A Rs. 100 cr. aid package for Tamil refugees in TN

The Tamil Nadu government has announced a Rs 100 crore package to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Tamil Nadu that will improve their living condition, and make them beneficiaries of the government’s “free colour TV scheme” and other welfare schemes like the Chief Minister’s Insurance Scheme and marriage assistance.

This was announced by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who chaired the state cabinet meeting at the secretariat here on Thursday evening, to discuss the reports submitted by the State ministers on the living conditions at the government-run refugee camps across the State.

The announcement follows the receipt of reports from different Ministers who visited the camps in the last 10 days. The Chief Minister had sent ministers to the 115 refugee camps to get first-hand information of the hardships faced by more than 75,000 Tamil refugees living in the State, following a stark report by a Tamil magazine.

Out of the Rs 100 crore allotted fund, about Rs 54.60 crore would be utilized to construct new concrete houses for the Lankan refugees; Rs. 37.37 crore for renovation of as many as 5,982 houses, which includes augmenting drinking water supply, constructing or repairing toilets and drains and repairing roads; Rs 1 crore has been earmarked for implementing the chief minister’s health insurance scheme for life saving treatment for refugees, as they are solely dependent on the government for cash doles.

Rs 4.54 crore for the free color TV scheme, about Rs 2.4 crore for marriage assistance scheme to about 1,200 girls and Rs 4.1 lakh to the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority for improving sports skills of the refugees are the other packages. Free bus passes would be given to 354 college students (Rs.8.7 lakhs).

The physically challenged Lankan Tamil would be given free tri-wheeler, artificial limbs, doles, free education through the handicapped rehabilitation department. The funeral expenses aid would be increased to Rs. 2500.

Based on the ID card, the refugees would be issued driving license, says the press release.
What is more the note carrying the cabinet’s decision avoided using the word “refugee” but referred them as Sri Lankan Tamils living in Tamil Nadu.

- Asian Tribune -