Chief Minister Joseph Vijay Announces Major Welfare Schemes in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay announced two major welfare initiatives and the cancellation of a large-scale infrastructure project during a state assembly session on August 24, 2026. These measures fulfill electoral promises made by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party.

The Annapoorani Super 6 scheme will provide reimbursement for three domestic LPG cylinders annually to approximately 1.3 crore eligible families, including women heads of households with annual incomes under Rs 2.5 lakh, small farmers, and families of differently-abled persons. The program, estimated to cost Rs 4,000 crore annually, will launch during the Pongal festival in January 2027 via Direct Benefit Transfer.

Additionally, the Vetri Payanam scheme will expand fare-free bus travel for women and transgender persons starting October 2, 2026. The expansion removes previous restrictions on income, distance, and trip limits, adding Express, Limited Stop Service, and Deluxe buses in urban centers and ordinary buses in mofussil and hilly areas. This initiative is expected to cost Rs 6,000 crore annually.

In a separate policy shift, Vijay shelved the Parandur greenfield airport project, which was estimated to cost Rs 27,400 crore. The decision follows intense opposition from local farmers, and the government is now seeking alternative sites for the project.