On the occasion of the country’s 80th Independence Day, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay hoisted the national flag at the State Secretariat in Chennai.
Addressing the people from the historic 376-year-old fort, the Chief Minister said that true freedom in the country can be achieved only when divisions of caste and religion are removed and all people come together.
Announcing his resolve to make the state administration corruption-free, Vijay said, “Our main goal is to protect Tamil Nadu from bribery and corruption and build an honest and transparent administration. There will be no compromise of any kind in public life. We will cooperate with the Central government on administrative matters, but will continue to oppose the Centre’s policies ideologically.”
Presenting the report of the government’s work over the last three months, he mentioned that the government has waived farmers’ agricultural loans and closed 717 liquor shops. He also announced that people-welfare schemes started by the previous government, such as ‘Amma Canteen’ and morning breakfast schemes, will continue.
Describing himself and the government’s representatives as servants of the people, the Chief Minister also announced an increase in the monthly pension for freedom fighters to Rs 23,000 and assistance for former specially-abled soldiers to Rs 7,000.
Prominent actress Trisha, Vijay’s father Chandrasekhar, and state government ministers were present at the Independence Day event.
