Chennai: Newly-sworn in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced a series of sops on Monday, that were a part of AIADMK's poll promise, on his first day in office.
Starting his chief ministerial journey with paying tribute to late J Jayalalithaa, Palaniswami has rolled out five major public welfare schemes.
Here, we take a look at sops announced by the Chief Minister:
Two-wheeler scheme for working women:
As per the 'Amma Two-Wheeler Scheme', the government would subsidise 50 percent of the cost of a two-wheeler, subject to a maximum of Rs 20,000. The scheme would cost the state Rs 200 crore per year.
Increasing maternity allowance:
CM Palaniswami ordered an increase in financial assistance to pregnant women from Rs 12,000 to Rs 18,000 to benefit around 600,000 pregnant women at an outlay of Rs 360 crore per annum.
Doubling of unemployment allowance:
Palaniswami increased the monthly allowance to unemployed persons -- Rs 200 per month for 10th standard fail, Rs 300 (10th standard pass), Rs 400 (12th standard fail), Rs 600 (graduates and post-graduates). The additional outgo for this will be Rs 31 crore per year.
Housing scheme for fishermen:
The Chief Minister also cleared the file to build 5,000 houses for fishermen at an outlay of Rs 85 crore per year.
Closure of 500 liquor shops:
Palaniswami said that orders have been issued to close 500 liquor shops towards implementing prohibition in the state in a gradual manner.
The incumbent Chief Minister also promised that the government will soon provide clean drinking water to all and assured that drought relief to farmers will be provided at the earliest.
