CM Vijay issues stern warning against DMK, announces major welfare measures
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay warned the DMK against repeatedly demanding proof for allegations made against the party, saying that inquiry documents relating to three departments were currently with him and included supporting evidence.
The issue surfaced during an Assembly discussion concerning the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department. DMK MLA I Periyasamy raised questions about the department, after which Minister N Ananth responded. Periyasamy then questioned whether the government possessed evidence to support its allegations against the DMK.
Vijay said he had initially planned not to intervene but decided to respond after repeated demands from the Opposition for evidence. Referring to statements made earlier by the Finance Minister, he said inquiry files concerning three departments were on his desk and contained material supporting the government’s claims.
The Chief Minister said the documents would not necessarily be made public immediately. He maintained that the government would decide what information should be released, as well as the appropriate time and manner of disclosure.
Vijay also suggested that the developments could have political implications during an upcoming by-election, although he did not elaborate.
In another major announcement, the Chief Minister said the annual coverage under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme would be raised from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh. He stressed that access to quality healthcare should be treated as a basic right and that financial or geographical limitations should not prevent people from receiving treatment.
The government also announced additional facilities for MLAs, including official vehicles and a monthly allowance, with the aim of helping them travel through their constituencies, address public complaints and monitor development works.
The announcements follow Tuesday’s decision to expand maternity leave for women government employees having a third child. The leave period will increase from 12 weeks to 365 days, matching the provision available for the first two children.
Under the existing rules, women employees with fewer than two surviving children can receive up to 365 days of maternity leave, while those with two or more surviving children are eligible for a maximum of 12 weeks.
The measures form part of the state government’s wider efforts to expand welfare benefits, improve public services and provide greater support to government employees and elected representatives.