Tamilnadu to dole out Rs 2,000 for BPL families from 24 February


Edappadi K Palaniswami

Chennai: The Rs 2,000 special financial assistance scheme for people below poverty line, announced by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami will be inaugurated by him during former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s birth anniversary 24 February.

Sources said the amount will be deposited in the bank accounts of the people. It is said the money will deposited in the account of all the beneficiaries by 28 February.

Announcing the scheme in the State Assembly during the budget session this year, Palaniswami said the money was being given on the grounds that poor people in several districts have been affected by Cyclone Gaja and drought-like situation following the failure of monsoon.

The measure would cost the State exchequer Rs 1,200 crore and the money would be allocated in the supplementary estimates for the year 2018-19. In all, 35 lakh BPL families in rural areas and 25 lakh BPL families in urban areas will benefit from this assistance.

Meanwhile it is said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of giving Rs 6,000 for farmers will also be kick started 24 February. Sources said the amount will be given as Rs 2,000 in three installments. The transfer of the first instalment is expected to continue till 31 March.