Free bus travel scheme for women amped, free LPG cylinders: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's big announcements

E-PaperSubscribeSubscribeEnjoy unlimited accessSubscribe Now! Get features like Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday made major announcements aimed at women in the state assembly, including the expansion of free bus travel scheme and three free LPG cylinders annually for households. In this screengrab from a video received on Au. 21, Tamil Nadu chief minister Joseph Vijay is seen during the state Assembly session, in Chennai. (@tamilnaduassembly)The free LPG cylinders will reportedly be offered to women heads of households under a scheme called ‘Annapoorani Super Six. Chief minister C Joseph Vijay said the LPG offer under 'Annapoorani Super Six' is expected to benefit 1.3 crore families, adding that the scheme will be implemented from Pongal (in January). Expanding the free bus travel initiative, Vijay said the scheme meant for women will cover state-run buses, express, as well as deluxe buses. “No riders like income ceiling or number of trips for women to avail fare-free bus travel,” said Vijay in assembly. The chief minister also announced that his government would drop the plan to establish Chennai's second airport at Parandur, saying the project would affect agricultural land and disrupt the livelihoods of farmers and residents. Speaking in the assembly, Vijay said Chennai's Meenambakkam airport, operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), currently has the capacity to handle 30 million passengers annually. He said a new airport was needed considering the city's growing requirements, industrial development and increasing cargo transportation. However, the chief minister said the new airport should be located at a place where agricultural land and residential areas are minimally affected, ANI news agency reported. Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More