Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has announced a new set of welfare measures, including three free LPG cylinders a year for low-income families and expanded free bus travel for women and transgender persons.
Under the ‘Annapoorani Super Six’ scheme, families with an annual income below Rs 2.5 lakh will receive the cost of three LPG cylinders directly in their bank accounts from Pongal 2027. The scheme is expected to benefit around 1.30 crore families and cost the state about Rs 4,000 crore annually.
Vijay also announced an expansion of the ‘Vetri Payanam’ scheme for women from October 2. Women will be able to travel free on Express, LSS and Deluxe government buses, as well as eligible suburban and hilly-route services. The expanded programme is expected to add around Rs 6,000 crore to annual government spending.
Free bus travel will also be provided to transgender persons.
Meanwhile, Vijay reiterated his government’s opposition to the proposed Parandur airport project, citing concerns over farmer displacement. He said alternative sites were being examined.
The government also plans to construct a new Terminal 5 at Chennai airport in Meenambakkam.