Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's first day announcements on various welfare measures are likely to have an additional financial commitment of approximately Rs.2,116 crore for the exchequer.
In a full financial year, the enhancement of monthly assistance for senior citizens and a host of other categories of persons from Rs.500 to Rs.1,000 will cost about Rs.1,400 crore to the exchequer. The provision of free rice to beneficiaries under the public distribution system will entail an expenditure of Rs.400 crore more.
The restructured marriage assistance schemes for women mean an additional burden of Rs. 300 crore, and the hike in the relief amount to marine fishermen families during the 45-day-long ban on fishing Rs.16 crore.
Of the seven announcements that she has made, two – establishment of the Department of Special Programme Implementation and enhancement in the duration of maternity leave for women government employees – do not have any commitment, an official says.
Another official says that during the current financial year, the rise in the amount of assistance for senior citizens and others will result in additional expenditure of about Rs.1,245 crore.
Around 23.7 lakh persons will be covered. According to an order issued by the Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department on Tuesday, the payment of enhanced amount would take effect from this month.
As for the assistance for the fisherfolk, an order issued by the State Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Department states that 1.6 lakh marine fishermen families will be covered.
Early this year, the relief amount was enhanced to Rs.1,000 from Rs.800. Now, it has been increased to Rs.2,000.
