Chennai: Tamilnadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today announced hike in pension for freedom fighters from Rs 16,000 to Rs 17,000.
Addressing the State from the ramparts of Fort St George after unfurling the National flag for the fourth year and inspecting a guard of honour on the occasion of the 74th Independence Day, he also announced that family pension
for legal heirs of freedom fighters would be hiked from Rs 8,000 to Rs 8,500.
Highlighting the steps taken by the government to tackle the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in the state, the Chief Minister reiterated that the Corona Fatality Rate in Tamilnadu was the lowest among all states and the recovery rate was higher.
Stating that the government has been taking steps on a warfooting to tackle the virus spread, Palaniswami said Siddha treatment was also being given for corona infected patients.
He said works on construction of a memorial for late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was going on in full swing on the Marina beach front and that it would be inaugurated soon.
He also said steps were on to enact a law providing 7.5 per cent reservation for government school students in medical adminission in the State.
He unfurled the National Flag on the occasion of 74th Independence Day celebrations and presented various awards.
After addressing the State from the ramparts of Fort St George and inspecting a guard of honour, he presented various awards, including the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam award to S.Selva Kumar Founder, Anandham Youth Foundation.
The Chief Minister also honoured the frontline workers, including doctors and those from police, fire service, Municipal Administration, Revenue and Disaster Management, Cooperation, Food and Consumer protection departments,
who were involved in the fight against Covid-19 by distributing medals and certificates to them.
The Kalpana Chawala award for Courage and daring enterprises were presented to Senthamil Selvi, Muthammal and Ananthavalli–all from Perambalur district.