Vijay govt announces 3 free LPG cylinders, free bus travel for women, transgenders
Announcing the scheme, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said the shortage of cooking gas cylinder triggered by the prevailing war situation in the Gulf region, along with rising cylinder prices, had placed an additional financial burden on households.
PTC News Desk: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay on Monday announced three free LPG cylinders a year for every family with an annual income below Rs 2.5 lakh, as he unveiled a fresh set of freebies in the Assembly.
Announcing the scheme, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said the shortage of cooking gas cylinder triggered by the prevailing war situation in the Gulf region, along with rising cylinder prices, had placed an additional financial burden on households.
"Keeping this in mind, even during a financially constrained situation, in order to lighten the financial burden on the public, protect their welfare, and fulfil the promise made to the people, the government has decided to provide them with the amount spent towards cooking gas cylinders," he said in the Assembly.
The expanded scheme will allow women to travel for free not only on ordinary buses but also on Express, LSS and Deluxe buses. The benefit will also cover inter-district bus services. The expanded scheme will be launched on October 2.
Vijay said that free travel for women is important for their economic independence and the well-being of their families.
Under the current scheme, women can travel free only up to 40 km on ordinary and hill-route buses in metropolitan and urban areas. Free travel is not available on Express, LSS, Deluxe or suburban buses.
The government said its main goal is to promote social justice and ensure that women across Tamil Nadu do not miss opportunities because of transportation costs.
To achieve this, the government has decided to expand the scheme under the name 'Vetri Payanam' (Victorious Journey). The new scheme will come into effect on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.