PM Narendra Modi to launch Amma 2-wheeler scheme today

CHENNAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the ambitious Amma two-wheeler scheme that envisages providing 50 per cent subsidy to 1 lakh working women every year to buy mopeds — a key promise made by late J. Jayalalithaa in the 2016 elections — on Saturday here. 

At the function in Kalaivanar Arangam, Modi will also launch a drive to plant 70 lakh saplings on 70th birth anniversary of Jayalalithaa, which falls on Saturday. 

Though the government envisages providing 50 per cent subsidy to 1 lakh women this year, allotment orders for 1,000 beneficiaries will be handed over on Saturday with Modi himself handing over the orders to a couple of people. 

Modi, who will stay overnight at the Raj Bhavan here, is also expected to give audience to Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and his deputy O. Pannerselvam during which a host of issues are likely to be discussed.

City police have beefed up security arrangements ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the city on Saturday. More than 15,000 personnel along with 10 companies of commando police have been deployed for security.

Police said that the PM is expected to reach the city airport and will then be flown in a helicopter to INS Adyar where Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami and other ministers would receive him.

He is then scheduled to travel to Kalaivanar Arangam where he will launch the Amma two-wheeler scheme on the birth anniversary of the former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

The Prime Minister is then expected to stay at Raj Bhavan that night and would leave to Puducherry next morning.

Security has been tightened at airport, INS Adyar and other sensitive areas in the city ahead of PM’s visit.