Chennai
The Tamil Nadu government has dedicated Rs 430 crore to support children who lost their parents to Covid-19. According to a state government statement, 382 children in Tamil Nadu have lost one or both parents due to the pandemic. Additionally, Rs 219 crore has been allocated for the protection of girl children.
Each of the 382 affected children will receive Rs 5 lakh, with Rs 19.10 crore deposited in their names. This amount, along with interest, will be accessible when they turn 18. Moreover, 13,682 children with single parents and nine Sri Lankan refugee children each received Rs 3 lakh, totaling Rs 437.46 crore.
The statement also highlighted that differently-abled individuals and transgender persons can save Rs 1000 monthly due to free public bus travel. Additionally, Rs 1000 is provided to 2.73 lakh girl students under the ‘Pudhumai Pen’ scheme. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme has benefitted 18.50 lakh students, leading to increased classroom attendance, according to a study by the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission.
Following a November 9, 2021 order, 25% of Anganwadi vacancies have been filled by widows and women abandoned by their husbands. Furthermore, 1,26,637 women have received Rs 1,047 crore in marriage expense aid, with 68,927 of them also receiving 8-gram gold coins along with financial assistance.
