Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay used his maiden Independence Day address to reach out to Gen Z while announcing a series of welfare measures and reaffirming his stand on state rights. ‘Vanakkam’ was Vijay’s message to Gen Z as he addressed people from Fort St George in Chennai on August 15. He also greeted Tamils living across the world. Vijay said his government would cooperate with the Union government on administrative matters. However, the chief minister cleared that his government would oppose policies that, in its view, undermine the rights of the state. Corruption and Governance at Centre The chief minister described the fight against corruption as a form of achieving freedom. He said his government was working to prevent public revenue from reaching private individuals. Vijay said action was being taken across departments to curb graft. He also stressed the need for transparent administration and good governance. Without naming any group, he said efforts against his government would be defeated. He also said his government would counter attempts to destabilise the administration. Vijay said his government would continue welfare schemes introduced by earlier administrations when they benefit people. He said, ‘We are continuing the old schemes of past governments that were useful for people. Some include Amma Unavagam (Amma canteens) by the AIADMK, Breakfast scheme for school children (DMK)". Welfare Push Widens A major new scheme announced in the address will provide gold rings to newborns in government hospitals. The Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam will be launched on September 15, the birth anniversary of former chief minister CN Annadurai. The scheme will involve an allocation of Rs. 755.83 crore, Vijay said. "I once again extend my respectful greetings and salute the people of Tamil Nadu who have broken the caste and religious considerations rejecting money and muscle power and gave us an overwhelming support to establish people-centric and social justice government. We are on mission mode to achieve a corruption free government. We want our people to develop zero tolerance towards corruption," he added. The government will also increase financial assistance for the marriage of daughters of ex-servicemen. The support will rise to Rs. 50,000 from Rs. 25,000, with assistance available for up to two daughters. Monthly assistance for differently-abled ex-servicemen and their families will increase to Rs. 7,000 from Rs. 5,000. Vijay also announced higher pensions for freedom fighters and their dependents. The monthly pension for freedom fighters will rise to Rs. 23,000, while the family pension will increase to Rs. 12,500. A Broader Political Message Vijay used the occasion to credit voters for rejecting caste and religious divisions, along with money and muscle power. He said his government was working towards a corruption-free administration. His Independence Day address therefore combined a direct appeal to younger voters with a wider promise of welfare, social justice and cleaner governance. The challenge now lies in translating those commitments into delivery across the state.
CM Vijay Greets Gen Z, Announces Welfare Measures in Tamil Nadu
