Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced a new welfare scheme to gift gold rings to newborns across the state during his Independence Day address at Fort St George in Chennai on Saturday. The scheme, estimated to cost ₹755.83 crore, will be launched on September 15. Vijay made the announcement while outlining his government's welfare priorities and administrative agenda on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day.
Vijay said his government was committed to tackling corruption and ensuring that public revenue was not diverted to private individuals. He described the fight against bribery and corruption as an important part of achieving true freedom and said efforts to establish a transparent administration would continue. He also said the state government would cooperate with the Centre on administrative matters while continuing to oppose policies it disagrees with ideologically.
The Chief Minister also used his address to pay tribute to freedom fighters and speak about social unity. He said freedom should not be restricted to a section of society and stressed the need to overcome caste and religious divisions. According to Vijay, people coming together and breaking down such barriers would be essential to ensuring that the benefits of independence reach everyone.
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Highlighting his government's welfare measures, Vijay said several schemes introduced by previous administrations would continue. He specifically mentioned the Amma Unavagam, or Amma Canteens, and the Breakfast Scheme. He also said crop loans taken by farmers had been waived since his government assumed office and claimed that 717 TASMAC liquor shops had been closed during the period.
The gold ring announcement comes as part of the government's broader focus on welfare initiatives. Vijay urged people to continue supporting his administration so that welfare schemes and other initiatives could be implemented effectively. He said the government would work to fulfil the expectations and aspirations expressed by the people and described himself and his ministers as servants of the public.
The Independence Day function was attended by actor Trisha, Vijay's father Chandrasekhar and Tamil Nadu ministers. Vijay also urged citizens to uphold the values for which freedom fighters sacrificed their lives. The newly announced newborn gold ring scheme is scheduled to be launched on September 15, with the government estimating its total cost at ₹755.83 crore.
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