Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Monday announced several new welfare schemes in the state Assembly. One of the major announcements is three free LPG cylinders every year for families with an annual income below Rs 2.5 lakh.
The scheme, called ‘Annapoorani Super Six’, will be launched from Pongal 2027. Around 1.30 crore families are expected to benefit from it.
How will the free LPG cylinder scheme work?
Under the scheme, eligible families will first book and receive their LPG cylinders as usual. The government will then get the details from oil companies and directly transfer the cost of the cylinders to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
According to the Chief Minister, the scheme is expected to cost the state government around Rs 4,000 crore every year.
Free bus travel scheme expanded
Vijay also announced free bus travel for transgender persons.
The government will also expand the Vettri Payana Thittam scheme for women. Women will be able to travel free not only on ordinary buses but also on Express, LSS and Deluxe buses, including inter-district services.
The expanded free bus travel scheme will be launched on October 2.
Vijay reiterates opposition to Parandur airport
During his Assembly speech, Vijay also repeated his opposition to the proposed Parandur airport project.
He said he stands with residents who could be affected by the project. Vijay said farmers are the backbone of the country and argued that the new airport should be built at a location where families would not be displaced or negatively affected.
The Chief Minister said the government is examining alternative locations for the proposed new Chennai airport and that a few possible sites have already been identified.
New Terminal 5 at Chennai airport
Vijay also announced that a new Terminal 5 will be constructed at the existing Chennai airport in Meenambakkam.
The TVK chief had earlier supported residents of Ekanapuram who have been opposing the Parandur airport project. He once again maintained his party’s stand of “No to Parandur airport.”
