TN govt allots Rs one crore for transgenders welfare

Chennai, Aug 4: AIADMK government today (Aug 4) allotted Rs one crore to the transgenders welfare board for implementing various schemes.

"The government will also provide loan up to Rs 15 lakh w with 25 per cent subsidy to Self Help Groups which are ready to undertake income generating activities," Finance Minister O Panneerselvam said in his budget speech for 2011-12.

Tamil Nadu is the first state to set up a welfare board for transgenders. The government also decided to relax the present annual ceiling on the number of applications received from differently-abled persons for marriage assistance.

The administrative grant for Tamil Nadu Wakf Board would also be increased to Rs 100 lakh from to Rs 45 lakh, it said.

The Ulemas pension scheme will be expanded to cover 2,600 persons against 2,400 at present. Their monthly pension would be enhanced from the present Rs 750 to Rs 1,000.

PTI