Date:21/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/21/stories/2008122160240500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Big increase in funds for refugee camps, says Karunanidhi

Special Correspondent

Denies Vijayakant’s allegation

M. Karunanidhi

CHENNAI: Denying the allegation of DMDK leader Vijayakant that the Sri Lankan Tamil refugee camps were not being maintained properly, Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi on Saturday said the DMK government had drastically increased funds allotted for their maintenance.

In a statement here, he said funds allotted for 2008-09 was Rs 48.58 crore against Rs 28 crore in 2004-05.

In Tamil Nadu there were 113 camps in 25 districts accommodating a total of 73,425 persons. Besides 25,425 Tamil refugees were living outside the camps.

Mr Karunanidhi said the allowance given to the heads of the families living in camps was increased to Rs 400 per month from Rs 200 from August, 2006. The allowance for the adults was increased to Rs 288 per month from Rs 144 and the allowance for first child of the family to 180 from Rs 90.

The Chief Minister said the benefits of the Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme and the Integrated Child Development Scheme were also being extended to the women and the children in the camps.

Identity cards

The inmates have been given identity cards. Earlier, power supply to the camps was limited to 12 hours. Now they get 24 hours power supply.

Mr Karunanidhi said the government was providing the students with note books, textbooks, uniforms, noon meal and free bus pass till class XII.