CHENNAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the subsidised scooter scheme for working women on the occasion of the 70th birth anniversary of late Tamil Nadu leader J Jayalalithaa. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam, were among those present. The scheme, with a subsidy component of 50 per cent or up to Rs. 25,000 for working women, was launched by Modi, by handing over the keys and registration certificate copies to five women beneficiaries. He also launched 70,00,000-tree sapling planting drive on the occasion.
Palaniswami in his address urged PM Modi to take steps to set up the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee, as directed by the Supreme Court. He said the saplings would be planted through out the year and also thanked the Prime Minister for lauding the ancient language Tamil recently.
The Chief Minister also recalled a slew of welfare initiatives and freebie schemes launched by Jayalalithaa. Panneerselvam said the Prime Minister was "courageously leading India." Stating that Amma had implemented several schemes for the safety and well being of women, right from their birth to old age, Panneerselvam said this scheme too envisioned by the late leader, was for people's welfare and development.
Mr Palaniswami had announced in December last that scooters would be distributed to one lakh women at a subsidised rate on the occasion of Ms Jayalalithaa's birth anniversary.
Earlier, Modi was welcomed by Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister and top state officials at Chennai airport. From the airport, he flew to INS Adyar Naval base near Marina beach, from where he reached the function venue by road.
