‘T.N. govt. implementing several schemes for welfare of SCs/STs’
The Tamil Nadu government, under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has been implementing several programmes for the welfare and empowerment of the Adi Dravidar and tribal communities, the DMK said on Friday.
A press release from the party referred to the construction of Periyar Ninaivu Samathuvapurams, aimed at ensuring equality and unity among various communities. It also recalled the “revolution” of late leader and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi in obtaining reservation for various communities. “He increased reservation for the Adi Dravidar and tribal communities from 16% to 18% in 1971. In 1990, he enhanced the reservation to 18% for the Adi Dravidars alone, and gave 1% more for tribal communities. In 2009, he provided Arundathiyars reservation within this quota,” the DMK said.
The DMK government constituted the Tamil Nadu State Commission for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Under the Annal Ambedkar Business Champions Scheme, the government was providing a 35% capital subsidy to SCs/STs. Under the CMARISE programme, the government had given ₹5.80 crore in subsidies to 225 beneficiaries, who were also given ₹10.65 crore in loans, it said.
The Iyothee Thass Pandithar Habitation Development Scheme was meant to ensure basic amenities at Adi Dravidar habitations in urban and rural areas, and bringing about socioeconomic development. The total cost of the scheme was ₹1,000 crore, it said.
The government had increased the food allowance for students of schools run by the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department from ₹1,000 to ₹1,400 a month. In the case of college students, the allowance was increased from ₹1,100 to ₹1,500 a month, the DMK said.
The government had increased the financial assistance for writers from Adi Dravidar and tribal communities to ₹1 lakh, and a total of 21 writers had been given the assistance, the party said.
In the past year, a total of 102 victims of atrocities were provided employment on compassionate grounds, it said.