Palaniswami raises doubts over ‘Thayumanavar’ programme

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Friday raised doubts over the DMK government’s ‘Thayumanavar’ programme aimed at delivering ration goods at the doorstep of the elderly citizens and persons with disabilities.

“Is there any clarity in the programme launched by you a few days ago? Which vehicles do you intend to move the ration goods with? There are reports that private vehicles are used. How will pay for these vehicles? Is there any agreement with them [the vehicle owners]? Will you release the tender details?” he said.

Referring to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s statement that an additional expenditure of ₹30 crore was to be incurred, Mr. Palaniswami asked, “To whom is this sum going? Is it for the owners of the private vehicles? Or the DMK men? Or for advertisement?”

Recalling the Finance Minister’s statement in the 2024-25 Budget speech, the former Chief Minister said there was an announcement about the ‘Thayumanavar’ programme meant to ensure education, employment, skills training, among others. He asked whether this initiative was different from the one launched a few days ago. During AIADMK rule, about 3,500 mobile ration shops were launched in 2020 to deliver ration goods in 37 districts, he pointed out. 

The AIADMK general secretary also criticised the DMK government for having “copied and pasted” what was the AIADMK government’s idea.