Karunanidhi launches assistance scheme for unemployed youth

Tiruchirapalli, Nov 11 (UNI) Fulfilling another promise of the DMK, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi launched the Unemployed Youth Assistance Scheme today.

Mr Karunanidhi launched the scheme amid much fanfare at a function at the Anna Stadium here by distributing assistance to the tune of Rs 80.46 lakhs to 12,657 unemployed youths, including 7,332 girls, in Tiruchirapalli district.

The scheme was originally scheduled to be launched on October 2 to coincide with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, but was postponed as the model code of conduct for the local bodies polls was in force during that time.

The government has allocated a sum of Rs 100 crore for the current financial year for the scheme.

Under the scheme, a monthly financial assistance of Rs 150 would be given to those who had passed tenth standard, Rs 200 for those who had passed Plus two/Higher Secondary and Rs 300 for Graduates and post-Graduates, who did not get employment even after completion of five years of registration in the employment exchange.

As promised in the DMK's election manifesto, the assistance would be given for three months to enable the uneducated youths to meet at least a portion of their financial needs.

The launch of this scheme marked the fullfillment of yet another populist poll promise which had catapulted the DMK-led DPA to power in the May 8 Assembly polls.

Union Minister A Raja, Transport Minister K N Nehru, Health Minister K K S S R Ramachandran, Forests Minister N Selvaraj and other officials participated in the function.

Mr Karunanidhi's cabinet colleages launched the scheme in other districts, while Union Minister T R Baalu inaugurated it in Chennai city.

The most populist Rs two a kg rice scheme, provision of eggs twice a week under the Noon meal scheme, distribution of free colour TV sets to the poor, distribution of developed wastelands to landless and poor farmers, marriage assistance scheme, assistance scheme for pregnant women, were among the promises fulfilled by the DMK after it assumed office.

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