The Government of Tamil Nadu today credited additional financial assistance of ₹2,000 to senior citizens and widows over and above their regular pension as part of a major welfare push ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. The decision was announced by M. K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, who said the special fund is intended to ease the economic burden on vulnerable groups across the state.
Addressing the recipients, Stalin said the extra amount will be deposited into beneficiaries’ bank accounts along with the March pension, fulfilling longstanding demands from citizens living on the margins of society. He described the step as a continuation of the state government’s commitment to uplift the elderly, widows, women and disabled persons during times of financial need.
Under the expanded scheme:
29,29,000 senior citizens and women will receive a total of ₹3,200 each (including the ₹2,000 special credit).
5,92,000 persons with disabilities will get ₹3,500 each.
2,58,000 families of physically challenged individuals receiving maintenance assistance are being credited ₹4,000 each today.
In addition to this, the government is distributing seasonal fishing ban assistance of ₹8,000 per family to 1,62,900 fishing households from April through June, and providing financial support amounting to ₹8.53 crore to benefit 14,870 tea growers in the Nilgiris district through a purchase support programme coordinated with 15 cooperative tea factories.