Soon after M.K. Stalin took oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister on Friday, he announced that his government will bear all the expenses of the Covid patients in private hospitals. The state health insurance cover will bear the expenses of Covid treatment in private hospitals hereon, the Chief Minister said in an order. Presently, treatment at government hospitals is done free of cost.
“Keeping in mind people’s welfare, with an intent of reducing their burden, the state will bear people’s medical expenses under the state Insurance scheme. Accordingly, persons undergoing treatment in Private hospitals for all kinds of COVID-19 related treatment can claim expenses under the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Insurance Scheme,” reads Chief Minister’s order.
Stalin issued another order sanctioning Rs 2,000 each to the rice cardholders in Tamil Nadu. There are around 2.07 crore rice cardholders in the state.
An official statement said, "The Chief Minister had signed an order to extend Rs 2,000 each to 2.07 crore rice cardholders at an expenditure of Rs 4,153.39 crore."
The newly appointed CM also announced corona assistance of Rs 4000 per family in addition to slashing milk rates by Rs 3 per litre in the state. Besides, he also passed an order permitting women to travel in ordinary town buses free of cost was also issued. The statement said, "The government will bear the additional expenditure of Rs 1,200 crore as subsidy to the transport corporations."
Stalin also announced an exclusive department will be formed within 100 days of his government for exclusive grievance redressal.
An IAS officer will be posted to run the department on a day to day basis.
Also Read: Hours after sworn-in as CM, Stalin announces Rs 2000 for covid relief, free travel for women
DMK chief Stalin, who has become the CM of Tamil Nadu for the first time, will hold several portfolios such as Home, Public, General Administration, All India Services, District Revenue Officers, Special Programme Implementation and Welfare of Differently Abled Persons.