Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday promised a series of welfare measures that include repairs to over 7,000 houses and educational scholarships for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in camps in the state.
“Making a suo motu statement under Rule 110 in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Stalin said the refugees would be ensured decent and better livelihood opportunities by the state government based on the inspection carried out in the special camps,” India Today reported.
The relief package is worth Rs 317.40 crore.
Stalin said that 7,469 houses which were in a dilapidated condition would be reconstructed at a cost of Rs. 231.54 crore. He said 510 new houses will be built under the first phase.
As part of the educational relief package, the top 50 students selected for Engineering studies among the community, will receive scholarships in addition to postgraduate students being given scholarships and a waiver on hostel fees. A committee will also be set up to look into the welfare of the refugees and to improve basic amenities in the camps.
Among the benefits, each family will receive a stove and a gas cylinder free, and up to five refills for the cylinders at a reduced cost annually.