Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, who assumed office earlier this week, signed his first official orders on Monday, fulfilling key election promises. The orders include providing free electricity up to 200 units for domestic consumers and implementing comprehensive women safety measures across the state.
Free Electricity for Domestic Users
Under the new scheme, all domestic households in Tamil Nadu will receive up to 200 units of electricity free of cost each month. This initiative is expected to benefit over 2 crore families, providing significant relief from rising utility costs. The state government will allocate Rs 6,000 crore annually to compensate the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board for the subsidy.
Chief Minister Vijay stated that the scheme aims to ensure affordable power for every household and support economic growth. He also announced that the free electricity will be available from June 1, with eligible consumers automatically enrolled.
Women Safety Initiatives
In addition to the electricity subsidy, Vijay signed orders to strengthen women safety in Tamil Nadu. Key measures include:
- Installation of 1 lakh CCTV cameras in public places across all districts
- Setting up of 24/7 women help desks at all police stations
- Launch of a dedicated mobile app for emergency alerts
- Formation of special task forces to handle crimes against women
The government will also introduce stricter penalties for offenses against women and fast-track courts to expedite trials. The initiatives will be implemented in phases over the next six months.
Reactions and Implementation
Political analysts view these orders as a strategic move by Vijay to demonstrate swift governance. The announcements have been welcomed by women's rights groups and consumer organizations. However, opposition parties have questioned the fiscal feasibility of the free electricity scheme, citing potential strain on state finances.
The Chief Minister assured that the government has made adequate budgetary provisions and will monitor implementation closely. He also hinted at more welfare schemes to be unveiled in the coming weeks, focusing on education, healthcare, and employment.
These first orders mark the beginning of Vijay's tenure, setting a pro-people agenda that aligns with his election promises. The state administration is now gearing up for the rollout of these initiatives across Tamil Nadu.
