4 days ago
Tamil Nadu launches welfare schemes for sanitation workers amid privatisation row
The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday announced six new welfare schemes aimed at improving the lives of sanitation workers, following protests against the proposed privatisation of their jobs. The announcement came from Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu after a Cabinet workers had been protesting outside Rippon Building for 13 days and were detained by police following Madras High Court instructions. Though no decision has yet been made regarding their demand to halt job privatisation, Minister Thennarasu said the Cabinet approved six special schemes to benefit schemes reflect Chief Minister MK Stalin's special interest in sanitation workers' welfare,' he said.
Key initiatives include treatment for skin diseases common among sanitation workers, additional insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh, raising the total death benefit to Rs 10 lakh, and a 33 per cent financial subsidy up to Rs 3.5 lakh for workers or their families to start businesses, along with a 6 per cent interest discount for timely payments. A total of Rs 10 crore has been allocated for this measures include a Higher Education Assistance Scheme to support children of sanitation workers with tuition, hostel, and book fees; construction of 30,000 residences over three years for urban workers; preference in the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam Scheme for rural workers; and free morning meals in Chennai for workers starting early Thennarasu urged sanitation workers to return to work, emphasising that the government is committed to their Minister MK Stalin, on X, praised sanitation workers for their tireless work 'at midnight, during storms, rain, and floods' and reaffirmed his government's commitment to their dignity. 'Along with numerous welfare schemes implemented over the past four years, we are considering their other legitimate demands and will implement these new initiatives,' he said.- EndsTune InMust Watch
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