CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu govt on Wednesday announced a series of welfare measures for women, children, senior citizens and transgender people. They include an eight gram gold coin for eligible brides and the setting up of new elder care homes. The budget has allocated Rs 9,818 crore to the social welfare and women empowerment department.Among the major announcements made by finance minister N Marie Wilson was a new marriage assistance initiative under which every eligible bride would receive an eight gram gold coin and a silk sari as “Annan’s Seer”. The govt has allocated Rs 812 crore for the scheme, which is aimed at supporting women at the start of their married life.The budget also focuses on the welfare of senior citizens, with the govt announcing integrated senior citizen homes across the state. In the first phase, 12 homes, each accommodating 40 elderly people, will be established at a cost of Rs 6.6 crore. Senior citizen recreation centres equipped with libraries, yoga and meditation facilities, and indoor games will also be set up in five districts selected based on the size of their elderly population.To strengthen early childhood care, the govt will construct 500 new anganwadi centres this year with basic amenities such as safe drinking water, toilets and electricity, the finance minister announced.On the other hand, several measures for the transgender community were announced, besides skill development training and subsidy-linked bank credit for self-employment, eligible beneficiaries will receive subsidies of up to Rs 50,000 to start enterprises. The govt will establish “Aran” shelter homes in five districts for transgender persons facing social and family challenges, while short-stay homes will be set up in 15 districts to support those travelling for education, employment, healthcare and training.
