Tamil Nadu - Tuticorin   

“Steps will be taken to abolish untouchability”

Tuticorin: The Collector, R. Palaniyandi, said that the administration would take all necessary steps to abolish untouchability and ensure a prosperous living for people from Adi Dravidar community.

Briefing the schemes envisaged during the current fiscal to uplift economic and social status of Adi Dravidars in the district, he said on Tuesday that Rs.10 lakh was earmarked to grant financial assistance to community members.

Dr. Palaniyandi said that under the ‘select village scheme’, the Government would extend a financial assistance of Rs.1 lakh to a hamlet in the district during 2007-08, where untouchability was not followed and people were lived in harmony. The village administration could utilize the amount to augment basic amenities in the area.

The Collector said that Rs.1 lakh was allocated as first instalment for provision of burial grounds and pathways to burial grounds, all situated in Adi Dravidar habitations.

A total of Rs.3.08 crore was earmarked in toto to provide scholarships and educational assistance to SC/ST students, for pre, post-matric and higher education levels.

He said that 38 out of the 48 hostels established in the district for Adi Dravidar students have been shifted from rented premises to Government buildings.

The hostels at Eral, Srivaikundam and Kamanaickenpatti would also be shifted to the department-owned buildings shortly.

Earlier on Monday, he distributed iron boxes to 12 members of Backward Class at the Collectorate.

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