Self-help groups in the State will be given power to monitor the functioning of ration shops if the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was voted to power again, said party treasurer M.K. Stalin here on Thursday.
Responding to the grievances of a woman at an interactive session with the leaders of self-help groups in Pudukottai as part of his “Namakku Name” campaign, he said that SHGs had enjoyed many benefits during the DMK regime. Besides creating a number of business opportunities by offering revolving fund and easy credit for them, the DMK government focused on empowering the SHG women. However, the movement itself had lost its sheen during the AIADMK regime. Most of the women-run SHGs had been finding it difficult to sustain, as they were facing the daunting task of repaying the loan with huge interest.
The DMK would give priority to restore the glory of SHGs. They would be given power to monitor the ration shops in their respective areas. The assurance would be incorporated in the DMK’s election manifesto, he said.
Addressing a roadside meeting at Tirumayam, Mr. Stalin took strong exception to the statement made by the Minister for Electricity and Prohibition, Natham Viswanathan in the Assembly that it was not possible to close TASMAC liquor shops despite the clamour for that. The DMK would have welcomed a move by the government to at least reduce the number of shops and timing of sales.
Earlier, Mr. Stalin resumed his 13th day “Namakku Name” journey at Aranthangi. He walked for some distance and met the people near the bus stand. He met a group of fishermen at Maramadakki. Later, on the way to Pudukottai, he boarded a private bus and travelled for some distance to interact with passengers.
