AIADMK Announces Rs 10,000 Compassionate Grant and Welfare Boost for Tamil Nadu Families
In a significant pre-election move, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday unveiled a series of welfare promises, headlined by a Rs 10,000 compassionate grant for every family in Tamil Nadu if the party is voted back to power. This announcement, made during the 78th birth anniversary celebrations of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa at the party headquarters in Royapettah, Chennai, aims to counter the DMK government's recent initiatives and address economic hardships faced by citizens.
Compassionate Grant to Ease Burden of Rising Prices
Palaniswami, commonly known as EPS, stated that the karunai thogai or compassionate grant is designed to alleviate the financial strain on families grappling with the steep increase in prices of essential commodities under the current DMK regime. This pledge directly challenges the DMK's disbursal of Rs 5,000 as an advance payment under the Kalaignar Mahalir Urimai Thogai scheme, which includes a Rs 2,000 special summer package for approximately 1.31 crore women beneficiaries.
Enhanced Support for Fishermen and Weavers
Expanding on his welfare agenda, EPS announced several targeted measures to support key sectors. The financial assistance for registered fishermen during the state's annual fishing ban period will be enhanced from Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000, providing better sustenance for their families. Additionally, handloom weavers will see their free electricity allocation rise from 300 units to 450 units, while powerloom weavers will receive an extra 400 units on top of the existing 1,000 units, aiming to boost productivity and reduce operational costs.
Loan Waivers and Employment Assistance
In a bid to support small businesses and job seekers, Palaniswami promised to waive loans taken by small traders and roadside vendors from cooperative societies once the AIADMK regains power. He also introduced a monthly assistance scheme, offering Rs 2,000 for graduates and Rs 1,000 for Class XII pass-outs who are registered with employment exchanges and awaiting job opportunities, addressing unemployment concerns in the state.
Revenue Sustainability and Previous Announcements
When questioned about potential tax hikes to fund these welfare measures, EPS deemed it premature to speculate, emphasizing that the AIADMK would consult finance department experts to explore appropriate revenue augmentation strategies. This third set of announcements builds on earlier promises, including monthly assistance of Rs 2,000 to women heads of families and three free gas cylinders per year for all ration cardholders, underscoring the party's focus on comprehensive social support.
