Chennai: Actor-turned-politician Vijay, who is in the midst of a divorce battle with wife Sangeeta, on Saturday announced a series of poll promises for women and families in Tamil Nadu.
With his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) preparing for its electoral debut in the upcoming Tamil Nadu state Assembly elections, Vijay promised a monthly cash assistance of Rs 2,500 for women and free travel across the state.
The TVK chief also promised a free gold ring for every child born in Tamil Nadu.
Addressing a Women’s Day event organised by female cadres of TVK in Mahabalipuram, Vijay emphasised on women’s safety as central to the party’s proposed governance model, announcing that a dedicated department for women’s safety will be created if his party comes to power.
“Safety for women is the primary prom
ise of TVK. A separate department will be established for the safety of women and that department will directly be under me,” Vijay said.
With his offer of Rs 2,500 for women under the age of 60 being higher than earlier commitments of Rs 2,000 each made by DMK and AIADMK, Vijay said the monthly benefit will exclude women employed in state government and Central government jobs.
Other welfare schemes
Vijay further outlined other welfare measures under the ‘Annapoorani Super 6’ scheme under which every family will receive six free LPG cylinders every year.
He promised assistance for marriage, announcing that 8 grams of gold and a silk saree will be provided to brides.
Besides free travel for women across Tamil Nadu, Vijay proposed the creation of ‘Rani Velunachiyar teams’ across the state to implement women’s safety. The teams will wear body cameras while monitoring safety situations.
Vijay announced sanitary pads will be made available free of cost at ration shops, schools and colleges, saying that the existing implementation of the scheme had been inadequate.
He also assured Rs 15,000 per year to be provided as support to students to ensure there are no school dropouts.