Tamil Nadu is a politically conscious state where government is aware of the needs of lower class. Since last couple of years, AIADMK government, headed by late Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa made an attempt to push up its literacy rates. Though the trend of development was not set by CM Jayalalithaa, but she indeed pushed the bar high for other political parties.
On the eve of late Jayalalithaa’s funeral, we fondly remember ‘Amma’ who transformed the fate of Tamil Nadu. Here are 7 times when Jayalalithaa nailed it with her generous schemes.
CM Jayalalithaa’s 7 Innovative Schemes
- Amma Pharmacies (Marundagam)
In 2016, late CM introduced this scheme in Chennai, Erode, Madurai, Cuddalore, Salem, Kancheepuram, Virudhnagar and Sivagangai. These pharmacies were open from 7am in the morning to 11pm at night. Here, medicines were sold at 15% discount rates, compared to their market price. This drained Rs. 20 crore from state funds, but purchase revenues skyrocketed within a month.
- Amma Canteen (Unavagam)
Amma canteens were government-run, highly subsidized canteens that sold top quality food at cheap prices. These canteens sold idlis for Re. 1, curd rice for Rs. 3, a plate of rice and sambhar for Rs. 5 and two meals a day for Rs. 13 only. These eateries were a blessing in disguise for lower classes, especially labours. AIDMK plans to establish 45 canteens in every city by next year.
- Amma Mineral Water Scheme (Kudineer Thittam)
On the 105th birth anniversary of CN Annadurai in 2013, late Jayalalitha launched this scheme that sold a bottle of mineral water at Rs. 10 per/litre. This was the lowest price marked on mineral water till date.
- Amma Seeds
To promote agriculture in state, late CM introduced high-quality hybrid seeds that were dispatched to farmers at a nominal price. Rs. 5.37 crores was the proposed budget for these genetically modified, superior quality seeds.
- Amma Cement
Amma cement was a positive step by AIADMK government to provide housing for the poor. Under this policy, people from middle and lower classes were eligible to purchase good-quality cement at highly subsidized rates from government go-downs for the purpose of building houses. While a bag of cement costs Rs. 370-390 per bag, the price of Amma cement was Rs. 50 per bag. Each family can buy up to 750 bags for construction of new houses and 100 bags for renovation purpose.
- Amma Healthcare
Amma Healthcare scheme was introduced at three stages– master health check-up, special health check-up for women and Arokia Thittam for people who couldn’t afford expensive treatment. Under these schemes, patients could take basic health tests and treatments at subsidised rates.
- Amma Mobile Phone Scheme (Kaipesi Thittam)
This scheme was especially launched, keeping in mind social empowerment of women and students. SHGs (Self Help Groups) were set up all over the state to train public in using computerised mobile phones. Special Tamil software was launched to supervise SHG workers. The idea was to create digital awareness and connectivity.
All these schemes made Amma quite popular among natives. It’s not surprising that so many people were deeply saddened by her sudden demise. Amma, who was a messiah for state, brought about a positive change in society. The entire country will remember her for her compassionate nature and generous policies.
