Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced a welfare package providing free cooking fuel and expanded public transport access on Monday.
The initiative aims to provide economic relief to low-income families, women, and transgender persons by reducing essential living costs and improving mobility.
Speaking in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister introduced the "Annapoorani Super 6" scheme. Under this program, eligible families headed by women will receive three free LPG cylinders per year [1]. The government expects approximately 1.30 crore families to benefit from the fuel subsidy [4]. These benefits are scheduled to begin during Pongal 2027 [5].
Reports on the cost of the welfare measures vary. One source cited an annual financial outlay of ₹4,000 crore for the LPG scheme [2], while another reported the combined welfare package would cost ₹10,000 crore [3].
In addition to fuel subsidies, the Chief Minister expanded the "Vettri Payanam" free bus travel scheme. The program will now include express, deluxe, and hill-area buses for women and transgender persons [1]. The updated transport benefits will take effect on Oct. 2, 2026 [6].
The expanded travel scheme removes previous restrictions, offering free rides with no trip limits or income caps [1]. This expansion is intended to increase the independence and employment opportunities for women and transgender residents across the state.
Chief Minister Vijay said the measures are designed to support the most vulnerable populations by easing the burden of daily expenses.
“Eligible families headed by women will receive three free LPG cylinders per year.”
The expansion of the Vettri Payanam and the introduction of the Annapoorani Super 6 reflect a strategic shift toward universal basic services for specific demographics in Tamil Nadu. By removing income caps on transport and targeting women-led households for fuel, the administration is utilizing direct welfare transfers to stimulate social mobility and reduce the gender-based economic gap.
