Economic freedom is true freedom, says J Jayalalithaa

She also announced a hike in the pension for freedom fighters and their families

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Monday said that economic freedom is true freedom and the government is taking various steps to ensure economic growth in the state.

In her speech after hoisting the national flag on Independence Day in Chennai, Jayalalithaa said, "Freedom is not just the freedom to speak, write or to rule on our own. The real freedom lies in economic freedom and in equality."

She said that the government has been taking measures to ensure quality education and health care for the people, which are essential for economic growth. The government has started 62 new educational institutions in the state and the number of students joining higher education has also increased.

The government is implementing various schemes to support education and health care. She added that the government has also taken steps for the benefit of farmers and, as a result, food grain production in the state has increased to 1.30 crore tonne. The government has also taken various measures to support micro, small and medium enterprises, apart from large industries, to promote economic growth, she added.

The chief minister also announced a hike in the pension for freedom fighters and their families.