Tamil Nadu's M.K. Stalin Introduces Rs 2,000 Special Fund for Pensioners and Marginalized Communities
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chennai, March 3 (IANS) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, announced on Tuesday that an extra Rs 2,000 has been deposited into the bank accounts of recipients under various social security pension programs, referring to this initiative as a "special fund for marginalized groups".
In a message shared on his official X account, the Chief Minister stated that this decision was made in response to numerous requests from disadvantaged communities seeking additional financial support.
He emphasized, "Special funds for the marginalized!", reiterating the government's dedication to inclusive welfare.
This announcement follows the favorable public reaction to the Rs 2,000 summer special package offered to women under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai program.
Motivated by this positive feedback, various groups—including senior citizens, widows, elderly transgender individuals, and persons with disabilities who receive monthly pensions—had appealed for similar assistance.
In response to their requests, the State government has disbursed an additional Rs 2,000 along with the March pension as a special poverty alleviation measure.
Consequently, 29.29 lakh beneficiaries, including elderly individuals and widows enrolled in different social security schemes, have received a total of Rs 3,200 each.
Furthermore, 5.92 lakh individuals with disabilities have been credited with Rs 3,500 each. Additionally, 2.58 lakh families of persons with disabilities receiving maintenance allowances were allocated Rs 4,000 each on Tuesday morning.
To extend the welfare initiative, the Chief Minister also declared that 1,62,900 fishing families will receive Rs 8,000 per family as an allowance during the fishing ban from April to June. In another noteworthy announcement, the State government plans to allocate Rs 8.53 crore in price support for green tea purchased through 15 cooperative tea factories, which is expected to benefit 14,870 tea farmers in the Nilgiris district at a rate of Rs 2,000 per kilogram.
Reaffirming his government's commitment to social justice, Stalin stated, "On this occasion, I reiterate that no one will be left behind in the development journey of Tamil Nadu."
Observers note that similar to the earlier Rs 5,000 grant for women under the Kalaignar scheme, the latest Rs 2,000 special fund—introduced without prior notice—has been positively received by beneficiaries throughout the State.