Coonoor: “People are on my side, I’m on people’s side” (Makkal en pakkam; Naan makkal pakkam) asserted chief minister J.Jayalalithaa, while launching a massive Pongal gift scheme as well as the festival distribution of free dhotis and sarees at a glittering function here on Saturday.
She also laid foundation for several new projects on the occasion, cheered by the huge gathering that included hundreds of tribals from the hills.
The chief minister listed out her government’s various schemes, such as the solar-powered houses and free laptops for students, and said there “are still many responsibilities and duties remaining to be done” for the people. “If they have to be implemented, changes should happen at the Centre. With your unflinching support, I am confident that such change will happen”, she said amid lusty cheering from the crowd.
She said while some persons were trying their best to malign her government with false charges, people could see that the administration was solely working for their welfare and progress. “My motto is to take into account the needs of the people and extend them timely help. That’s why people are on my side and I am on people’s side. That’s the reason why you placed me in this position where I can help you”, CM said, while recalling an episode from Abraham Lincoln’s life relating to public service.
Comparing the flute with football to explain the distinction between common good and self-interest, she said both the flute and the football take in air to function.
While the flute wins the admiration of all because it transforms the air into music, the football gets kicked around because it keeps the air inside without giving it to anyone. “Likewise, I always think about common good and welfare of the people. That’s why you are always with me and I am with you”.
Next: Jaya’s Pongal gift for ration cardholders
Jaya’s Pongal gift for ration cardholders
Coonoor: The Pongal gift launched by the chief minister J. JayalaÂliÂthaa includes one kilo of rice and sugar for preparing sweet pongal for the joyous festival, besides Rs 100 in cash.
The bonanza is for all the 1.84 crore ration cardholders. She had earmarked Rs 281 crore for the gift despite the economic burden, she said. RecÂalling that the scheme for the distribution of dhotis-sarees was lauched by late chief minister M. G. Ramachandran in 1983, she said she has instrÂuÂcted that polycot sarees be distributed this year under this scheme. The dhoti-saree scheÂme has been allotted Rs 486.36 crore this year, she said.
The CM also laid the foundation for new schemes to the tune of Rs 74.85 crore in NilgÂiris, and inaugurated buildings and welfare schemes in Nilgiris to the tune of Rs 21.35 crore. Jayalalithaa also distrÂibuted weÂÂÂÂlfare assistance woÂrth Rs 18Â.23 crore to beneficiaries from across the Nilgiris.
Chief secretary Shiela BalaÂkrishnana welcomed the gathering. Ministers Sellur K. RaÂju, R. Kamaraj, Dr S. Sunderaj and P.V. Ramana spoke on the occasion. Nilgiris collector Dr P. Sankar proposed a vote of thanks.
