EPS promises ‘Rs 10K household aid’ in Part 3 of AIADMK manifesto

Competing with the ruling DMK in announcing freebies as poll promises, opposition AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) on Tuesday announced Rs 10,000 for every household to help tide over inflation and the rising cost of living.

Releasing the third part of the party’s manifesto on the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa, EPS said in a statement, “We will reduce the burden of every family with a one-time compassionate assistance of Rs 10,000, intended to offset the financial burden caused by rising taxes and utility charges under the present DMK regime.”

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“At a time when families are struggling with steep hikes in property tax, house tax and electricity charges, this government has failed to protect the people. Ordinary families should not be punished for the inefficiency of the government. The AIADMK will stand firmly with every household,” he maintained, adding that an AIADMK government would prioritise direct cost-of-living relief. “Once we form the government, Rs 10,000 will be given to every household to reduce their day-to-day burden,” he said.

This announcement of a financial bonanza for every household comes close on the heels of the DMK government of MK Stalin depositing Rs 5,000 in the bank accounts of the 1.31 crore women beneficiaries. Each beneficiary under the Women’s Financial Rights programme was receiving Rs 1,000 per month. But the state government had deposited the amounts for three months in advance with a special summer allowance of Rs 2,000. Earlier, the government had extended the Pongal gift of Rs 3,000 for ration card holders.

Further, the AIADMK promised to give a monthly stipend of Rs 2,000 as unemployment assistance to graduates registered with the Employment Exchange and Rs 1,000 to youth educated up to Class 12. The party also announced a hike in financial relief to fisherfolk during the annual fishing ban period from the present Rs 8,000 to Rs 12,000. EPS said that, if voted to power, the AIADMK would extend Rs 1,000 for the Pongal festival.

In an attempt to woo the weaving community, the AIADMK had announced an increase in free electricity for handloom weavers from 300 units to 450 units, and for powerlooms from 1,000 units to 1,400 units.

In the previous tranche of the manifesto, EPS had announced a waiver of education loans, free bus service for men, a hike in assistance under the Women’s Financial Rights scheme from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000, besides free houses for the rural and urban poor.