CHENNAI: Within days of his government was commended for prioritising fiscal prudence over populism, Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Monday announced a cash assistance of Rs 2,000 each to 60 lakh families falling in below poverty line category in the state.Making a suo motu announcement in the assembly, Palaniswami said poor families had been severely affected after cyclone Gaja wreaked havoc in several districts, besides the prevailing drought situation due to failure of monsoon. “Considering this, I am happy to announce the government’s special cash assistance to all BPL families , especially, the labourers in agriculture sector, firecracker units, fisheries, powerloom and handloom, construction, weaving, tree climbing, salt pan, footwear and leather, conservancy, pottery, craft artists and others,” the CM said.The move would benefit 35 lakh families in rural areas and 25 lakh families in urban areas. The allocation of Rs 1,200 crore would be made in the supplementary budget for the fiscal 2018-19 itself.Recalling the welfare schemes of the former J Jayalalithaa for inclusive growth, Palaniswami said his government also followed the footpath of the departed leader and implementing developmental works for the poor’s welfare.While presenting the budget on January 8, deputy chief minister and finance minister O Panneerselvam said the total revenue receipts for the next fiscal was estimated at Rs 1.97 lakh crore. Commitments for salary revision and UDAY scheme will continue, as well as towards government schemes, including the centrally sponsored schemes, such as power subsidy, food subsidy, social security pensions and housing, resulting in revenue deficit of Rs 14,315 crore.In his quick response on Monday, PMK leader S Ramadoss, a potential partner of AIADMK for the forthcoming general elections, welcomed the government’s dole for poor came in timely. Cyclone Gaja had severely affected seven districts and labourers were deprived of jobs. While the central funding was inadequate under MGNREGA, the workers could not get adequate days of work. “The basic income scheme is essential for Tamil Nadu. The state’s dole should be extended to every month, and it will be an important milestone in eradication of poverty in the state. It will be a role model for the country,” the PMK leader said.

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