Jayalalithaa fulfills poll promise, launches old age pension scheme

Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa today formally launched an old age pension scheme today as part of fulfilling the AIADMK government's poll promises.

The chief minister presented the amount to seven beneficiaries at a function at the secretariat, an official press release said.

It said the scheme would benefit 23.65 lakh people in the state.

Soon after assuming office on May 16,Jayalalithaa had issued orders to give effect to her major poll promises, including doubling old age pension from Rs500 to Rs1000, 20 kg of free rice to cardholders and 35 kg to BPL families,four gram gold for mangalsutra for girls getting married and increasing aid to fishermen from Rs1000 to Rs2000 in the fishing ban period

Another release said Jayalalithaa presented Rs25000 and Rs50000 (to those who have completed diploma or degree) and four gram gold coins each to seven girls as part of providing marriage assistance.

She also presented cash prizes of Rs14.20 lakh to 78 students who performed well in the Class Ten and Twelve board examinations, it said.