As part of its election promise, the Tamil Nadu government has allocated around Rs 1,500 crore each for free laptop for students and for the free distribution of mixie, grinder and fan, along with several other schemes like allocating Rs 250 crore for distribution of milch animals, sheep and goats.
The government, in the Budget, said it would give 565,000 laptops to students during the academic year 2013-2014 while it would distribute around 3.5 million units of mixie, grinder and fan during the fiscal year.
In the hilly areas, instead of fans, electrical stoves are being distributed. During 2011-2012, the government distributed 2.5 million sets at a cost of Rs 1,361.62 crore and in 2012-2013, 3.5 million units are under distribution at a cost of Rs 1,556 crore.
Another Rs 750 crore has been provided for distributing gold coin of 4 gram for the Thirumangalyam along with enhanced marriage assistance. Around Rs 105 crore has been allocated for the Girl Child Protection Scheme and Rs 34.26 crore for special incentives for girl students.
Besides these freebies, the government has allocated Rs 750 crore for the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, which has till now benefited 2,84,228 persons to the extent of Rs 623.58 crore.
The Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women has formed 556,000 self-help groups (SHGs). In 2013-14, under the scheme of financial inclusion, the government has planned to provide Rs 6,000 crore of credit assistance to SHGs.
It has allocated Rs 1,492.86 crore for the implementation of Noon Meal Programme to benefit 5.3 million children.
