2.5 PURATCHI THALAIVAR MGR NUTRITIOUS MEAL PROGRAMME

Puratchi Thalaivar MGR Nutritious Meal Programme was introduced from 1.7.1982, in Child Welfare Centres in rural areas for pre-school children in the age group of 2-5 years and for primary school children in the age group of 5-9 years. Subsequently, this scheme was extended to the Nutritious Meal Centres in urban areas from 15.09.1982 onwards. From 15.9.84 onwards this scheme was further extended to the school students of 10-15 years of age. Old age pensioners have been included in the scheme with effect from 15.1.83 and pregnant women who are the beneficiaries under the National Maternity Benefit Scheme are also benefitted under this scheme with effect from 7.12.95.

The details of the number of the nutritious meal centres and the beneficiaries under various NMP schemes are given below:-

I.CHILD WELFARE CENTRES

II. SCHOOL NUTRITIOUS MEAL CENTRES

The main objective of the scheme is to provide adequate nutrition to economically disadvantaged children to improve the health and nutritional status of children, to develop their mental and physical ability and to increase the enrolment in schools and reduce drop-outs.

All Child Welfare Centres except 718 Municipal centres which were functioning under Puratchi Thalaivar M.G.R. Nutritious Meal Programme have been brought under the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme and World Bank Assisted Integrated Child Development Services Scheme - III.

The requirement of food commodities for each Nutritious Meal Programme Centre are supplied by the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation. A grant of 23 paise per beneficiary per day is given for the purchase of vegetable (11.5 paise), condiments inclusive of salt (4.5 paise) and fuel (7.0 paise).

The Government have decided to ensure proper targetting and improving quality of service by reorganising and restructuring the scheme of Puratchi Thalaivar MGR Nutritious Meal Programme. The Government is taking steps to strengthen the Puratchi Thalaivar MGR Nutritious Meal Centres by ensuring that repairs are carried out wherever necessary. A sum of Rs.2519.54 lakhs has been provided for carrying out repairs to the Puratchi Thalaivar MGR Nutritious Meal Centres.

A sum of Rs.1 Crore is allotted every year for purchase of new aluminium vessels to the Nutritious Meal Programme Centres.

The feeding scale for each beneficiary per day is specified below.

2.6 NATIONAL PROGRAMME OF NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT TO PRIMARY EDUCATION:

Under this programme, the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Government of India is supplying free rice to primary school children studying in I to V Std at the rate of 100 gms per child per day for 10 months in an academic year.

2.7 INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SERVICES SCHEME

Integrated Child Development Services Scheme was introduced in the year 1975 with the following broad objectives.

To improve the nutritional and health status of children in the age group 0 - 6 years.

2. To lay the foundations for proper psychological, physical and social development of the child.

3. To reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, mal-nutrition and school drop-outs.

4. To achieve effective co-ordinated policy and its implementation amongst the various departments to promote child development; and

5. To enhance the capability of the mother to look after the normal health and nutritional needs of the child through proper nutritious and health education.

In Tamil Nadu, 3 projects were launched at Chennai, Thally and Nilakottai on an experimental basis and now it has been expanded to 113 projects covering 67 projects in rural areas, 44 projects in urban areas and 2 projects in tribal areas. There are 10446 centres functioning in 113 projects.

The principal beneficiaries under the scheme are children below 6 years, nursing and expectant mothers and women in the age group of 15 to 45 years.

The ICDS Scheme envisages the following package of services such as Growth Monitoring, Supplementary Nutrition, Immunisation, Health Care, Referral Services, Nutrition, Health Education and Non-Formal Pre-School Education.

In addition to the regular services, Adolescent Girls Programme, Community Participation Programme and Micro-Credit Activities through Women Self-help Groups are also given importance.

Each ICDS Project covers one lakh population and is headed by a Child Development Project Officer, who is assisted by one Medical Officer, 4 Supervisors and 4 Auxiliary Nurse Midwives in urban projects. In rural and tribal projects the Child Development Project Officer is assisted by 4 Supervisors and one Mobile Team Trainer who take care of training programme and follow-up of the scheme. There is one Anganwadi Worker and one Helper posted as per Government of India's norms. The health activities in rural and tribal areas are taken care by the Primary Health Centres/Health Sub-Centres. Each project covers 60 to 130 Anganwadi Centres. Each Anganwadi Centre covers 1000 - 1500 population.

The scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme. All expenses including salaries of State, District and Project level functionaries are reimbursed by the Government of India. Cost of supplementary food is met by the State Government.

For improving the functioning of scheme, the following materials are provided:-

Medicine Kits to Anganwadi Centres.

Pre-school Kits to Anganwadi Centres

Under Adolescent girls programme, Iron and Folic Acid supplementation to control anaemia and deworming , tablets are supplied. Awareness campaigns on Nutrition and Health, Legal Rights, Home Management and Child care are conducted.

Community mobilisation camps at village, sectoral level and district level are conducted and National Days, such as Children's Day, Nutrition week are celebrated every year.

Under Pradhan Mantri's Gramodaya Yojana (PMGY) scheme, Nutrition - Supplementation is introduced to children in the age group of 24 months to 36 months (2 to 3 years) covering children in 6594 Anganwadi Centres in 69 rural ICDS Projects.

To motivate the basic level workers for improved performance 26 State Level Awards and one National Level Award are being given to Anganwadi Workers.

A sum of Rs.6090.11 lakhs has been provided for 2001 - 2002.

2.8 WORLD BANK ICDS III PROJECT

INTRODUCTION

World Bank has been assisting nutrition programmes in Tamilnadu for the past two decades and the major programme assisted by them was the Tamilnadu Integrated Nutrition Project (TINP ). This Programme was implemented in 318 Blocks covering 24 districts and came to a close on 31.12.97

Consequently, Government of India gave their concurrence to implement the scheme under General ICDS pattern with effect from 1.1.98 in all the erstwhile blocks of TINP II. Subsequently, Government of India conveyed their administrative approval for the implementation of the World Bank assisted ICDS III Project in Tamilnadu for a period of 5 years upto September 2004 covering 318 rural blocks in 25 Districts. Accordingly, the above Project is being implemented and Supplementary food is being fed to the children in the age group of 0-36 months, pregnant, lactating mothers in19500 Child Welfare centres.

