Date:29/10/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/29/stories/2008102951230300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Dindigul

Development programmes for tribal community

Staff Reporter

Employed tribals are not eligible
Marriage aid is also available

DINDIGUL: The district administration has plans to implement various welfare schemes for the overall development of the Tribals, including education, economic development and social welfare, according to Collector R. Vasuki.

She said the Tamil Nadu Tribal Welfare Board had allotted Rs.1 crore for providing financial assistance to all members of the board in the State. Scholarship for girl students studying in schools and colleges and for students pursuing graduate and postgraduate courses would be given.

As a social measure, Rs.1 lakh would be given for death, owing to accident and Rs.10,000 to Rs.1 lakh for physical disability caused in accident, Rs.15,000 for natural death and Rs.2,000 for funeral expenses.

The members would also be eligible for marriage assistance of Rs.2,000, maternity assistance of Rs.6,000, Rs.3,000 for abortions or medical termination of pregnancy and old age pension Rs.400 a month.

At present, 1,070 Paliyar community Tribals have been living on Sirumalai, Pandrimalai and Adalur hills and 350 Kaatunaickar community people in Nilakottai block.

Besides, tribal people have been living in clusters at Boodhamalai, Kadasikadu, Kuranganiparai, Savarikadu, Pattiyakadu, Karuvelampatti, Sembirankulam, Kadamandravu, Vdakaraiparai, Moolaiyaru, Kumbaraiyur, Pallangi Kombai, Pethuparai, Polur, Kookal, Perungadu, Mungilpallam on lower and upper Kodaikanal hills.

She appealed to Tribals in the 18-65 age group to become members to avail these benefits.

“We had received 285 applications in Nilakottai block and 85 from Kaduguthadipudhur and Korankumbu in Kodaikanal block. Identity cards had been issued to 77 beneficiaries in Nilakottai block so far.” Tribals employed in government service, public sector undertakings, quasi-government bodies and private organisations, and Tribals of other welfare boards are not eligible.

Eligible persons may contact the Village Administrative Officer, Special Tahsildar for Adi Dravida Welfare or the District Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Officer for details.