.

However, allaying the apprehensions, Mr Karunanidhi assured that the government would commence the distribution of lands to few lakh farmers on the occasion of Periyar's birth anniversary.

''I am giving this assurance with dignity, honesty and integrity,'' he said adding his government would not go back on this assurance.

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