2. OBJECTIVES

The specific objectives of the World Bank ICDS III Project have been designed in such a way that the benefits of the earlier TINP II programme are consolidated and new thrust areas given due focus. The major objectives are :

i) Improve Nutrition, Health and Psycho-social status of children 0-6 years of age with particular emphasis on preventing malnutrition in under 3 years and improve child care practices at the household level.

ii) Improve Nutrition & Health of women particularly pregnant and breast feeding mothers and adolescent girls and

iii) Empower women and adolescent girls through increased awareness to take better care of their personal and household health and nutrition issues.

3. THE PACKAGE OF SERVICES ARE

a) Growth Promotion
b) Selective supplementary Nutrition
c) Early Childhood Care and Pre-School Education
d) Nutrition & Health Education
e) Health Services by Health Personnel (Village Health nurse/Medical Officer) and
f) Referral Services

a) Children 0-3 years
b) Children 3-6 years
c) Expectant mothers
d) Nursing mothers
e) Adolescent Girls and
f) Community Groups / Community leaders

5. THE DETAILS OF SERVICES IN WB.ICDS III PROJECT

In the new Project while consolidating the gains made in Tamil Nadu Integrated Nutrition Project, thrust areas like Health and Nutrition services to Adolescent girls, convergence of services, need-based training for stake holders, Women Empowerment Village level monitoring committee and Total Quality Management are being taken up.

A special emphasis is made on early childhood development and early childhood education and women empowerment. Area specific and target oriented strategies have been devised under IEC and Community mobilisation. These include communication material production, communication programme and communication skill development training. Communication strategies aim at creating demand for project services and bringing possible positive behaviour change in the individual, family and the community. The monthly newsletter is published in the Project to enrich the knowledge of field functionaries.

Government of India have permitted to construct 159 Block Offices at a cost of Rs.5.0 lakhs each. The work has been entrusted to the District Collectors concerned during the last financial year for 139 Block Offices and the work is in progress. It is proposed to construct the balance 29 Block offices before the end of this year.

For repair of 10000 Child Welfare Centres, Government have sanctioned Rs.700.00 Lakhs @ Rs.7000/- each. The work has been entrusted to concerned District Collectors during the year 2000-2001 and the work is under progress.

To increase the mobility of the Supervisors, they will be provided interest free loan for the purchase of Mopeds at a rate of Rs.15,000/- each for 290 Supervisors during this year.

For motivating and boosting the morale of the field functionaries, awards to the best functionaries at a total cost of Rs.3.00 lakhs will be issued during this year.

For the newly created 5 districts viz. Theni, Thiruvarur, Namakkal, Perambalur and Karur, District Offices will be established.

Computers and Photocopiers at a cost of Rs.48 lakhs, Mother and Child Health cards at a cost of Rs.36.87 lakhs, Registers and formats at a cost of Rs.65.40 lakhs, Baby Weighing Scales at a cost of Rs.34.25 lakhs, Medicine Boxes at a cost of Rs.48.75 lakhs and Play equipments at a cost of Rs.97.50 lakhs will be supplied to centres.

FREQI : FREE EXPRESSION OF QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

FREQI would serve as a platform for sharing of experiences and gaining innovative ideas. As an innovative activity Tamil Nadu has selected one Child Welfare Centre as "Model centre" in each district. FREQI interactions would be conducted at all levels i.e. State level, Block level and Sector level at the respective Model Child Welfare Centres. At each level, one Moderator (Higher level officer) would facilitate discussion and create a platform for free expression of ideas and suggestion and give an insight on many new innovations and problem solving strategies. The expected outcome of the FREQI interactions is that the participants would form their own "Model Child Welfare Centres" with a lot of innovations towards the quality improvement of the Project service.

ADOLESCENT GIRLS PROGRAMMES

Two day Sector level workshop on Family Life Education will be conducted in 1272 Sectors in 318 Project Blocks at a cost of Rs.25 lakhs for the benefit of 30500 Adolescent Girls.

Two day Orientation session for Adolescent Girls focusing on ideal age at Marriage, prevention management and control of Anaemia and Micronutrient deficiency will be conducted in 9707 villages in two phases at a cost of Rs.50 lakhs. In these Programmes, awareness will be created on hygienic practices, importance of consuming Protein rich food, consumption of Iron and Folic Acid Tablets, importance of micro-nutrients such as Vitamin "A", Zinc etc. They are also sensitised about the importance of weight gain during the Adolescent period .

The Adolescent girls are motivated for self-monitoring of their weight and also provided with 100 tablets of Iron and Folic Acid once in a year and De-worming tablets are given once in 6 months to improve their nutritional and health status.

PROJECT COST

The cost of new World Bank assisted ICDS III Project in Tamil Nadu is Rs.86.95 Crores for a period of 5 years from 1998-99 to 2003-2004. Further, the cost of National Level UDISHA Training Programme in Tamil Nadu is Rs.25.41 Crores for a period of 5 years from 1st April 1999.

2.9 GOVERNMENT ORPHANAGES

For the welfare of destitute and orphan children the Department runs 25 orphanages in the State with the sanctioned strength of 5500 children.

The criteria adopted for admission into the above orphanages are:

Orphan and abandoned children without both the parents and no relatives to look after them.

Children with single parent families where the husband died or children have to be looked after by the mother due to long imprisonment of husband or desertion or vice versa and where the income of the family is less than Rs.12,000/- per annum.

Children whose parents are unable to take care of them due to leprosy or mental illness.

The Government provides the following facilities to the inmates of Government Orphanages which are known as "Sathiya Ammaiyar Ninaivu Government Orphanages ".

Feeding Charges are provided at the rate of Rs.200/- per head per month in all the 25 Government Orphanages. Classes from 1st to 5th Std. are conducted in the orphanages. Children studying from 6th Standard to 12th Standard are sent to outside schools. In order to make the children self sufficient, self-reliant, Vocational Training Courses are also conducted in the orphanages.

