CM Stalin launches 'Neengal Nalama' scheme

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin on Wednesday launched a new "Neengal Nalama" (Are you doing well) scheme and said that his government was one which lifts every family in Tamil Nadu.

Listing out some of the pioneering schemes, including Vidiyal Payanam (free bus travel), Pudumai Pen, Kalaigna Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam and Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme implemented by his government, Stalin launched the "Neengal Nalama" scheme through video conference from the state secretariat and said, "Some people call us family (dynastic) regime. Yes. It is a family regime. It is a regime which lifts every regime in Tamil Nadu."

Stating that he received petitions aplenty in the first year of his tenure, the CM said that the people do not carry petitions now after 'our' government fulfilled the requests of the people. "On the contrary, I see happiness on their face, " the CM added, recalling the famous statement of DMK founder Anna that he beheld God in the happiness of the poor.

Adding that the new scheme was being implemented to ensure the implementation of the scheme, Stalin who launched the website of the scheme and interacted with the beneficiaries of a few of his government's schemes, said that his government was one which lends ears to the voices of every family and redresses their grievances.

Informing that the services of the government would be improved based on the feedback the ministers, higher officials and district collectors receive about welfare schemes, Stalin said that the feedback received from the people would be uploaded on the scheme website. "I never consider that my duty ends as soon as I announce schemes from the state secretariat. It is very important that the schemes serve the purpose they were designed for, " the CM said, reasoning that every scheme was implemented at the expense of several thousands of crores amid severe fund crunch. "Every penny allocated must reach the citizens. I design the schemes with the intention that even if it is a scheme involving one rupee, it must reach you (people), " he added.

Wondering if Prime Minister Narendra Modi who claimed to be disbursing funds directly to the people, the CM sought to know if the PM helped the people of Tamil Nadu by allocating at least a rupee of the Rs 37,000 crore sought for flood relief assistance. "Can he lie like this?" the CM asked, pointing out that his government spent Rs 3,406.77 crore from SDRF and other department funds for flood relief and reparations and helped the people despite not receiving any funds from the union government.