In a move aimed at providing relief to individuals affected by the Michaung storm in Tamil Nadu, the state government has quietly credited Rs 6,000 to the bank accounts of those who applied for assistance, despite not possessing a ration card.The assistance, announced by the Tamil Nadu government in response to the devastation caused by the Michaung storm in December of the previous year, was initially directed towards ration card holders in the affected districts of Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kanchipuram. However, recognizing the need to extend support to those without ration cards, the government announced that Rs 6,000 would also be provided to eligible individuals who applied for relief.
Starting from December 17, applications were accepted through ration shops in the four affected districts. The response was overwhelming, with a total of 5.5 lakh applications received from individuals without ration cards. Among these, Chennai recorded the highest number of applicants, with 4.90 lakh individuals seeking assistance. Additionally, 29 thousand applications were received in Kanchipuram district, 22 thousand in Thiruvallur district, and 14 thousand in Chengalpattu district.
Despite the large number of applications, the government assured that the documents of all 5.5 lakh applicants are currently under review. However, in a discreet move, the government has already credited Rs 6,000 to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries without prior notice.
The exact number of individuals who have received the assistance has not been disclosed by the government. This lack of transparency has raised questions regarding the accountability and distribution process of the relief funds.