Necessary books and notebooks purchased from Tamil Nadu Text Book Corporation are supplied to the orphan children.

Children studying in Ist to 5th Standard in these Government Orphanages are provided with two sets of uniforms under Puratchi Thalaivar MGR Nutritious Meal Programme . Children studying in 6th to 8th Std and 9th to 12th Std. who are sent to outside schools are sanctioned Rs.300/- and Rs.400/- (per annum per head) respectively for two sets of uniforms every year. A sum of Rs.150/- per annum is also provided to each inmate of the orphanages towards bedding allowances. Rs.250/- per head per annum is provided for the Government Orphanage at The Nilgiris.

The children in the Government Orphanages are supplied with a pair of chappals every year costing Rs.50/-

In 10 Orphanages, training is given in Yoga and Martial Arts.

Medical facilities of Rs.1000/- per annum are also provided to the inmates of 20 Government Orphanages and Rs.500/- per annum is provided for 5 Government Orphanages.

Steps have been taken to provide quality institutional care to the children. Frequent inspections and proper monitoring has been ensured so that better and improved services could be provided to the destitue children. The Government have formed a separate committee consisting of Social Workers to provide necessary valuable guidance for better implementation of the scheme for the welfare of children in Government Orphanages. For better administration, Government have constituted a committee consisting of 7 members as detailed below in each District.

1. District Collector - Chairman
2. District Educational Officer - Member
3. Part-time Medical Officer - Member
4. District Social Welfare Officer - Member
5. Social Welfare Board Member - Non-Official Member
6.Two Social Workers from

NGOs nominated by
District Collector -Non-Official Member

The Committee will meet once in three months and monitor the progress of Orphanages in Education, Health and Admission. It also assists the District Social Welfare Officers to run the Orphanages effectively. Hence to break the monotony of the routine life-style, the inmates of the Government Orphanages are taken for an excursion to the neighbouring tourist spots once in a year, so as to give them an opportunity to interact with the outside world which is essential for leading a normal life. A sum of Rs.473.21 lakhs has been provided which includes a sum of Rs.1.55 lakhs towards supply of new vessels to eleven Government orphanages during the year 2001 - 2002. Further a sum of Rs.14.00 lakhs is provided to construct compound wall for the Government Orphanage functioning at Virudhunagar during 2001-2002.

2.10 NGOS PARTNERSHIP FOR THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN.

Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation contribute increasingly to the problem of Destitution. This problem is on the increase, especially among children, which in turn leads to increase in delinquency. Under the scheme for welfare of children in need of care and protection, voluntary organisations are sanctioned grant-in-aid towards maintenance of the children. 80 percent of the expenditure is given as grant to the organisations and the remaining 20 percent of the expenditure has to be met by the organisation itself. The grant is calculated at recurring expenditure towards food, clothes etc. at the rate of Rs.250/- per month per child.

A sum of Rs.300.00 lakhs has been provided for the year 2001 - 2002 to cover 14377 children maintained by 181 voluntary institutions.

2.11. ADOPTION

Adoption undoubtedly offers an important avenue for the care and protection of an abandoned, destitute or neglected child in a family setting and provides an atmosphere of happiness of love and understanding for the realisation of his/her talents and potential. It carries with it all the emotional physical and material security necessary for the proper development of the child and also serves as the most reliable means of preventing situations associated with abuse, exploitation and social mal-adjustment of abandoned, destitute and neglected children.

There are 15 licensed agencies to take up in-country adoption. These agencies are functioning at Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Tuticorin, Madurai, Hosur and Dindigul. 8 agencies out of 15 are recognised to do inter-country adoption also. Steps are being taken to identify atleast one adoption agency in each district of Tamil Nadu.

The Government has been encouraging people to adopt children by sensitizing them on issues relating to adoption. Adhesive and Non-adhesive posters have been printed and distributed through the District Social Welfare Officers to the officials concerned and to the public in all Districts. District Social Welfare Officers are the Nodal Officers for adoption programmes. Training has been given to the Social Workers of the newly licensed agencies. Refresher course to all the Social Workers of all the 15 licensed agencies has been given. Licensed agencies are authorised to do legal adoption.

2.12 KARUNAI ILLAM

Under "Karunai Illam" scheme, 42 homes are run by Hindu Religious and Endowment Department . Total maintenance cost per child per month for food and administrative charges works out to Rs.467/- and for bedding a sum of Rs.20/- per annum is provided by Social Welfare Department. Beneficiaries under the Scheme are 1353 children. Apart from this, the inmates are supplied with free uniforms by this Department. Tamil Nadu Text Book Corporation supplies text books and note books.

A sum of Rs.78.57 lakhs has been provided for 2001 - 2002.

2.13 FREE SUPPLY OF UNIFORM TO SCHOOL CHILDREN STUDYING STD I TO VIII.

The Government of Tamil Nadu is implementing the scheme of Free supply of uniform to the children studying in Std I to VIII every year under Puratchi Thalaivar MGR Nutritious Meal Programme from the year 1985-86. The Department of Social Welfare is entrusted with the work of stitching and distributing uniforms to the Education Department through the Women Industrial Co-operative Societies. The cloth required for the scheme is procured by the Director of Handlooms and Textiles through the Co-optex and the Tamil Nadu Textiles Corporation. The uniforms are stitched by the 78 Women Industrial Co-operative Societies under the control of the Commissioner of Social Welfare and handed over to the Education Department for distribution to the students. 58 lakhs sets of uniforms were stitched for the year 2000-2001 for distribution to the students. District Level Inspection Committees have been set up to inspect 10 % of schools to check the quality and measurements of the uniforms supplied to the students. Instructions have been issued to the cloth supplying agencies to print the seal "jäœehL muR Ïytr ÓUil¤ £l«" on every one metre of the cloth.

2.14. FREE SUPPLY OF TEXT BOOKS AND NOTE BOOKS FOR THE CHILDREN OF POOR WIDOWS.

The scheme of supply of free text books and note books is to benefit the children of poor widows whose family income is less than Rs.12000/- per annum. The value of text books & Note Books supplied to the children of poor widows studying from I std to XII Std. is as follows.

