PM Modi launches Amma Two Wheeler scheme in Chennai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the AIADMK government's ambitious scheme of providing 50 per cent subsidy to working women to buy two-wheelers in Chennai.

The prime minister said he was happy to launch one of former chief minister Jayalalithaa's dream projects on her 70th birthday.

"I am glad to be able to launch one of her dream projects -- the Amma Two Wheeler Scheme. I am told that on Amma's (Jayalalithaa) 70th birthday, 70 lakh plants will be planted across Tamil Nadu. These initiatives will go a long way in the empowerment of women and protection of nature," PM Modi said.

The prime minister said that empowering women in a family led to the empowerment of the entire household.

"When we empower women in a family, we empower the entire household. When we help with a woman's education, we ensure that the family is educated. When we facilitate her good health,we help keep the family healthy. When we secure her future, we secure future of the entire home," PM Modi said.

PM Modi said that his government had made changes in the Factory's Act and extended maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks.

"We have also made a change in the Factory's Act and suggested to States that they allow women to work in the night shift as well. We have also extended maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks. Under the PM Awaas Yojana, the registry of the House is done in the name of the woman," the prime minister said.

PM Modi said that after the NDA government came to power, the allocation to Tamil Nadu increased from Rs 81,000 crore to Rs 1,80,000 crores.

"When there was a Congress-led Government at the Centre, Tamil Nadu had received Rs 81,000 crore under the 13th Finance Commission. After the NDA came to power, Tamil Nadu received Rs 1,80,000 crore under the 14th Finance Commission," said the prime minister.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi launched several development projects worth Rs 1,000 crore in Daman and Diu.