TRICHY: The Tamil Nadu govt has dropped the word “Vidiyal” from one of the state’s most recognisable welfare schemes, officially renaming “Magalir Vidiyal Payanam” as “Magalir Payanam.” The revised name appeared on the digital destination displays of TNSTC buses across the state and MTC buses in Chennai on Thursday. The free bus travel scheme was launched by the previous DMK govt in 2021 and was among the first major orders signed by then chief minister M K Stalin after assuming office. Touted as a flagship welfare initiative, the scheme provides free rides for women on ordinary state-run buses. More than 7,500 buses are operated under this scheme. Responding to reporters in Chennai, transport minister Vijay Tamilan Parthiban said the change in the scheme’s name would not affect its essence. However, he did not explain why the name had been altered. In districts like Pudukottai, almost 90% of the buses have changed the name in the digital display. “In the coming days, the change of name will reflect in all buses,” Pudukottai TNSTC GM Nazar said. The renaming is the latest in the TVK govt’s move to remove names introduced by the previous DMK administration. Recently the govt dropped the word “Mudhalvar” from “Mudhalvar Padaippagams”, which are co working and learning spaces. “Naan Mudhalvan” scheme was renamed as “Thiran Tamil Nadu” (TN Skill). While the TVK govt has contended that the renaming is to do away with public confusion, DMK has called it an attempt to dilute the achievements of the previous govt through these schemes.
