Vijay’s Big Welfare Announcement: 1.30 Crore Families to Get 3 Free LPG Cylinders From Pongal 2027
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday announced a major welfare package in the State Assembly, providing three free LPG cylinders per year to low-income households and expanding zero-fare public transit access to transgender persons and women.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday announced a major welfare package in the State Assembly, providing three free LPG cylinders per year to low-income households and expanding zero-fare public transit access to transgender persons and women.
The flagship welfare scheme, named the Annapoorani Super Six, is scheduled for rollout starting Pongal 2027. Under the initiative, families with an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh will receive three free cooking gas cylinders annually. The government plans to credit the cost directly to the beneficiaries' bank accounts, an undertaking expected to cost the state exchequer roughly ₹4,000 crore each year and benefit an estimated 1.30 crore households. ‘Vetri Payanam’ Scheme: Tamil Nadu to Expand Free Bus Travel Benefits for Women From October 2.
Addressing the Assembly, Chief Minister Vijay cited rising global fuel prices and supply disruptions tied to conflicts in the Gulf region as primary drivers for the intervention, framing it as essential financial relief for vulnerable families.
Alongside the fuel subsidies, the government announced an expansion of public transportation benefits. Transgender individuals will now be eligible for free bus travel across the state. Furthermore, the existing Vettri Payana Thittam scheme for women will be expanded starting October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. Under the updated Vetri Payanam (Victorious Journey) initiative, the free travel benefit for women will extend beyond local urban routes to cover Express, Low-Floor Suburban (LSS), and Deluxe buses, as well as inter-district transport. TN CM Vijay Announces That TVK Govt Will Abandon the Plans to Set Up a New Airport in Parandur.
In addition to social welfare announcements, Chief Minister Vijay addressed regional infrastructure concerns by reiterating his firm opposition to the proposed Greenfield Airport at Parandur. Highlighting concerns over land acquisition and the displacement of local farming communities, he stated that the government is evaluating alternative sites for the proposed airport while moving forward with plans to construct Terminal 5 at the existing Chennai International Airport in Meenambakkam.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 24, 2026 12:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).