The Tamil Nadu government on Monday announced that it would provide ₹2,000 as special assistance to poor families in rural areas and urban locations in the state.
The move, which the government says is aimed at helping the affected population due to cyclone Gaja and prevailing drought in some districts, will benefit 60 lakh families who are under the below poverty line (BPL).
The state government will allocate about ₹1,200 crore for the above purpose, which will cover 35 lakh BPL families in rural areas and 25 lakh families in urban, according to an official statement.
Chief Minister K Palaniswami made the announcement under Rule 110 at the assembly. “Considering the impact of Gaja cyclone and the drought in many districts, this special assistance will be provided,” he said.
The beneficiaries would include farm labourers, workers in the fireworks industry, powerloom and handloom sectors, fishermen and construction workers among others.
A few days ago, State Finance Minister O Pannerselvam, said in his budget 2019-20 speech , that the government would take up the construction of one lakh concrete houses with a unit cost of ₹1.70 lakh, to replace damaged huts in districts affected by Gaja cyclone at a total cost of Rs.1,700 crore, in which the Central government’s share is expected to be ₹720 crore.
Cyclone Gaja wrecked havoc in four coastal districts of Tamil Nadu during November 2018. Also, several districts, particularly in northern Tamil Nadu are facing drought due to insufficient rains during the recent monsoon.