The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government has gone beyond the election manifesto in implementing welfare schemes, said A. Raja, Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology, here on Sunday.
“While most governments have failed to implement even what was promised in the manifesto, this government led by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has surpassed all expectations in the last four-and-half years.”
Mr. Raja was here at Annur to distribute 1,000 free gas stoves under a State government scheme.
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The Minister referred to the Re. 1 a kg rice scheme through the public distribution system, three eggs a week under noon meal scheme and the Chief Minister Kalaignar's Insurance Scheme for Life Saving Treatments to underscore his point.
This was in addition to the promises made in the election manifesto: free colour television for households below the poverty line, waiver of cooperative loan, among others, he said.
Referring to the ban imposed by the previous regime on recruitment in government services, Mr. Raja said the present government had provided succour to many a family by providing employment to thousands of people. “The Chief Minister promised two lakh jobs. But in the past four-and-half years, he has given over four lakh jobs.”
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Referring to the fulfilment of his election promise of upgrading Annur to a taluk, the Minister said he was here to nurture the constituency and redress the grievances of the voters. Mr. Raja said that such functions were not only to distribute welfare assistance and highlight the government's achievements but also to meet people, hear their grievances and initiate steps to redress them.
State Minister for Rural Industries and Animal Husbandry Pongalur N. Palanisamy said the Chief Minister was initiating steps to mitigate the drinking water and irrigation problems of the constituency, which had remained neglected for long.
A high-level committee formed for this purpose was examining the possibility of drawing water from River Bhavani.
Regarding the distribution of free gas stove, he said all eligible families in the State would be covered soon.