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What big announcements did CM Vijay make?

1. Under the ‘Annapurni Super Six’ scheme of Tamil Nadu government, the cost of three LPG cylinders will be given by the government every year to eligible families with annual income less than Rs 25 lakh. This scheme is said to be implemented from Pongal 2027. According to the government’s estimate, about 13 lakh families will get its benefit.

2. Under the scheme, beneficiaries will purchase LPG cylinders and its cost will be deposited directly into their bank account. The state government will have to spend about Rs 4,000 crore every year on this scheme.

3. While announcing the plan, CM Vijay mentioned the ongoing war situation in the Gulf region. He said that this has put additional financial burden on families regarding the availability and prices of cooking gas. It is noteworthy that before the elections, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam had promised to provide six free LPG cylinders every year.

4. The government has decided to expand the scope of the ongoing ‘Vetri Payana Thittam’ scheme for women. Now, apart from normal buses, women will also get the facility of free travel in Express, LSS and Deluxe government buses. This facility will also be extended to inter-district bus services.

5. Under the existing system, women were given the facility of free travel up to 40 kilometers in buses running on normal and hilly routes in metros and urban areas. Express, LSS, Deluxe and suburban services did not come under this scope, in the new system women will also get the facility of free travel in Express, LSS and Deluxe government buses of metros and urban areas.

6. This decision of the Vijay government is expected to put an additional financial burden of about Rs 6,000 crore on the state exchequer every year. Linking it to social justice, the Chief Minister said, “The primary goal of this government is the principle of social justice, under which no woman living in any part of Tamil Nadu should be deprived of her opportunities because of transportation costs.”

7. The Chief Minister has also announced free bus travel for people of the transgender community. The aim of this step of the government is said to be to make public transport more inclusive and to provide relief to the economically weaker sections.

8. Chief Minister Vijay reiterated the government’s stand regarding the proposed airport at Parandur near Chennai. He said that the government will not proceed with the project at the existing proposed site. The project has been opposed by local farmers and residents. Vijay said that the government stands with the affected people and is looking for alternative locations for the airport.