Syllabus: Prelims Unit V - Indian Economy and Development Administration in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu welfare schemes in the news: Kalaignar Kanavu Illam, the Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom scheme for soil health, Uttachathai Uruthi Sei, the Tholkudi scheme, Project Ainthinai and the new mini bus scheme.
On this page: Kalaignar Kanavu Illam Housing Scheme, Chief Minister’s Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom Scheme, Uttachathai Uruthi Sei Program, Tholkudi Scheme, Project Ainthinai: Tribal Development Initiative in Tamil Nadu, Draft New Comprehensive Mini Bus Scheme 2024 – Tamil Nadu
Kalaignar Kanavu Illam Housing Scheme
Key Information about the Scheme
- Additional allocation of Rs. 500 crores by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin
- Target: Construction of 8 lakh houses in rural areas by 2030
- Initial survey identified 8 lakh hut houses in rural Tamil Nadu
Financial Allocations
- Total allocation so far: Rs. 1,625.30 crore
- Released based on construction progress: Rs. 1,350.99 crore
- Additional funds for cement and iron rods: Rs. 249.86 crore
- New allocation: Rs. 500 crores
Current Implementation Status
- Current fiscal year target: 1 lakh houses
- Construction work in progress
- Government aims to complete all targeted houses within this fiscal year
Special Provision for Ancient Tribes
- Additional allocation: Rs. 108.71 crore
- Target under Prime Minister's scheme: 11,947 houses
- Current progress: 6,559 houses approved for construction
- Enhanced unit cost:
- Plains areas: Rs. 5.07 lakh per house
- Hilly areas: Rs. 5.73 lakh per house
Chief Minister’s Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom Scheme
Overview
- The Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom scheme was launched by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to improve soil health and fertility across Tamil Nadu.
- Aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices through the use of green manure.
Financial Allocation
- A budget of ₹206 crore has been allocated.
- Of this, ₹20 crore is dedicated to maintaining soil fertility via green manure in the first phase.
Implementation Details
- The first phase will commence in 2024-25, focusing on distributing green manure seeds.
- Expected to benefit around 200,000 farmers and target cultivation on 200,000 acres.
Goals and Objectives
- Key objectives include:
- Enhancing soil fertility.
- Encouraging eco-friendly farming methods.
- Reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers.
Green Manure Benefits
- Green manure helps replenish soil nutrients, improving soil quality and productivity.
- Aims to combat soil degradation from excessive chemical fertilizer use.
Additional Support Measures
- The government has also introduced a program offering tractors and farming equipment rentals to farmers at nominal fees to further boost agricultural productivity.
Uttachathai Uruthi Sei Program
1. Program Overview
- Name: Uttachathai Uruthi Sei (Ensure Nutrition)
- Purpose: Nutritional intervention for malnourished children and their mothers
- Implementation: Two-phase program
- Budget for Phase II: ₹22 crore
2. Phase I Implementation (2022)
- Focus: Identification and treatment of malnourished children
- Screening: Conducted by Anganwadi workers
- Success Rate: 77.3% of identified children returned to normal health status
- Key Finding: Maternal health directly impacts infant nutrition
3. Phase II Implementation Details
- Launch Date: November 15
- Launch Location: Ariyalur (Varanavasi Children's Center)
- Target Beneficiaries: 76,700 mothers with malnourished babies (0-6 months)
- Distribution Plan: Nutri-kits containing:
- Mother's health mix
- Iron supplements
- Folic acid syrup
- Other nutritional ingredients
4. Implementation Strategy
- State-wide launch on same day
- Coordinated effort involving:
- Ministers
- MPs
- MLAs
- District Collectors
- Focus on exclusive breastfeeding for 0-6 months babies
Tholkudi Scheme
Overview
- Announcement: The scheme was announced in the Tamil Nadu Budget 2024-25 by Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu.
- Budget Allocation: ₹1,000 crore.
