Chennai, Nov 12:
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has ordered the release of an additional Rs 5.25 crore in financial relief for the families affected by the May 2018 police firing during the anti-Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi. According to an official government release, the fresh sanction was approved in response to long-standing representations from the bereaved families and injured survivors seeking enhanced rehabilitation support, in accordance with the recommendations of the Justice Aruna Jagadeesan Commission.
Under the approved disbursement schedule, the families of the 13 individuals killed during the protests on May 22 and 23, 2018, will receive an additional Rs 25 lakh each, accounting for Rs 3.25 crore and raising their total state compensation to Rs 50 lakh per family. Furthermore, 40 individuals who sustained grievous injuries during the police action will be granted an additional Rs 5 lakh each, amounting to Rs 2 crore and bringing their total relief package to Rs 10 lakh per person.
State officials noted that the additional ex-gratia assistance is intended to alleviate economic distress and strengthen the long-term livelihoods of the affected households. District authorities in Thoothukudi have been instructed to expedite verification and ensure the direct transfer of funds into the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries without procedural delays.