Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, in his Independence Day address from Fort St George in Chennai on Saturday, announced that a gold ring gift scheme for newborns, with an estimated cost of ₹755.83 crore, will be launched in the state.
“Eliminating corruption is equivalent to freedom; the govt is working towards that goal. We will defeat forces against our govt, conspiracies against our govt. On September 15, gold ring gift scheme for newborns will be launched at a cost of ₹755.83 cr,” TN CM Vijay in his I-Day address.
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Vijay hoisted the Tricolour at the state Secretariat in Chennai to mark the 80th Independence Day, saying his government would continue to oppose policies that, in its view, undermine the state's rights, while maintaining administrative cooperation with the Union government.
In his first Independence Day address, Vijay also mentioned that tackling corruption was an essential part of achieving freedom and stressed that his government was working towards this objective.
{{/usCountry}}In his first Independence Day address, Vijay also mentioned that tackling corruption was an essential part of achieving freedom and stressed that his government was working towards this objective.
{{/usCountry}}He said steps had been taken to prevent "Government's revenue going to private individual", while efforts to curb graft across all departments were being pursued continuously.
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Actor Trisha, Vijay's father Chandrasekhar and Tamil Nadu Ministers attended the Independence Day function.
Vijay pays tribute to freedom fighters
Addressing the celebrations, Vijay said, "My warm Independence Day greetings to everyone. I pay my respects to each and every freedom fighter who sacrificed their lives for our independence."
Vijay said, "When people realise that they are being treated like slaves, a sense of unity emerges among them. Everyone begins to come together. Caste barriers will break down, and when caste and religious differences disappear and everyone comes together, that is true freedom."
CM stresses fight against corruption
On his government's priorities, Vijay said, "It is our duty to protect Tamil Nadu from bribery and corruption. That is what our government is working towards. I sincerely thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to hoist the national flag on the 80th Independence Day at this 376-year-old fort and deliver the Independence Day message."
On the administration, he said, "We are working towards establishing a truly honest and transparent administration. There should be no compromise when it comes to public life."
Vijay said, "Administratively, we are cooperating with the Central Government, but ideologically, we continue to oppose its policies."
Welfare schemes to continue
Highlighting the continuation of welfare initiatives, Vijay said, "We are continuing the good schemes introduced by the previous government. Amma Unavagam (Amma Canteens) scheme introduced by former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa continues to function. The Breakfast Scheme is also continuing."
He said, "It has been three months since our government came to power. In these three months, crop loans taken by farmers have been waived, and 717 TASMAC liquor shops have been closed."
Vijay further said, "The freedom won through the sacrifices of our freedom fighters should not belong only to a few people. Everyone should enjoy true freedom as citizens. That is what we stand for."
Vijay seeks continued public support
Seeking continued support from the people, he said, "We have all cast our votes. You have elected your brother and made me the Chief Minister. From now on, all of you must continue to stand with our government. Only then will we be able to take good schemes and initiatives to the people."
He added, "I, and everyone here, are servants of the people. We will defeat the forces and conspiracies working against our government."
Vijay said, "I have been announcing schemes based on your expectations and the views and aspirations you have expressed."
(With inputs from agencies)