Slew of schemes marks 'Kalaignar's 100 days in office

Chennai, Aug 20 (UNI) The first 100 days in Office for the DMK Government, which had assumed power for the fifth time, has been quite eventful with Chief Minister M Karunanidhi fulfilling several of his populist poll promises, and announcing one more -- free gas stoves for the poor.

Right from the day one, of assuming the mantle of Chief Minister, Mr Karunanidhi kept his word by signing the files for the Rs two a kg rice scheme under the Public Distributuion System, waiver of farm loans to the tune of Rs 6800 crore and provision of eggs twice a week under the Noon Meal scheme.

As though adding to the kudos for his performance, a national poll conducted by a television channel rated 'Kalaignar' at no four in the list of most efficient Chief Ministers.

The much awaited launch of another of his election promises -- free colour television scheme for the poor -- is expected next month.

The Karunanidhi government's 100-day stint was also marked by his tour to various districts to thank the people for voting in favour of the DMK led DPA.

The DMK could not get the requisite majority of 118 seats to form the government on its own. But the other allies in the DPA lent a helping hand by providing outside support.

Unfazed by the opposition AIADMK's oft-repeated charge that the DMK government was in a minority, a determined Mr Karunanidhi meant business, fulfilling many of the promises given in the party's election manifesto.

After signing the files at the venue of the swearing in ceremony itself, Mr Karunanidhi made learning Tamil compulsory from standards one to ten and launched the women's marriage assistance scheme by increasing the financial component from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.

The Rs 6000 assistance for pregnant women, appointment of teachers, reinstatement of 13,000 road 'mazdoor' workers, free power to farmers and weavers, reduction of fees in government-run engineering colleges, seperate Welfare Boards for unorganised workers, social security scheme for farmers and agricultural labourers, new industrial investment initiatives to create job opportunities, attracting foreign investments, sops for Tamil film industry, a tax free budget, repeal of anti-conversion law and waiver of sales tax for essential commodities were among the schemes implemented by the Karunanidhi government.

Even as all these schemes drew appreciation, Mr Karunanidhi announced that there were a few more in the pipeline, which included distribution of free colour tvs and two acres of developed wasteland to landless and poor farmers next month.

Doles for unemployed youth and formation of youth self help groups and establishing IT parks were also announced as the priority schemes of the government.

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