I Std. to II Std. : Rs. 50/- per child
III Std to V Std : Rs.125/- per child
VI Std to VIII Std. : Rs.175/- per child
IX Std to X Std : Rs.300/- per child
+1 to +2 : Rs.600/- per child

About 10,000 children are benefited under this scheme every year. A sum of Rs.16.69 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002.

2.15. CRECHES FOR CHILDREN OF WORKING AND AILING MOTHERS

To prevent children of working and ailing mothers from dropping out of school for the reason that they have to look after their younger siblings or from indulging in anti-social activities. 212 creches are run by the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board through selected Voluntary Organisations at the rate of Rs.25,410/- per centre as grant towards recurring expenditure.

A sum of Rs.53.87 lakhs has been provided for 2001 - 2002.

Government is also taking steps to open new creches for the benefit of working women who are employed in Government/Universities/Educational Institutions/Government undertakings/Private Concerns through the Non-Governmental Organisations.

2.16 WOMEN WELFARE PROGRAMMES

In 1994 this Government had announced ' Vision 2000', a set of forward looking strategies for empowerment of women. The primary objective of such an initiative was to bring women into the mainstream of society and enable them to lobby for their own advancement. Keeping this in view and in order to highlight women's rightful place, the Government of Tamil Nadu has formulated many Plans, Policies and Innovative Programmes for the upliftment of women. Most of these programmes are in the field of training, employment, income generation, welfare and supportive services and gender sensitization. All these programmes and schemes of the State Government aim at making women independent and self reliant.

2.17. MARRIAGE ASSISTANCE SCHEMES

The Government of Tamil Nadu has been implementing various marriage assistance schemes. The details are given below :-

Name of the Scheme	Quantum of Assistance	Eligibility Criteria
1.Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Ninaivu Thirumana Uthavi Thittam	Rs.10,000 (by Cheque or Demand Draft)	The bride must have appeared for 10th Std examination. In case of ST the bride should have studied upto 5th Std. Annual income should not exceed Rs.12,000. Age: Bride should have completed 18 years of age. Only one daughter in a family is eligible.
2. E.V.R.Maniammaiyar Ninaivu Poor Widows' Daughters Marriage Assistance Scheme	Rs.7,000 (by Cheque or Demand Draft)	Widows whose income is below Rs.12000/- per annum. Age : 18 to 30 years. Only one daughter of the poor widow is eligible
3. Annai Teresa Ninaivu Orphan Girls Marriage Assistance Scheme	Rs.7,000 (by Cheque or Demand Draft)	Annual income should not exceed Rs.12,000. Bride's age limit 20 to 30 years.
4. Dr.Dharmambal Ammaiyar Ninaivu Widow Remarriage Scheme	Rs.10,000 (Rs.7,000 as NSC and Rs.3,000 by Cheque or Demand Draft)	No income ceiling. Bride's age limit 20 to 30 years
5. Anjugam Ammaiyar Ninaivu Kalappu Thirumana Udhavi Thittam	a.Rs.20,000 (Rs.10,000 as NSC and Rs.10,000 by Cheque or Demand Draft) b.Rs.10,000 (Rs.7,000 as NSC and Rs.3,000 by Cheque or Demand Draft)	a)FC/BC/MBC with ST/ SC. Bride’s age limit 20 to 30 years. b)FC with BC / MBC Income ceiling exempted for both the cases. c) Application should be submitted within 2 years from the date of marriage of all cases.

At present the financial support being given through various marriage assistance schemes varies from Rs.7,000/- to Rs.10,000/- and the minimum age criterion varies from 18 years to 20 years. In order to streamline the prevailing conditions under the marriage assistance scheme, the Government have decided to enhance the amount of assistance to Rs.10,000/- to all the marriage assistance schemes. At the same time, an assistance of Rs.20,000/- under intercaste marriage assistance scheme will be continued if one of the spouses belongs to SC/ST. The minimum age limit for all these schemes will be revised to 20 years which is the age of marriage promoted by the Government.

An amount of Rs.5505.50 lakhs has been provided for the marriage assistance schemes during the year 2001-2002.

2.18.NATIONAL MATERNITY BENEFIT SCHEME

During the period of pregnancy women need rest and protection from over work. Such precaution is needed not only for the child they are carrying, but also essential for their own health and safe delivery. However, the customs of our society are such that women receive least importance in a family hierarchy. Moreover, most of the poor women are forced to work during pregnancy to earn their daily wages. Government realises the importance of providing rest and good nutrition to women. An amount of Rs.500/- is being paid by the Government of India to each pregnant woman restricting it to two deliveries. The Government of India release the funds to the Collectors of the respective districts to distribute the funds to the beneficiaries. The amount is disbursed to the beneficiaries by money order.

2.19. SERVICE HOMES

Widows, destitutes and orphans who have no place to go, need institutional care. Government have established Service Homes in order to provide protection to such destitute women and to help them re-build their life once again. The Department of Social Welfare runs 6 Service Homes one each at Tambaram, Cuddalore, Salem, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli and Karaikudi. The Service Homes provide accommodation, food, education and vocational training to the inmates. The women are allowed to stay with their children in the homes and educational facilities are provided to their children.

The Service Homes at Tambaram and Cuddalore offer Higher Secondary Course in Arts subjects, whereas the Service Home at Thanjavur offers Science subjects. Monetary Assistance at the rate of Rs.300/- per adult and Rs.200 per child is provided as feeding charges. Free uniform is also provided at a cost of Rs.400/- per adult. Children in the homes are also provided free uniforms under PTMGR NMP scheme once in a year. Apart from this, books and note books are purchased from Tamil Nadu Text Book Corporation and supplied to inmates, free of cost.

There is a separate section for Physically Handicapped persons in the Service Home, Tambaram.

