Date:14/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/14/stories/2008091457000100.htm

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New scheme to be introduced

Special Correspondent

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi, says Karunanidhi

M. Karunanidhi

CHENNAI: Yet another scheme to benefit the poor and the middle class will be introduced on Gandhi Jayanthi, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said here on Saturday.

Addressing a function organised to distribute financial assistance to film technicians, Mr. Karunanidhi said he could not disclose the name of the scheme. “Pardon me for that,” he said.

Recalling the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government’s decision to sell 1 kg rice at Re. 1 from September 15, to mark the birth centenary of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, Mr. Karunanidhi said the new scheme would be launched on the birth anniversary of Gandhiji, revered by Annadurai. “Like the birthdays of Kamaraj and Annadurai, Gandhi’s birthday is also important.” Reacting to the criticism that selling rice for Re.1 would not solve the problems of the poor since salt was being sold for Rs.8, the Chief Minister quipped that he would appreciate if the critic ate as much salt as rice.

Mr. Karunanidhi said he was only implementing the short-lived scheme of his political mentor Annadurai.

“He promised oru padi rice for Re.1, but died a year after becoming Chief Minister. The finances of the government at that time did not allow it to continue the scheme. As I am committed to implementing the principles of Periyar and Anna, I have chosen Anna’s birth centenary to implement the Re.1 rice scheme,” he said.

The financial aid to film technicians was given from the money Mr. Karunanidhi received for the film Uliyin Osai.