Interest subsidy, DA hiked for handloom weavers: Edappadi K Palaniswami

CHENNAI: In a major relief to handloom weavers and farmers, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has announced an increase in the dearness allowance and interest subsidy for the handloom weavers. He also announced a slew of welfare initiatives for farmers, in the Assembly on Tuesday.

Making a statement under rule 110 in the Assembly the Chief Minister said aiming to improve the living standards of the handloom weavers in the State and enhance their income, as well, the government has hiked the DA by 10 per cent. The move would improve the livelihood of around 2 lakh handloom weavers.

The interest subsidy extended to the Tamil Nadu Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society would be increased from 4 to 6 per cent, he said.

Making announcements for the Agriculture department, Mr. Palaniswami said in a bid to increase the acreage under palm trees, about 2.5 crore palm seeds would be distributed to farmers at a cost of Rs. 10 crore.

It has been planned to construct agricultural extension centres and equipped with seed storing godowns at a cost of Rs. 40 crore. “The government has upgraded 17 sub-agricultural extension centres so far,” he added.

“A horticulture traditional park will be set up at cost of Rs. 5 crore on the 5.5 acres belonging to the Agriculture Department in Washermenpet,” he said. Loan of up to Rs. 266 crore will be sanctioned with the help of NABKISAN to those willing to start agri-based industries.

Mr. Palaniswami further said that Rs. 10 crore would be allotted to take up restoration of 1,000 temples not covered by the HR & CE and located in places where Adi Dravidar and tribal people are living. In addition, Rs. 10 crore will be allotted to carry out works in 1,000 temples under HR & CE that do not have sufficient funds, he added.