CHENNAI: Chief minister M K Stalin on Saturday said protecting the lives of the people and comforting them during the Covid-19 pandemic were the biggest achievements of the government, besides transforming the state's health department into a well-equipped system to face new challenges. "Hundred days is a short period compared to five years of the government. But we accomplished several remarkable achievements," Stalin told the assembly to mark the completion of 100 days of his government that assumed office on May 7.
"Our achievements will drive us further with more vigour to create more milestones that will remain (in history) for hundreds of years to come," he said.
Protecting the people from the Covid-19 pandemic and transforming the state health system into a model that would sustain any new wave was the remarkable achievement of this government, he said. Free travel for women in state transport buses, reduction of milk price and fuel price, Covid relief of 4,000 to ration cardholders and distribution of relief kits worth 9,000 crore to the people, were among the top 10 significant programmes of the government. These schemes have benefited the poor and marginalised section of society the most.
The government has been functioning in such a way that it brought happiness to the people, who voted for the party and made those who did not vote for it regret it, said Stalin. "Whenever the DMK forms the government, it remains the government of the Tamil race," he said.
Pointing out the 'Stalin in your constituency' programme ahead of the polls, he said 4.6 lakh petitions were received from people across the state. After assuming office, a separate department has been formed to redress the grievances. So far, 2.3 lakh petitions were taken up and orders issued. "I am happy and excited to see the beneficiaries' interview through the media," he said.
Congress floor leader K Selvaperunthagai said there was a new dawn in the state with the DMK assuming charge. He said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had conveyed his wishes to the CM on his completion of 100 days. PMK leader G K Mani, an ally of the AIADMK, congratulated the chief minister and the government for presenting an agriculture budget. DMK allies congratulated the chief minister.
