Within hours of taking charge for the sixth time as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa announced the launch of five welfare schemes that she had promised in her election manifesto, including the free 100 units for each household, the closure of 500 TASMAC outlets, and a reduction of their business hours.

Also expected soon are the waiver of farmer loans. According to the scheme, loans borrowed by farmers until March 31, 2016, will be waived. The state exchequer stands to lose more than Rs.5700 crores.

The very popular 100 free units of electricity for each household will add another Rs.1,600 crores to the state’s expenses. Free electricity waiver is being increased from 200 units to 750 per month.

The revised TASMAC timings of 12 PM to 10 PM, instead of the current 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM, come into effect from tomorrow, May 24.