Palaniswami today got down to work after having won an easy but contentious trust vote, ordering 500 liquor outlets closed and clearing a raft of populist schemes. Jayalalithaa had promised phased prohibition amid a clamour for a complete liquor ban before last year's Assembly polls. Palaniswami, flanked by some of his cabinet colleagues, also said he had signed files for implementation of five welfare schemes, including those for women, unemployed youths and fishermen. The aid will go up from Rs 150 to Rs 300 for unemployed youths (Class 10 pass), Rs 200 to Rs 400 for those who are Class 12 pass and from Rs 300 to Rs 600 for graduates. Sasikala), I signed the files (on the schemes)," Palaniswami, handpicked by Sasikala, said today.

Source: The Telegraph February 20, 2017 21:36 UTC