Date:09/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/06/09/stories/2005060913960600.htm

Tamil Nadu

Jayalalithaa steps in to help

R.K. Radhakrishnan

SOOTHING TOUCH: Chief Minister Jayalalithaa with Kalaimani (right), at the Secretariat in Chennai on Wednesday. — Photo: V. Ganesan

CHENNAI: When Kalaimani of Pathirikuppam in Cuddalore gave birth to quadruplets, the family was more than a little worried.

They barely made ends meet and three boys and a girl child at the same time meant a huge financial burden — something that Kalaimani and Thamilchelvan, her husband, could ill afford.

They appealed to Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for help.

At Vettayenpetti near Madurai, Saraswathi gave birth to triplets, a girl and two boys.

Her family too appealed to the Chief Minister for help. Ms. Jayalalithaa ordered that the baby girls be given Rs. one lakh each and the boys Rs. 50,000 each.

The aid would be deposited in the Tamil Nadu Transport Development Fund. The interest would be used for the upkeep of the children.

At the Secretariat on Wednesday, Ms. Jayalalithaa met both families and handed over the order.