The Hindu Business Line : Kerala CM announces welfare schemes for the poor

Presenting details of the scheme in his Independence Day address today, the Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy, said the Government would introduce a health insurance scheme for 15 lakh poor families in the State. This scheme is expected to cost the State Government Rs 18.62 crore, he added.

Other welfare measures outlined in the Chief Minister's speech include the extension of the `Ashraya' programme for the poor, a housing scheme for fishermen living in the coastal areas, steps to renovate houses built under the `laksham veedu' initiative, immediate sanction of electricity connections to applicants from the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes and prompt payment of stipend to students from the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.

In four panchayats in the tsunami-hit districts of the State, the Government will build new houses for those living in dilapidated houses and houses with thatched roofs.

This will be in addition to the houses being built for those who lost their homes in the tsunami, he said. Under the nine-point welfare scheme announced by the Chief Minister, 26-lakh children will receive one egg a week as part of the mid-day meal scheme.

This measure will be applicable to children studying up to class seven.

In his address, Mr Chandy also announced a series of measures to help increase the revenue of self-help groups, especially groups set up under the aegis of the State Poverty Eradication Mission or Kudumbashree.

The Government is also taking steps to improve service levels and facilities in institutions such as hospitals and educational institutions, he pointed out.

The State Government is working to implement the 10-point development agenda for Kerala presented by the President, Mr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, during his recent visit to the State, Mr Chandy said.

Pointing out that the State has missed out on several investments, the Chief Minister emphasised that sectors such as tourism, information technology and biotechnology hold the key to the development of Kerala.

In recent months, over Rs 30,000 crore worth of investments, including Rs 20,000 crore from the Centre, have been made in Kerala, he added.

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