By IANS,
Chennai : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi Sunday promised to provide new power efficient water sets for small and marginal farmers.
Speaking on Independence Day after unfurling the national flag for the 14th time in his political career here, Karunanidhi said that one reason for power shortage was the use of energy intensive pump sets by farmers.
“The old pump sets of small and marginal farmers will be replaced with new power efficient units free of cost, and for other farmers a subsidy of 50 percent will be provided by the government,” he said.
Referring to the government’s mega housing scheme whereby 21 lakh huts with thatched roofs are to be converted into concrete roof, he said: “The assistance per house has been increased by Rs.15,000 to Rs.75,000.”
He said the government would start providing skill training to those who have passed Class X and XII and all graduates from this year onwards to enhance their chances of getting a job.
A special fund of Rs.1,000 crore would be allocated for the upkeep and laying of new roads. According to him, Rs.3,465 crore has been spent on roads in the past four years.