NAMAKKAL : Minister for Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department N Kayalvizhi Selvaraj introduced the logo of the ‘Tholkudiyinar Agriculture Development Scheme’ and distributed welfare items worth Rs 6.63 crore to 672 tribal residents and 7,000 farmers in Namakkal district on Wednesday.
Speaking at the meeting, Kayalvizhi said, “To aid the development of weaker sections of society various welfare schemes have been introduced by the Tamil Nadu government. One such scheme is the ‘Tholkudi scheme’ which was announced by Chief Minister MK Stalin at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore. As part of this, in Namakkal an MoU has been signed with six organisations to aid in the infrastructural development of tribal hamlets.”
“Education is one of the crucial elements for development. Chief Minister MK Stalin has identified this and has opened 320 residential schools for tribal students, eight Eklavya, 48 hostels for tribal and adi dravidar students across the state. Because of such initiatives the pass percentage of tribal and adi dravidar students have increased by 10 %.
“Apart from this, to encourage tribal students from seeking educational opportunities broad, the government offers assistance of upto `36 lakh. Further students who clear the Group 1 TNPSC exams are provided assistance funds of upto Rs 1 lakh. To encourage tribal residents, loans with upto 50% subsidy is being provided to avail tractors, solar pumps and other agricultural equipment. To encourage startups in the MSME sectors, the government provides loans between Rs 50 lakh to Rs 65 lakh and 35% of the loans are subsidised,” she said. Adi Dravidar and Tribal welfare secretary Lakshmi Priya also participated in the event.