- Implementation Period: 4 years.
Objectives
- The Tholkudi scheme aims to:
- Upgrade basic amenities in tribal habitations.
- Improve the living standards of tribal communities.
- Enhance the socio-economic development of tribal areas.
Key Components
Infrastructure Development
- Road Facilities: Construction and improvement of roads in tribal areas.
- Potable Water: Provision of clean drinking water facilities.
- Street Lights: Installation of street lighting in tribal settlements.
- Permanent Housing: Construction of permanent houses for tribal families.
Livelihood Improvement
- Dedicated programs to enhance livelihood opportunities for tribal community members.
Skill Development
- Budget: ₹5 crore allocated for skill training of 1,000 tribal youths.
- Focus: Training in the latest industrial techniques.
- Accommodation: Facilities provided during training.
- Implementing Agency: Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation.
Education
- Smart Classrooms: Construction of smart classrooms in schools under the Department of Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare at a cost of ₹36 crore for the year 2024-25.
- Internet Access: Provision of high-speed internet facilities to these schools.
Additional Initiatives
Iyothee Thass Pandithar Habitation Development Scheme
- Budget: ₹100 crore.
- Facilities: Construction of 120 community halls equipped for:
- Conducting marriages.
- Indoor sports.
- Training programs.
Research Promotion: Tholkudi Puthaivu Thittam
- Purpose: Encouraging research on tribal populations.
- Budget: ₹1.5 crore.
- Support: For students pursuing master’s, research, and post-doctoral studies.
Project Ainthinai: Tribal Development Initiative in Tamil Nadu
Project Overview
- Official Name: Tolkudiyinar Velanmai Melanmai Thittam (Project Ainthinai)
- Department: Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare
- Budget Allocation: ₹15 crore
- Duration: 3 years
- Beneficiaries: Over 6,500 ST members
- Approach: Land-based cluster development
Participating Institutions
- Government Organizations:
- Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University
- Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR)
- Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering
- Indian Institute of Millets Research
- National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources
- Annamalai University
- Additional Support:
- Four non-governmental organizations
Implementation Areas
- Districts Covered:
- Tiruvannamalai
- Tiruchi
- Kallakurichi
- Namakkal
- Dharmapuri
- Nilgiris
- Tirupattur
Project Components
- Tribal Societies:
- Number: 14 societies
- Membership: 200-300 members each
- Focus: Training in value addition and marketing
- Value Addition Units:
- Locations:
- Jawadhu Hills (Tiruvannamalai)
- Kalvarayan Hills (Kallakurichi)
- Sitheri (Dharmapuri)
- Pachamalai (Tiruchi)
- Products:
- Millets (foxtail, proso, pearl)
- Fruits (custard apple, avocado, tomato)
- Eri silk
- Silkworm oil extraction
Draft New Comprehensive Mini Bus Scheme 2024 – Tamil Nadu
Key Changes Proposed in the Scheme
- Route Length Increase:
- The maximum route length for minibuses is proposed to increase from 20 km to 25 km.
- Minibuses must operate 16 km in remote areas to improve connectivity in underserved regions.
- Historical Context:
- The original minibus scheme, introduced in 1997, initially set a route length limit of 16 km.
- This limit was increased to 20 km in 1999, and the 2024 proposal further extends this to 25 km.
- Route Distribution:
- The draft mandates that 70% of the route length must serve unserved areas, allowing for 17 km on unserved routes and up to 8 km on already served routes, following a 70:30 ratio.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- The government invites feedback from stakeholders, reflecting a collaborative approach to implementing the scheme.
- Impact on Urban Areas:
- The new scheme plans to extend minibus services across Tamil Nadu, excluding designated served zones within Greater Chennai Corporation limits.
- This extension aims to improve public transport access in both urban and rural areas.
Overall Goals
- The draft scheme aims to strengthen public transport infrastructure and improve accessibility, especially in underserved and remote areas.
