Loan waiver for Adi-Dravidar farmers

Chennai, Mar 20 (UNI) Close on the heels of waiving loans availed by farmers from Cooperative banks, the Tamil Nadu government today announced waiver of loans secured by the Adi-Dravidar farmers from TAHDCO.

Presenting the Budget for the year 2008-09, Finance Minister K Anbazhagan said loans to the tune of Rs 5.5 crore availed by the Adi Dravidar farmers from TAHDCO would also be waived off.

He also announced constitution of a welfare fund for TV artistes by providing Rs one crore as fund for grant of assistance to them.

''As TV, in recent times, has become very popular among the masses, with a view to providing medical assistance to those working in this field, the welfare fund would be set up,'' he added.

Observing that environmental pollution has emerged as a global threat, Mr Anbhzagan announced forming of environment clubs in over 5,000 government and government-aided High Schools and Higher Secondary Schools to sensitise the children.

Also to spread awareness about environmental protection among the people, the government would also release short films and advertisements through newspapers and televisions.

''As climate change has also emerged as a very vital issue, with a view to spreading awareness and encouraging research on climate change, one time grant of Rs one crore will be provided to Climate Change Research Centre at Anna University,''he added.

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