PDS cardholders, unorganised workers to get Rs 1,000

Chennai

“Taking into consideration the livelihood of labourers of unorganised sector, Rs 1,000 would be given to labourers registered with welfare boards in Chennai and its three neighbouring districts. Similarly, Rs 1,000 would be given for all the ration card holders in these four districts,” he said.

The Chief Minister, during his address after the Cabinet meeting, made the announcement of monetary help for unorganised sector labourers. There are 8.39 lakh unorganised sector labourers in the State and so far the government has announced Rs 1,000 for labourers twice, once in April and in May. Also, this is the second time the government has announced Rs 1,000 for ration card holders, which is restricted to four districts.

Meanwhile, fishermen representatives allege that the monetary help distributed in the first round and second round did not reach all the fishermen and urged the State government to distribute cash to all of them.

“Among 8.39 lakh unorganised sector labourers there are more than 4.85 lakh fishermen registered with fishermen welfare board. Majority of fishermen were left out in the first and second round of cash distribution,” said K Bharathi, President, South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association. Bharathi further said that in other welfare boards, fresh applications are invited even after the announcements, but in case of fishermen welfare board the officials cite several reasons to leave fishermen out of the beneficiary list.