SWEET MOMENT: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi distributing sweets to students at Fort St. George in Chennai on Tuesday. — Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

CHENNAI: Expressing the hope that "a smooth and cordial relationship with the Centre and the neighbouring States will help the progress of Tamil Nadu without any impediments," Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi on Tuesday appealed to all sections of people to extend cooperation to his Government for the successful implementation of its schemes.

In his Independence Day address from the ramparts of Fort St. George Mr. Karunanidhi, after unfurling the National Flag, said the allowance scheme for the unemployed youth would commence on October 2. This was among the "most attractive" promises made in the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)'s election manifesto, drawing the attention of the entire country, he said.

The poll promise of free cooking gas connections and stoves to the poor and downtrodden sections would be launched on the Pongal Day in 2007.

The Rs.150-crore scheme to be implemented continuously would come as relief for these people, particularly the womenfolk, who use firewood oven and kerosene stove for cooking, he said. The Government would bear the cost of deposits for obtaining the gas connection under this scheme, besides providing the gas stoves free.

Most promises fulfilled

Stating that the Government had implemented most of the promises made in the manifesto, he said a time-bound action plan had been chalked out to fulfil the "few remaining assurances."

Free TV sets scheme

As it had been announced, the launch free colour television sets scheme was slated for September 15 and commencement of the wasteland project on September 17, he said.

To take quick decisions on the government schemes, seven Cabinet meetings were held in the last three months. Besides, meetings were held with Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, leaders of alliance parties and Chief Ministers of neighbouring States, seeking their cooperation and assistance for the development of the State, he said.

It was a credit to the Government and Tamil Nadu that demands were being raised that the "rice for Rs. 2 a kg scheme" be implemented throughout the country, he said.

Mr. Karunanidhi recalled various steps taken by the Government in the last 90 days, such as cooperative farm loan waiver to the tune of Rs.7,000 crore, abolishing contract appointment of teachers, scaling down the fee in engineering colleges, introducing a bill on social security for farmers and agricultural labourers and attracting more investments in the industrial sector.

The Chief Minister took salute at the guard of honour offered by the different wings of police.

Chawla Award presented

Karunanidhi conferred the Kalpana Chawla Award for Courage and Daring Enterprise on W.B. Vasantha Kandasamy, a lecturer at Indian Institute of Technology.

She was chosen for "her exemplary contribution to the field of mathematics" and services for the underprivileged.

He also handed over awards to individuals and institutions for their exemplary service to disabled. Each award carried a gold medal and a citation.

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