Free gas stoves, connections to poor families from Pongal:CM

Chennai, Aug 15: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today announced free gas connection and gas stoves to the poor families in the state at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore.

Addressing the public after hoisting the national flag from the ramparts of Fort St George here, he said the scheme, one of the major announcements made in the election manifesto, would be launched from the ensuing Pongal day in January next and implemented continously.

He said the state government would also bear the cost of deposits for the gas connection under the scheme, besides providing gas stoves free of cost.

The poor and the downtrodden in the state used firewood and kerosence stoves and the womenfolk in those households experience hardship, while cooking, he added.

''To ameliorate their suffering and to bring relief and happiness amid them, I announce arrangements proposed for free gas connection and also free gas stoves to the poor families,'' he said.

Mr Karunanidhi also announced the scheme for unemployment allowance to the youth, who were facing hardship would commence on October two, conciding with Gandhi Jayanti. The DMK, in its manifesto, had promised a monthly financial assistance of upto Rs 300 to the unemployed youth.

Mr Karunanidhi had already announced that the distribution of free colour television sets would begin on September 15, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C N Annadurai and free distribution of two acres of developed wasteland to landless poor on September 17, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of rationalist leader Periyar E V Ramasamy.

Stating that the DMK, within 95 days of assuming office on May 13, had implemented most of the assurances in the election manifesto, Mr Karunanidhi said the government had chalked out a time-bound action plan to fulfill the remaining few promises.

He said Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for young men as in the case of Women's SHGs would be formed in order to generate more employment opportunity and prosperity.

''We have decided to create software parks in cities like Madurai, Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore and Tirunelveli, through Information Technology Department,'' he said.

Stating that the government's avowed objective was to work for development and progress of the state, he said the ''whole of India was keenly watching the functioning of as you do. Demands are raised in other states to implement the rice for Rs two a kg scheme.

''It is indeed a credit to this government,'' he added.

UNI