Addressing the State from the ramparts of the Fort St George after unfurling the national tricolour to mark the 66th Independence Day, Jayalalithaa saluted the freedom fighters who fought for country's Independence and announced that their monthly pension would be hiked from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000.
She also announced that medical allowances for them would be hiked from Rs 100 to Rs 500, and the pension for their legal heirs from Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500.
Asserting that her government was striving for ensuring true freedom for all, Jayalalithaa warned that strict action would be taken as per law against those, whoever it may be, interfering in others' freedom.
'Everybody should have fredom. But they should not exceed their limits. True freedom lies in maintaining the dignity and discipline', she noted.
Noting that her government had been striving to ensure that everyone gets this true freedom, she said 'if anyone tried to misuse the freedom in a manner affecting others rights and livelihood, whoever they may be, strict action will be taken against them as per law'.
In her nearly 20-minute address, Jayalalithaa listed out the achievements of the 15-month-old AIADMK regime and the various welfare schemes launched by her since her government assumed office in May 2011.
She said during the last 15 months her government had set several records in various fronts.
'As far as agriculture is concerned, the food grain production shto up to 106 lakh metric tonnes in 2011-12 from 76 lakh metric tonnes in 2010-11', she added.
'Since the government ensured three phase power supply for 12 hours to the farmers in Cauvery delta region, Kuruvai crop was cultivated in 1.37 lakh acres', she added.
Jayalalithaa urged the Centre to ensure rehabilitation of internally displaced Tamils back to their original settlement by devolving equal powers on par with the Sinhalese in Sri Lanka 'at least now'.
'At a time when we are celebrating the Independence day, our Tamil brethrens in Sri Lanka are suffering in relief camps in that country'.
'The Central government should at least now insist with the Sri Lankan government to take steps and ensure that the Tamils, housed in relief camps, are sent back to their places of origin by devolving equal powers on par with the Sinhalese', she added.
Earlier, the Chief Minister was presented a guard of honour by the police department. She also received wishes from the public. Also, she was introduced to the chiefs of defence forces and police higher officials by the Chief Secretary. She presented bravery awards to those with exemplary achievements.
Tamilnadu Assembly Speaker D Jayakumar, Ministers, MPs, MLAs, Judges, higher officials and a large number of public took part at the Independence day celebrations at Fort St George.
It is to be noted that today was 12th time for Jayalalithaa to hoist the national flag at Fort St George.
