CHENNAI: Fulfilling yet another election promise, chief minister J Jayalalithaa on Monday launched the ‘Gold for Thaali (Thirumangalyam)’ Scheme for young women in need. Official sources said that during the current financial year, the scheme would cover around 1.69 lakh girls and the government was likely to earmark around `600 crore for this purpose. The expenditure included the financial assistance to be given to the beneficiaries.Strictly adhering to her call for austerity in government functions, the CM launched the scheme from her chamber without fanfare. A few days ago, she launched the 20kg free rice for family card-holders at a very simple function at Alwarpet.On Monday, seven young women received gold coins weighing four grams (22 carat) and financial assistance of `25,000 each. Similarly, seven other young women, who had a diploma or undergraduate degree, received gold coins weighing four grams and financial assistance of `50,000 each.The State government is working on the modalities for the gold to be distributed to eligible women. A separate GO is likely to be issued explaining all the details of this scheme soon. At present, the marriage assistance is being given to beneficiaries under five schemes and this will continue.The chief minister signed seven files on her first day in office (May 16) fulfilling seven of her election promises and GOs in this regard were issued the next day.Meanwhile, the Chief Minister has fulfilled another election promise by distributing an enhanced old-age pension among seven elderly persons, disabled persons, destitute women and widows. A total of 23.65 lakh beneficiaries will benefit from this scheme. Beneficiaries will get the enhanced pension from this month. The CM signed the file in this regard on her first day of office raising the assistance from `500 to `1,000.
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