‘People’s welfare is absolute highest priority’: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay at Independence Day event

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay declared that people's welfare stands as the absolute highest priority for his government, asserting that combating corruption is akin to achieving a significant liberation.

Speaking at the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Fort St. George in Chennai, Vijay highlighted his administration's commitment to operating with transparency, truthfulness, and honesty. "There should be no compromise in public life," he stated, adding that his government would consistently oppose any policy decisions detrimental to Tamil Nadu.

Vijay thanked the people for their overwhelming support, which he said transcended caste and religious considerations, enabling the establishment of a people-centric and social justice government. Guided by the principle of equality, his government aims to build a Tamil Nadu free from bribery, corruption, and substance abuse, with a strong focus on women's safety and social justice.

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The chief minister post represents 8 crore people. That is why I say: the people are the real rulers here. Me and everyone here, as well as over there (MLAs and government officials) are merely servants of the people. That is how I view it.

He also announced enhancements to welfare schemes, including increased marriage assistance for the daughters of ex-servicemen and higher monthly assistance for differently-abled ex-servicemen and dependents. The monthly pension for freedom fighters will rise to ₹23,000, with family pensions increasing to ₹12,500. Furthermore, the "Amma Unavagam" scheme, initiated by former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, will be expanded to include students from Class 6 to Class 8 starting September 15.

The chief minister also addressed political remarks made by BJP Tamil Nadu chief Nainar Nagenthran, which were deemed "uncivilised and inappropriate" by Minister A Rajmohan.

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There should be no compromise in public life. People’s welfare is the absolute highest priority. Whether it is policy decisions against Tamil Nadu, our Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government will always oppose them. There is no second opinion about that.