Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today inaugurated a mega sapling plantation drive as part of the 72nd birth anniversary celebrations of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.
He initiated the drive by planting a Maghizham sapling opposite to the Secretariat. Under this scheme, 72 lakh saplings are planned to be planted across the State. Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, senior Ministers and officials were present.
As per the announcement the Chief Minister made in the Assembly recently that Jayalalithaa’s birth anniversary would be celebrated as State Girl Children Protection Day, Palaniswami today gave away welfare measures to beneficiaries. Various programmes including oath taking, conferences about girls’ safety were held in schools and government offices.
Earlier in the day, Palaniswami and Panneerselvam, the joint coordinator and coordinator of the AIADMK, respectively, garlanded the statue of Jayalalithaa at the AIADMK head office. Sweets were distributed to the cadres who had gathered at the office.
A 72 kg cake was cut was as part of the celebrations. Various programmes were organised by the party cadres to celebrate Jayalalithaa’s birth anniversary across the State.
The five schemes which were announced by Palaniswami for the betterment of the life of destitute girls were also launched today.
”Girls who are growing in government run homes, those without parents and guardians will be given Rs two lakh after they complete 21 years. This amount will be deposited in their bank account. This will ensure that they are able to lead a good life in the society,” he said.
He further said if girls who leave the government homes and do not have parents or guardians face financial problems, the government will provide them a special help fund. ”This fund can be used to pursue higher studies, skill development training and to do business. This package will be given till they reach the age of 50,” he added.
Palaniswami also said the amount of Rs 2,000 which is given to foster parents after the first three years will be increased to Rs 4,000 and given for five years. ‘Awards will be given to district managements that work for better sex ratio,’ he added.