The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 430 crore for the welfare of children who lost their parents to COVID-19. According to a statement from the state government, 382 children in Tamil Nadu have lost one or both parents due to COVID-19 and related complications. Additionally, Rs 239 crore has been earmarked specifically for the protection of girl children.
Each of these 382 children will receive Rs 5 lakh. A total amount of Rs 19.10 crore has been deposited in their names, and they will have access to the money along with accrued interest once they reach 18 years of age, as reported by IANS.
Single parents of 13,682 children under 18 received Rs 3 lakh each, and nine children of Sri Lankan refugees also received Rs 3 lakh each, totaling Rs 437.48 crore.
The statement also highlighted that differently-abled persons and transgender individuals can save Rs 1,000 per month due to the government's free public bus travel initiative. Additionally, under the Pudhumai Pen scheme, the government is providing Rs 1,000 to 2.73 lakh girl students.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme has benefitted 18.50 lakh students. A study by the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission showed that classroom attendance has increased since the scheme's implementation, as per the report.
Additionally, the statement mentioned that, in accordance with an order passed on November 9, 2021, around 25% of vacancies in Anganwadi centers have been filled by wives and women abandoned by their husbands.
According to the state government, 1,26,637 women have received a total of Rs 1,047 crore in financial aid for marriage expenses. Among them, 68,927 women also received 8-gram gold coins in addition to the financial assistance.