Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has announced major welfare schemes in the state assembly. The government will provide three free LPG cooking gas cylinders annually to eligible families. The initiative will roll out under the newly formulated ‘Annapoorani Super 6’ welfare package starting Pongal in January.
In addition, the Chief Minister expanded the state’s free public bus travel scheme. He also confirmed the formal scrapping of the controversial Parandur airport project.
Three Free LPG Cylinders Every Year for Households
The free cooking gas scheme directly addresses rising household costs for women homemakers. Under the plan, women heads of families will receive three cylinder refills free of cost each year. The state government will transfer the subsidy directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Chief Minister Vijay stated that easing kitchen expenses remains a core promise of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) administration. Officials are finalizing the digital registry to ensure smooth delivery across all districts.
Expanding Free Public Bus Travel Across Transport Fleets
The Chief Minister also widened the reach of the state’s zero-fare public transport system. The free bus travel facility now extends to transgender persons across Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, the transport department is adding more suburban and semi-deluxe routes to the zero-fare network.
This move aims to boost daily workforce participation among women and marginalized communities. State transport corporations will receive dedicated financial grants to cover the additional operational costs.
Scrapping Parandur Greenfield Airport Project to Protect Farmlands
In another major policy decision, Chief Minister Vijay announced that his government will drop the proposed Parandur airport. Local farmers and villagers had protested the second Chennai airport project for months over land acquisition fears.
Vijay affirmed that his administration will not acquire fertile agricultural lands against the will of local communities. The government will now explore alternative industrial sites that do not displace farming livelihoods.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