The Service Homes at Tambaram, Cuddalore and Thanjavur are conducting Secretarial Course for women. 65 women are trained in the course every year. The training is given for a period of one year, after which, the trainees are eligible to write the Government Technical Examination. The Service Homes also offer training in various vocational trades like nursing, textile and designs, lab technician courses etc. These courses are conducted in the Higher Secondary classes in Tirunelveli, Cuddalore, Karaikudi, Salem and Tambaram. In order to acquaint the inmates with the modern vocational skills, computer course is being offered in the Service Home, Thanjavur. After finishing the training and passing 10th Standard, the inmates are recommended for Multi-Purpose Health Worker Training.

A sum of Rs.3.81 lakhs has been provided for 2001 - 2002 towards the purchase of new typewriters for Secretarial Courses and a total amount of Rs.203.71 lakhs has been provided for 2001 - 2002 for the Service Homes.

2.20. GRANTS TO SERVICE HOMES RUN BY NGOs.

The Government of Tamil Nadu provides fund to run 2 Service Homes by Non-Governmental Organisations one at Gandhigram by Kasturiba Sevikashram and another at Chennai by Stree Seva Mandir.

Stipend for the inmates and teaching grant to teachers in the Service Homes are provided.

The Service Home at Stree Seva Mandir is conducting the Secretarial Course in order to enable socially handicapped women to acquire vocational training in Typewriting, Shorthand and Secretarial practices.

The Service Home at Gandhigram is giving coaching in condensed course for the 10th Std.

A sum of Rs. 9.75 lakhs has been provided for 2001 - 2002.

2.21. WORKING WOMEN'S HOSTEL

As the opportunities for women to take-up employment are increasing, the demand for accommodation also increases. Women need to find accommodation in and around their working places. Hence to help these women, Government is running eight Working Women's Hostels, in the following places - 2 in Chennai and one each in Cuddalore, Madurai, Pudukottai, Tuticorin, Trichy and Hosur. The monthly income ceiling for getting admission to the Working Women Hostel will be increased to Rs.10,000/-. The expenditure towards water, electricity and food is equally shared by all the inmates. The salaries of the Superintendent, Junior Assistant, Cooks and other staff are met by the State Government.

A sum of Rs.29.03 lakhs has been provided for 2001 - 2002.

2.22. GRANTS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF WORKING WOMEN'S HOSTEL

Voluntary Agencies, local bodies and co-operative institutions, who want to construct working women’s hostel can avail under " Grant-in-aid scheme of Government of India " a grant of 75 per cent of the estimated cost of construction besides 15 per cent of the estimated cost or Rs.35,000/- whichever less is given by the State Government as grant. The balance amount should be borne by the Institution. Institutions coming forward to avail the grant under this scheme should possess land of their own. They should not get any other grant from any Government or any other source for the same purpose. 50 percent of the cost of land is also given by Government of India as grant. So far 64 Working Women's Hostels have been constructed in Tamil Nadu. In districts where Working Women Hostels have not been constructed special efforts will be taken by the Government to establish them with the assistance of NGOs.

2.23 MAHALIR MANDRAMS

Mahalir Mandrams are the earliest groups of women at village started in the year 1961. These groups were instrumental in propagating various schemes meant for women and children in their areas. Slowly it has widened its activities to other areas covering village level issues where the involvement of people is a must. Their self confidence and awareness multiplies when they come together in groups.There are 11,520 Mahalir Mandrams numbering 30 Mandrams in each block. A sum of Rs.13000 is provided per block to meet out the Honorarium for the organisers - Rs.10,800, Training Camp - Rs.1,200, Social Education -Rs.360, Excursion for women -Rs.440, Children's Exhibition -Rs.200.

Approximately there are 25 to 30 members in each Mahalir Mandram. Training Camps for Women on preservation of Food, Child care, Hygiene, Environmental Cleanliness, Nutrition etc are given. In order to encourage the Mahalir Mandrams to perform better, 75 Mahalir Mandrams are identified each year as best Mahalir Mandram in the State and Rs.2000/- is given as cash award per mandram.

A sum of Rs. 51.24 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002.

2.24 GUIDANCE BUREAU

The Guidance Bureau functions in the office of the District Social Welfare Officers. The Guidance Bureau Officer helps needy women especially widows, deserted wives and destitutes to obtain bank loans, helps women to liaise with other Government Departments and in settling Life Insurance Corporation dues, Provident Fund and Pension benefits, helps to get admissions for needy children in orphanages, creches etc. There are 20 Guidance Bureau functioning in the State.

A sum of Rs.59.94 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002.

2.25. FREE SUPPLY OF SEWING MACHINES

With a view to increase the self employment potential and to lead a decent life, sewing machines are supplied free of cost to widows, deserted wives and destitutes below poverty line and to physically handicapped men and women.

Under the Scheme named as " Sathiyavani Muthu Ammaiyar Ninaivu Mahalir Free Supply of Sewing Machine Scheme", a sum of Rs.101.00 lakhs has been provided to purchase and distribute sewing machines to the beneficiaries during the current financial year.

2.26 GRANTS TO NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS WORKING IN RURAL AREAS THROUGH TAMIL NADU SOCIAL WELFARE BOARD

Registered Voluntary Institutions who have been doing real social service for not less than 3 years are being considered for assistance under this scheme. A sum of Rs.5,000/- is given to each voluntary institution towards the purchase of play materials, equipments etc. 200 voluntary institutions are benefitted every year under the scheme by Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board. A sum of Rs.10.00 lakhs has been provided for 2001 - 2002.

2.27 FAMILY COUNSELLING CENTRE

Family Counselling Centre has been formulated to strengthen the social fabric by preventing the families from breaking up and promoting harmony in the family. It helps women who approach the centre to redress their grievances relating to dowry harrassment, marital maladjustment, cases of alcoholism and counselling to AIDS victims by giving suitable and appropriate guidance. 6 Family Counselling Centres are run by Voluntary Organisations through Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board at Namakkal, Karur, Erode, Villupuram, Perambalur and The Nilgiris. A sum of Rs.5.04 lakhs has been provided for 2001 - 2002.

