Date:25/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/25/stories/2008112551990500.htm

Tamil Nadu

Velu visits refugee camps

Staff Reporter

TIRUVANNAMALAI: Food Minister E.V. Velu, who visited two Sri Lankan Tamil refugee camps near here on Monday, promised the inmates that he would recommend that the Chief Minister consider extending the benefit of the Muvalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Memorial Marriage Assistance Scheme to the refugee girls.

Mr. Velu, who visited the Adi Annamalai and Kondam camps and heard out the grievances of the inmates, promised them that he would urge Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin to give revolving funds to women refugees who joined self-help groups.

“Some people are putting about rumours that the government is planning to repatriate the refugees. There is no truth in it. Empathizing with their plight, the government has increased the cremation allowance from Rs.200 to Rs.500 and given Rs.6,000 in maternity assistance,” he said.

Referring to the demand for providing the camps with streetlights, Mr. Velu said panchayat presidents should consider it.