Chennai, 03 March (H.S.):In a significant welfare push aimed at supporting vulnerable sections of society, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Tuesday announced that an additional ₹2,000 has been credited to beneficiaries of various social security pension schemes across the State.
Describing the initiative as a “special fund for the marginalised,” Stalin said the decision was taken in response to growing appeals from economically weaker sections seeking enhanced financial assistance amid rising living costs. The additional amount has been credited along with the March pension.
The announcement comes close on the heels of the positive response to the ₹2,000 summer special package provided to women under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme. Encouraged by the reception, several other beneficiary groups — including senior citizens, widows, elderly transgender persons and persons with disabilities — had urged the government to extend similar support to them.
According to official figures, 29.29 lakh beneficiaries covered under various social security pension schemes, including elderly persons and widows, have now received ₹3,200 each for March. In addition, 5.92 lakh persons with disabilities have been credited ₹3,500 each. Further, 2.58 lakh families of persons with disabilities receiving maintenance allowance have been granted ₹4,000 each.
Expanding the welfare outreach beyond pension schemes, the Chief Minister also announced financial assistance for fishing communities. A total of 1,62,900 fishing families will receive ₹8,000 per family as fishing ban allowance for the April to June period, providing relief during the annual fishing ban season.
In another key measure, the State government will allocate ₹8.53 crore as price support for green tea procured through 15 cooperative tea factories. The support, fixed at ₹2,000 per kilogram, is expected to benefit 14,870 tea farmers in the Nilgiris district.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to social justice and inclusive development, Stalin stated that no one would be left behind in Tamil Nadu’s growth journey. The unexpected announcement of the special grant has been widely welcomed by beneficiaries across the State, with many viewing it as timely relief in challenging economic circumstances.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