2.28 SCHEMES FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC UPLIFTMENT OF WOMEN

i. The Government of Tamil Nadu is effectively implementing various welfare schemes to empower women, socially and economically. The Socio-economic upliftment of women is envisaged through the Co-operative method, whereby the involvement of women in the developmental process is assured. Social Development through self-help is achieved with the formulation of the Industrial Co-operative Societies, exclusively for women of the weaker sections of the society.

ii. The Government have set up the Industrial Co-operative Societies to provide gainful employment to the women. There are 130 Industrial Co-operative Societies functioning under the control of Commissioner of Social Welfare. These Co-operative Societies are engaged in manufacturing of products and render services required for implementing the various schemes of the Social Welfare Department.

Sl.No. Type of Society No. of Co-op No. benefitted Societies

1. Tailoring Indl.

Co-op Societies 78 40089

2. Weaning food Indl.

Co-op Societies 25 1631

3. Stationery Indl

Co-op Societies 18 1006

4. Other Societies 9 1210
------------ -----------------
       Total 130 43936

The members of the 78 Tailoring Industrial Co-op Societies are engaged in stitching of uniforms. For the year 2000-2001, 58 lakhs sets of uniforms were stitched and handed over for distribution to the children studying in Stds. I to VIII covered under Puratchi Thalaivar MGR Nutritious Meal Programme. In addition, uniforms to the students studying in schools run by Directorates of Backward Classes (78290 Nos), Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities (257542 Nos) and Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare (1292510 Nos) were stitched by the members of these societies.

A sum of Rs.6.40 lakhs has been provided for purchase of 8 cloth cutting machines to 8 cutting centres in the Districts for 2001 - 2002.

The 25 Weaning Food Industrial Co-op Societies manufacture and supply Weaning Food containing Amylase Activities enriched with Vitamins to the 113 ICDS Projects and 102 WB-ICDS Projects for providing supplementary feeding to the children in the age group of 6 months to 2 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers. The societies have disbursed Rs.76.47 lakhs as wages to the members.

The Stationery Co-operative Societies provide work to the women members by printing and supplying various registers to the Government Departments, Government Institutions and others.

A sum of Rs.93.21 lakhs has been provided for 2001 - 2002 for administration of all the Women Industrial Co-operative Societies.

The Government is running 46 Training Centres and 5 Production Centres. 980 women are getting training every year in the centres in various trades.

A sum of Rs.129.86 lakhs has been provided for 2001 - 2002.

iii. There are 4 Tailoring Training Centres functioning in the State for giving training to tribal women only, 2 in Salem District and one each in Namakkal and Thiruvannamalai District. Every year, 65 Tribal Women are trained in this scheme.

A sum of Rs.7.64 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002.

2.29 OLD AGE HOMES

In keeping with the growing importance of the problems faced by older persons State Government is assisting the Old Age Homes through Voluntary Institutions for their proper care and protection. The State Government gives financial assistance to the Old Age Homes run by voluntary institutions. At present the Government grant is given to six non-governmental organisations for running Old Age Homes with 40 inmates in each Old Age Home.

A sum of Rs.250/- per month per old person was given as grant by the State Government to these institutions. This Government have decided to enhance the grant to Rs.500/- p.m. per inmate. It has also been decided to set up 4 more Old Age Homes through Non Governmental Organisations during 2001-2002. A sum of Rs.20.00 lakhs has been provided for this purpose.

2.30 GOVERNMENT REHABILITATION HOMES IN TAMIL NADU

The Government of Tamil Nadu have established 10 Rehabilitation Homes in 10 places with a view to extend medical assistance to the beggars suffering from Leprosy and to rehabilitate them.

S.No.	Government Rehabilitation Home
1.	Paranur, Kancheepuram District
2.	Ulundurpet, Villupuram District
3.	Bargur, Dharmapuri District
4.	Pudukottai, Pudukottai District
5.	Vinnapalli, Erode District
6.	Manayeripatti, Thanjavur District
7.	Y.Pudupatti, Madurai District
8.	Mallavadi, Tiruvannamalai District
9.	Selliampatti, Dharmapuri District
10.	Deviyakurichi, Salem District

In each Government Rehabilitation Home 400 adults and 25 Children are admitted voluntarily after medical confirmation about the reality of the disease. Leprosy Beggars are also admitted in Government Rehabilitation Home, Ulundurpet on conviction by Judicial Magistrate. If spouse is affected, the other spouse is also admitted along with family members. The inmates are discharged from the homes either on good health condition or disciplinary grounds.

Inmates are provided with Free boarding, lodging, clothing, medical facilities, training in various rehabilitation trades and recreation facilities like games, screening of films, provision of colour TV, library etc.

Each inmate is supplied diet at a cost of Rs.15 per day and their dependents at Rs.10 per day. On special occasions, special diets are supplied with a cost of Rs.5 per inmate. Two sets of clothes are distributed per year along with free dhoties and sarees during Pongal Festival. Every year Micro Cellular Rubber Footwears and Mats are supplied. Plates and Tumblers are supplied once in five years and Blankets are supplied once in three years.

Each Home is provided with fully equipped medical facilities with Medical Officers. Funds are allotted to each Home to meet financial expenditure to the following items:-

1.Supply of Special type of shoes and artificial limbs (Needy inmates)	:	Rs.1000/- per annum
2. Purchase of Spectacles	:	Rs.2000/- per annum
3. Tooth Brush and Tooth Powder	:	Rs.2000/- per annum
4. Funeral rites	:	Rs.200/- per head
5. Sports Materials	:	Rs.1200/- per annum
6. Musical Instruments	:	Rs.400/- per annum

Every year funds are allotted to each Home to meet the expenditure for supply of note books and text books to the children of the inmates from I Std. to XII Std. Able inmates are entrusted with training in the production units like Mat, Cloth Weaving, Tailoring and Shoe making etc. for which they are paid nominal wages for the man power rendered by them in the production of things through the units. One powerloom is functioning at Paranur Government Rehabilitation Home.

A sum of Rs.434.47 lakhs has been provided for 2001 -2002.

