Vijay promises ₹2,500 monthly assistance for women, free bus travel

Vijay announces ₹2,500 monthly aid and free bus travel for women, criticizing the ruling party's budget mismanagement at Women's Day event.

Emulating the populist electoral strategies of the Dravidian majors in Tamil Nadu, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Saturday unveiled a set of women-centric poll promises for the upcoming Assembly election, including ₹2,500 monthly grant for women, free government bus travel for them across the State, and six free cooking gas cylinders per family per year.

Speaking at the International Women’s Day celebrations organised by the party in Mamallapuram, he said under the Madhippumigu Magalir Thittam [Honourable Women’s Scheme], a ₹2,500 grant would be provided for all women up to 60 years of age, barring family members of Union and State government employees.

He also criticised the DMK government for giving only ₹1,000 as a rights grant for women, saying that it was not sufficient to meet even basic expenses.

Under the Annapoorani Super Six scheme, six Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders would be provided to each family free of cost every year.

Under the Annan Seer Thittam [Brother’s Wedding Gift Scheme], one sovereign of gold and a superior quality silk saree would be provided as a gift free of cost for the bride, he said.

To ensure there are no dropouts in schools due to economic hardship, Kamarajar Kalvi Urudhi Thittam [Kamarajar Education Assurance Scheme] will be implemented, under which ₹15,000 per year would be provided as a grant for the mother or guardian of schoolchildren. Under Vetri Payanam Thittam, women shall travel free of cost on all government buses across Tamil Nadu, Mr. Vijay said.