The scheme of Farmer Markets (Uzhavar Sandhai) is, by and large, functioning successfully, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said on Monday.
The number of farmers visiting the markets in December 2009 was 2, 65,671 whereas it was 2, 09,128 last year and 1,90,187 in 2007. The figures of sales of fruits and vegetables were 60,501 tonnes in December 2009, 47,173 tonnes in 2008 and 33,992 tonnes in 2007. The numbers of consumers went up from 57,51,138 in December 2007 to 1,07,83,055 two years later, the Chief Minister said in a statement.
As for the coverage of beneficiaries under the Kalaignar’s Insurance Scheme for Life Saving Treatments, Mr. Karunanidhi said that of about 77.3 lakh identity cards supplied to District Collectors till January 5, around 40.4 lakh cards had been distributed, accounting for nearly 50 per cent. He advised the Collectors to ensure speedy distribution of the remaining cards.
While 5,027 persons had benefited under the scheme in November, the number of beneficiaries in December went up to 10,994. As on January 12, the total number of beneficiaries was 29,355 persons. A sum of Rs. 91.35 crore had been settled towards claims, the Chief Minister added.
Addressing a function, Mr. Karunanidhi called upon people to ensure that the notion of equality was a reality. He explained that his government was implementing the scheme of Samathuvapurams (a scheme to provide housing to members of all communities) so that the State could proceed towards the goal of equality.