2.31 DANIDA SCHEME

Schemes under DANIDA are implemented in all the 10 Rehabilitation Homes. Under Phase I and Phase II schemes like land development, soil conservation, water resource development, animal husbandry and agricultural engineering are implemented through able bodied inmates in the Homes. The inmates are benefited by payment of reasonable wages and through creation of a Corpus Fund.

2.32 GOVERNMENT CARE CAMP, MELPAKKAM

The Government Care Camp at Melpakkam was established on Ist March 1954 with a total strength of (770 males + 180 females) 950 inmates to accommodate the beggars convicted by the Judicial Magistrate with a conviction period from one year to three years in order to stop the beggars menace in the city of Chennai under Tamil Nadu Prevention of Beggars Act 1945. The convicted beggars are provided free boarding, lodging, clothing, medical facilities etc. They are also given training in various trades like weaving, carpentary, pottery and tailoring etc.

Two towels, two shirts and shorts to the male inmates and two sarees and blouses to the female inmates are supplied once in a year. Apart from this, free dhoties and sarees are supplied on Pongal Day. Inmates are provided with Mats, Bedsheets, Plates and Coconut oil etc. Medical treatment is given regularly to the inmates. On completion of conviction period they are sent back to their native with railway warrant and bus fare.

A sum of Rs.41.89 lakhs has been provided for 2001 - 2002 to Government Care Camp, Melpakkam.

2.33 STRENGTHENING OF COMMISSIONERATE OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DISTRICT OFFICES.

A sum of Rs.3.42 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002 for purchase of 3 Computer Printers, one Xerox Machine, one A.C. Machine to the Conference Hall and 10 Slotted Angle Steel Racks to strengthen the commissionerate of Social Welfare.

Already 20 District Social Welfare Offices have been computerised. During 2001-2002, the remaining 9 District Social Welfare Offices will be computerised by providing 9 New Computers. A sum of Rs.9.00 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002.

2.34 TAMIL NADU SOCIAL WELFARE BOARD, CHENNAI

The Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board which was constituted in 1954 has been working for the upliftment of people living below poverty line through the voluntary institutions in the State with the following objectives:-

To promote setting up of non governmental Social Welfare Organisations.

To render technical and financial assistance to the voluntary institutions for better quality and standard of services, and

To assess the programmes aided by Government.

With the help of funds received from the Central Social Welfare Board, the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board assists Voluntary Organisations on a large scale which serves children, women and handicapped. The pattern of assistance varies from 50% to 90% , the balance being borne by the Organisations. Special Schemes received 100% grants.

With the assistance of Rs.393.42 lakhs from the Central Government 511 Voluntary Institutions consisting of 1011 voluntary units were assisted during the period from April 2000 to March 2001. State Government assistance of Rs.68.91 lakhs has been provided for the assistance to 381 voluntary organisations consisting of 418 voluntary units.

An integrated approach in fighting out drug addiction and alcoholism has been undertaken by the voluntary agencies with the Government Departments. In co-ordination with the Government and Non Governmental Organisations the Board implements welfare schemes and is taking special efforts for AIDS Awareness Creation and Day Care Centres for children of commercial sex workers.

2.35 TAMIL NADU STATE COMMISSION FOR WOMEN

Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women was constituted during 1993 for protecting the rights and safeguarding the welfare of women. It is headed by a retired High Court Justice as Chairperson and 9 members. The Commission is working as an Advisory Body to Government to review the existing laws, policies, programmes for women and protecting the interests and rights of the women with special reference to gender issues relating to the status of women. For the year 2001 - 2002 a sum of Rs.1.74 lakhs has been provided.

To protect the rights of women, this Commission has taken up the following programmes :-

1) Gender Sensitization Training Programme to Police Officers, Judicial Magistrates, Revenue Authorities, Doctors and other categories. A sum of Rs.3.45 lakhs has been provided for 2001 - 2002.

2) Legal Literacy Training Programme to Women College Lecturers and Students. A sum of Rs. 1.50 lakhs has been provided for 2001 - 2002.

3) Commission conducted Seminars and Workshops to create awareness among rural women.

4) The Commission conducted one day training to Revenue Divisional Officers and Sub-Collectors on the inquest on Dowry Death in Co-ordination with the Police Department.

All the District Social Welfare Officers have been appointed as Dowry Prohibition Officers and five Non-Official Members have been appointed as Dowry Prohibition Advisory Committee Members. This Committee meets periodically and gives redressal to women who are facing dowry problem with the help of Police Department.

CHAPTER 3

TAMILNADU CORPORATION FOR DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN LIMITED

3.1 Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women Limited was established for development and empowerment of women in December 1983 by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

3.2 Mahalir Thittam

The Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Project started on an experimental basis in Dharmapuri District with external funding from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) received its first growth thrust in 1991-92, expanding to Salem and South Arcot Districts, and this was immediately followed by Madurai and Ramanathapuram Districts in 1993. By 1995-96, the project was so well established that it was taken up as a model for future growth under the State Budget. The expansion has continued and now the project covers Town Panchayats, Municipalities and Corporations. Known as "Bangaru Ammaiyar Ninaivu Mahalir Thittam", this is a unique partnership between (a) a Government agency, Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women Limited; (b) Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs); and (c) Banks. The project is implemented through a network of Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) established and nurtured with NGO support at the village level. From this year onwards, further growth and consolidation have been planned with a view to promote sustainability combined with deepening of coverage at the habitation and ward/slum level.

Membership under the project has grown rapidly and as on June 2001, the membership has crossed 14.83 Lakhs women in 85,983 Self Help Groups with 73,540 rural Self Help Groups (12,73,874 members) and 12,443 urban Self Help Groups (2,09,858 members).

Table – 1

Growth of Self Help Groups Under Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Project

 

The Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Project and the Swarnajayanthi Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) scheme of the Rural Development Department have been converged for rural Self Help Groups and common guidelines and norms have been adopted. Similarly, in respect of urban Self Help Groups, Swarna Jayanthi Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) and Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Project are being operated in a converged manner. Credit linkage to Self Help Groups through banks has also grown. Apart from commercial banks, the Self Help Groups open bank accounts in Primary Agricultural Co-operative Banks and avail of loans as per Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Project norms.

