Freebies
15 events, 1983 to 2026.
1983
Free dhoti and saree scheme for Pongal
The state began distributing free saris and dhotis to poor families for Pongal, a scheme that also provides work to handloom and power loom weavers.
1990
Free electricity for farmers announced
The DMK government announced free power for agricultural pump sets, extending a 1984 scheme for small and marginal farmers to all farmers.
1996
The Karunanidhi government introduced free bus travel for government school and college students and half fares for private institutions.
2001
Free bicycles for higher secondary students
Free bicycles for higher secondary students were introduced by the Jayalalithaa government, and the scheme later reached every Class 11 student.
2006
The DMK government began distributing free colour television sets to families holding ration cards, a key 2006 election promise.
DMK forms a minority government
M. Karunanidhi became Chief Minister for the fifth time, heading a DMK government that depended on outside support from the Congress.
2011
Free mixers, grinders, fans and livestock
The new AIADMK government began giving households free mixers, grinders and fans, and goats and cows to poor families.
Free rice for ration card holders
In her first public event of the new term, Jayalalithaa launched free rice for eligible ration card holders under the universal PDS.
Marriage assistance with gold for the thirumangalyam
Jayalalithaa revised the marriage assistance schemes to add 4 grams of gold for the thirumangalyam and raised aid for graduates to Rs. 50,000.
Free laptop scheme for students
Students at government and aided schools and colleges started receiving free laptops from the AIADMK government.
2015
Amma Baby Care Kit for newborns
Mothers delivering in government hospitals began receiving a free kit of 16 baby care items worth about Rs. 1,000.
2016
Free bus rides for senior citizens in Chennai
Senior citizens in Chennai were allowed ten free rides a month on ordinary city buses, using tokens issued by the transport corporation.
Crop loan waiver and 100 free units of household power
Back in power, Jayalalithaa cancelled the cooperative crop loans of 16.94 lakh farmers and made the first 100 units of household power free.
2021
Free bus travel for women in town buses
Among his first orders as Chief Minister, M. K. Stalin made travel free for women in ordinary state-run town buses.
2026
Vettri Payanam expands free bus travel for women
Free bus travel for women was widened by the Vijay government to express and deluxe services, without any income ceiling or cap on journeys.
