Chennai: The DMK government initiated the scheme for the first time in the state aiming to extend the cash assistance program being implemented for rice ration cardholders and the Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in government refugee camps and will cost the state exchequer Rs 5.42 crore.
After the Commissionerate of rehabilitation and welfare of non-resident Tamils, Chennai, informed that non-camp Sri Lankan Tamil refugees do not receive any government assistance, and recommended the financial assistance scheme for them, the TN govt. took note and allotted Rs 5.42 crore, as an official release said.
Following this, the chief minister launched the scheme by providing relief to five families today.
Minorities Welfare, Non Resident Tamil Welfare, Refugee and Evacuees minister K S Masthan,chief secretary V Irai Anbu, public (rehabilitation) department secretary D Jagannathan and commissioner of rehabilitation and welfare of Non Resident Tamils, Jacintha Lazarus, were among those present on the occasion.
As on June 1, 58,822 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees (18,944 families) have been accommodated in 108 regular refugee camps and in a special camp, which are all run by the government.
About 34,122 refugees (13,553 families) opted to reside outside the camps and they are registered with the police, the Government Order said.
Many among the non-camp refugees are poor and living on small and petty jobs as water can suppliers, photographers, and assistants in service apartments and working in the informal sector such as painters and tailors.
Most number of non-camp refugees live in urban areas in rented houses who send their children, mainly to private schools.