Tamil Nadu announces ₹3.8 crore drug abuse action plan, new welfare measures
The Tamil Nadu government on Monday announced a State-level action plan to prevent drug abuse among children and youth, with an outlay of ₹3.80 crore. The plan will also focus on rehabilitation and social integration support for victims, according to Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment K. Jegadeshwari.
Presenting the demand for grants for her department in the Assembly, the Minister outlined a series of initiatives spanning childcare, senior citizen welfare, and disability support. The announcements come as part of the State government's broader social welfare agenda for the upcoming fiscal year.
Childcare and early childhood development
To strengthen early childhood care, the government will establish 300 new Anganwadis in urban areas at a cost of ₹51 crore. Additionally, select existing Anganwadis will be reconstructed with an allocation of ₹12.96 crore. In a pilot project, learning materials in Tamil and English will be developed for Anganwadi children across 50 blocks, with a budget of ₹5.20 crore.
The Minister said these measures aim to improve the quality of early education and nutrition services for young children, particularly in underserved urban localities.
Senior citizen welfare
For senior citizens, the government plans to set up a retirement residential facility on a public-private partnership model. The estimated cost of the project is ₹14.50 crore, and it will offer quality services to elderly residents.
In addition, physiotherapy and palliative care services will be provided at old age homes at a cost of ₹5.5 crore per year. This scheme is designed to address pain management and improve the overall health of the elderly.
Support for persons with disabilities
Addressing the Differently Abled Welfare Department, Ms. Jegadeshwari announced that petrol-powered scooters or battery-powered devices with specially designed wheels will be given to persons with disabilities. The total allocation for this initiative is ₹4 crore.
The government will also establish 10 additional homes for persons with mental illness through non-governmental organisations, with an allocation of ₹1.82 crore. Further, vocational training will be provided through NGOs at 10 homes for persons with intellectual disability, at a cost of ₹1.77 crore.
For individuals with spinal cord injuries, two new homes will be set up at an estimated cost of ₹49 lakh. The Minister also declared that bus travel will be made free for all persons with disabilities and their companions, a move aimed at improving mobility and accessibility.
These measures reflect the State government's focus on inclusive welfare and social protection. The announcements were made during the Assembly session, where the demand for grants for the Social Welfare and Differently Abled Welfare departments were presented.
