The Tamilnadu Government under the Leadership of Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi It has been two years since Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi took I over as Chief Minister of Tamilnadu. During these two I years, the state has made rapid strides in all sectors of the economy. Even as steps were taken to develope the industrial profile of the state, the government did not neglect the common man. In fact, a slew of measures were implemented to make life easier for the deprived sections of society, who have always formed the constituency closest to Kalaignar's heart. These measures have gone a long way to ameliorate the plight of the poor and lower middle class people, who have been hit hard by inflation. A broad based vision has also brought relief to other neglected segments like farmers, unemployed youth, woman and minorities, in the form of enlightened policies aimed to improve their lot. ? CaringForthe Common Man The Government had announced, as part of its election plan, that rice would be provided at Rs. 2 per Kg. This promise was carried out soon after Kalaignar took charge. It aims to benefit one crore and 86 lakh families. Pulses and cooking oil were also supplied at fair prices. The Noon Meal Scheme was modified to provide eggs to children, three times a week. Free house site pattas were given to 5 lakh and 40 thousand poor families. Free colour Tv's worth Rs.1517 crore 87lakh 50 thousand, have been distributed to 62 lakh 80 thousand families. So far 11 lakh free gas connection worth Rs. 220 crore were given to poor, middle class families. Another 8 lakh families will get free gas stoves worth Rs. 160 crore, this year. Rs. 194 crore of marriage assistance was given to 11 lakh 30 thousand poor girls, each getting Rs. 15,000/- The assistance was increased to Rs. 20,000/-from this year. ? The Farmer's Friend With the rise of industry, agriculture has taken a back seat as (arming became unprofitable due to various factors. To reverse this trend, the government waived Rs.7000 crore of co-operative loans. This has benefitted 22 lakh and 40 thousand farmers. Interest on co-operative agriculture loans was also reduced from 9% to 7% in 2006-07. It was again reduced from 7% to 5% in 2007-08. This year, it was reduced to 4%. One lakh 61 thousand poor farmers were given one lakh and 33 thousand acres of developed land. Under the Farmer- Agricultural social protection scheme, Rs.160i crore assistance was given to 2 lakh and 84 thousand farm families. ? Generating Employment One of the most important steps undertaken by this government was to lift the ban on recruitment. So far, 2 lakh 81 thousand persons have been newly appointed in various government departments. The government signed MOUs for starting 19 new industries at a cost of Rs 25 thousand and 683 crore in the last 24 months. Employment opportunities were created for 1 lakh 74 thousand people. ? Nurturing Culture Tamil language and culture have always been kalaingnar's pet passions. Tamil was made a compulsory subject in schools from 1st std to Xth std. The government also founded the central institute of classical Tamil at Chennai. Presidential Awards to Tamil Scholars were instituted in the names of renowned Tamil poets, Thiruvalluvar and Tholkappiar. An Act was passed in the Tamilnadu legislature, whereby the first day of the Tamil month "Thai" is to begin the Tamil New Year. Renovations were carried out and Kumbhabhishegam performed in 2239 temples at a cost of Rs. 37 crore. ? Infrastructure Development With Chennai becoming a hot destination on the IT map, developing infrastructure has been a special priority. 110 urban drinking water schemes were executed at a cost of Rs. 236 crore 58 lakh. This benefitted 23 lakh 88 thousand people. The Ramanathapuram Comprehensive Drinking water Scheme was implemented at a cost of Rs. 616 crore, while the Hogenakkal Comprehensive Drinking water supply scheme was implemented at a cost of Rs.1334 crore. Underground drainage system was laid in 28 district head-quarters at a cOst of Rs.1362 crore. Work has already been completed in Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Thanjavur and Karur. 6500 new buses were provided. Another 3500 new buses will go on the road this year. Flyovers on arterial.roads to ease traffic congestion and introduction of A/c luxury buses have also gone a., long way to improve public transportation. One lakh and .6 thousand concrete houses and flats were constructed at a cost Rs. 2787 crore under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Development Scheme. Works worth Rs.