Tamil Nadu Elections: TVK Chief Vijay Unveils Women-Centric Welfare Schemes Ahead of Polls

NEW DELHI: TVK chief Vijay on Saturday unveiled a slew of welfare promises ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, including several women-centric schemes, echoing a strategy that has proved electorally successful in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and recently Bihar.The poll promises by actor-turned politician include 8 gram gold, silk saree to women beneficiaries for marriage, along with Rs 2,500 for women and free sanitary pads through ration shops, schools and colleges. He also promised free 6-cooking gas cylinders in a year.Decoding The Vijay Factor In Tamil Nadu Elections: Can The Actor Turn Popularity Into Votes?This comes even as SC has raised concerns over rising trend of "freebies" culture across states. “Most of the states in the country are revenue deficit states and yet they are offering such freebies” overlooking development, the top court had said earlier this year. The top court was hearing a petition by Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Ltd seeking to provide free electricity to all consumers irrespective of income.PollDo you support the implementation of women-centric welfare schemes ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections?Yes, absolutelyNo, I don't think it's necessaryAlso read: Why Supreme Court flagged 'freebies culture' and cautioned statesHere's a list of announcements made:Rs 2,500monthly assistance for women, barring government staff, till they turn 60Free bus travel in all govt-run buses for women8 gram gold, silk saree to women beneficiaries for marriageSpecial fast-track courts for expeditious disposal of cases of crimes against womenAnnapurani super six scheme: Free 6-cooking gas cylinders in a year'Smart panic buttons' in public transport for women safetyInterest-free allocation of upto Rs 5 lakh for women SHGsDedicated 'Rani Velu Nachiyar' unit in police to ensure safety for womenFree sanitary pads for women through ration shops, schools and collegesGold ring to each newborn child born in TN as state govt's 'Ashirwad,' and a baby welcome kit'Kamarajar Kalvi Uruthi Thittam': Rs 15,000 assistance per year to ensure zero dropout