Jayalalthaa’s pro-poor schemes that made her the people’s chief minister

After a 74-day struggle, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa on Monday night lost her battle for life. 

Fondly referred to as ‘Amma’ (mother) by people in the southern state, the 68-year-old had launched a number of pro-poor schemes in Tamil Nadu, inviting love and praise from several quarters of society. 

From the Amma canteens to Amma gymnasiums and parks, the brand – Amma, became synonymous with her name. 

We take a look at the pro-poor schemes launched by Jayalalithaa: 

Amma Salt: It was started in 2014. Under this scheme, people were provided with salt at the rate of Rs 14 per kg. During that time, the cost of salt in the market was approximately Rs 25 per kg.

Amma Mineral Water: The project was launched on September 15, 2013, by Jayalalithaa to mark the 105th birth anniversary of former Tamil Nadu chief minister CN Annadurai. The mineral water under her name is still circulated at railway stations, bus depots of prominent cities in the state at only Rs 10 per bottle.

Amma Laptops: The ambitious free laptop scheme was launched in 2011. Under the scheme, a poll promise of Jayalalithaa, the state government had distributed over 9 lakh laptops among government-aided higher secondary school and college students. The Dell and Lenovo laptops featuring Jayalalithaa's picture were given free of cost. The original cost of the product was said to be approximately Rs 26,000.

Amma Pharmacy: This scheme was launched in 2014 to sell quality medicines at fair price. The pharmacies, set up a cost of Rs 1 crore, are available in several hospitals across Tamil Nadu and medicines are available at cheap rates here.

Amma Canteen: Started in 2013, under this scheme, municipal corporations of state-run canteens serving subsidised food at low prices. Jayalalithaa had introduced this restaurant chain as part of government schemes aimed at aiding economically disadvantaged sections of society.

Amma Baby Kit: These kits are given to all mothers who deliver babies in any government hospital in the state. The kit, which contain baby and mother essentials post-partum, include baby towels, napkins, a dress, bedding, mosquito net, oil, nailcutter, soap and soap box, toys, a rattle and hand sanitiser, apart from Sowbhagya Leghyam to build the mother’s health. The scheme was started in 2015.

Amma Call Centre: Jayalaithaa had launched an Amma Call Centre on January 29, 2016 for people to register their grievances against the apathy of government departments. 

Amma Skill Employment and Training Scheme: In July 2014, Jayalalithaa had announced the launch of this scheme to create manpower and infrastructure for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. Under the programme, youths in the age group of 18-25 got six months’ training, along with employment, with a monthly stipend of Rs 5,000.

Amma Cement Scheme: In September 2014, Jayalalithaa had launched its low-cost cement to cater the low and middle class customers in the state. The state government decided to procure 2,00,000 tonnes of cement from private manufacturers every month and sell them through all urban and rural local bodies at Rs 190 per bag.

Amma Table Fan: In February this year, jayalalithaa announced to supply about 1.93 crore table fans costing Rs 930 each to the poor. Her government had, however, began distributing electric fans, mixies and grinders in 2011.

Amma Marriage Halls: Jayalalithaa had announced construction of Amma marriage halls at 11 places in Tamil Nadu at an estimated cost of Rs 83 crore. The decision was taken to help the economically weaker sections.

Amma Free Wi-Fi: In September 2016, Jayalalithaa had announced to set up free-of-cost ‘Amma Wi-Fi Zones’ in 50 public places and 50 schools across Tamil Nadu.

Amma Seeds: In 2014, she launched Amma Seeds scheme and allocated a sum of Rs 5.37 crore towards expanding a scheme for urban citizens to grow vegetables at home to Tiruchirappalli and Madurai.

Amma Mobile Phones: In 2006 polls, Jayalalithaa had promised mobile phones to all ration card holders in the state.

Amma Theatres: To provide low-cost entertainment to the economically-weaker sections, the Jayalalithaa had decided to commission ‘Amma Theatres’ across the state.

Amma Education Scheme: Under this scheme, Jayalalithaa had announced to pay education loans of students who were unemployed.