It is recognized that the women are aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, family resources and risk taking ability. Moreover, the bank loan liability is entirely on the women and the group. Accordingly, it is the women themselves who would be the best judges in respect of economic activities and levels of credit required. The Project Implementation Unit and the NGO would serve as mere facilitators and advisors in this process, with decision-making left to women.

Members of mature SHGs ready to absorb bank loans are linked with financial institutions to avail of external credit. As on 30.6.2001, 2,87,364 SHG members have been linked with bank credit at a total financial outlay of Rs.13, 229.49 lakhs for various rural based activities such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Animal Husbandry and Cottage and Village industries, and other small businesses.

In 1994, the Government released a path breaking plan for advancement of Women Vision 2000, which envisaged facilitation of equitable participation of women in social, democratic and economic processes through Self Help Groups, recognized the importance of promoting self help initiative through savings and credit. The thrust during 2001-2002 would be the actualization of the goals set forth in Vision 2000.

As envisaged in the Vision 2000 Policy Document women empowerment through Self Help Groups would be given top priority. Women will continue to be enrolled and supported through SHG training in rural and urban areas, districts, including Chennai. In addition, external credit linkages for SHGs through banks will be provided. Under various schemes implemented by line departments TNWDP will be implemented in convergence with SGSY in rural areas and SJSRY in urban areas during 2001-2002. An amount of Rs.22.20 crores has been provided in the budget estimate 2001-2002.

The focus areas for 2001-02 would be:

Quick and smooth implementation of project in all 30 districts including urban areas with focus on habitation level coverage.

Improve the quality of training given to SHGs through distribution of better training manuals

Arrange for credit for eligible SHGs as per SHG credit Guidelines under all available schemes on a need basis.

Promote formation, provide facilities, financial support and training for Cluster level Federations of SHGs

Ensure greater convergence of services by Government departments especially Panchayats and others on SHGs in order that they are able to make better use of Government programmes

Facilitate greater participation and capacity building of SHGs for marketing SHG products, through EDP and VTP.

With the growth of the SHGs it has become important to develop and support capacity building of NGOs. The Govt. will support and facilitate capacity building of willing NGOs to maintain quality under the project. Another innovative idea has been to encourage volunteerism and facilitate volunteer services through an agency with government support. Hence the NGO & Volunteer Resource Center (NVRC) which has been set up will lead and encourage volunteers who can give time and other inputs in areas like health, education, training, support to law enforcement, orphanages, women issues, etc. The preliminary works have commenced and the following programmes are likely to be launched in 2001-2002:

Net working, promoting volunteerism, enrolling volunteers

Training and capacity building for NGOs & Volunteers

Data warehousing research, documentation and communication

Counselling and advisory services for NGOs

Accordingly the NVRC society has been formed and is being registered under the TN Societies Registration Act, 1975.

3.3 Community Resource Centres / District level Training and Marketing centres:

Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women Limited is implementing the Tamil Nadu Women's Development project in all 30 districts of Tamil Nadu. At present, training centres of its own are not available at the State Level or District level to impart skill training/entrepreneurship development training to the SHG members. In order to implement the massive skill training/EDP, training centres at the District Level becomes imperative.

Now it is proposed to create Community Resource Centres/ District Level Training cum Marketing centres with Internet and Browsing facilities. For the year 2001-02 six centres, will be started at a cost of Rs.15.00 lakhs.

3.4 Women Recreation Centres

Apart from the needs of nutrition, health, education etc, the need of recreation for working poor women is very important. Already 250 WRCs have been established. A sum of Rs.1.10 lakh has been provided for 2001-2002.

3.5 Training of five Lakh Women in Entrepreneurial skills for self employment.

Government have formulated a new scheme for training 5 lakh women in entrepreneurial skill for self-employment. The Tamilnadu Corporation for Development of Women Limited, will function as the nodal agency to design and monitor the entire programme. The targets have been split amongst the various departments of Government, like Directorate of Rural Development, Directorate of Agriculture, Directorate of Industries and Commerce, TAHDCO, Directorate of Adi Dravidar Welfare , Directorate of Tribal Welfare, Directorate of Backward Classes and Minority Welfare, Slum Clearance Board and Directorate of Sericulture etc. Training and skill development programmes will also be undertaken which will culminate in sanction of soft loans to the women to set up small enterprises. During the year 2001-2002, the Corporation for Development of Women will, as its target, train 20,000 women at a cost of Rs.166.95 lakhs.

3.6 Women's Empowerment Year 2001

2001 has been declared as Women's Empowerment Year. In order to highlight the rightful place of women in the main stream of National Development, the Govt. of Tamil Nadu has drawn up a monthly calendar of events on gender related issues for the year 2001. The Tamilnadu Corporation for Development of Women Ltd., has been designated the nodal agency to take suitable action in this regard. The Corporation is also reviewing the present status of women and drawing up a State Level Policy for women in collaboration with UNICEF to bring about gender equality.

3.7 30% representation for Women in Committees

Considering the imperative need to involve women in decision-making as a step towards empowerment, it has been decided to provide 30% representation to women in all Statutory and Non-Statutory Committees.

3.8 Free LPG connection to Newly married couples below poverty line:

Government have formulated a new scheme to provide relief to women folk from the drudgery of cooking with fire wood, to improve their health and prevent health hazard and deforestation and to relieve them from the ordeal of fetching wood especially during the difficult days. It has been proposed to deposit Rs.1000/- for the first gas cylinder connection to the newly married SHG member or daughter of SHG member, who are not eligible for benefits under the "Moovalur Ramamritham Ammaiyar Niniavu Thirumana Nithi Uthavi Thittam" and other marriage assistance Schemes.During the current year 2001-2002, 5,000 beneficiaries will be covered at the cost of Rs.50 Lakhs. Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women will be the nodal agency for implementation of this scheme.

CHAPTER – 4

REHABILITATION OF THE DISABLED

4.1 OFFICE OF THE STATE COMMISSIONER FOR THE DISABLED

To give more importance to the welfare of the disabled, the State Government have established a separate Directorate for Rehabilitation of the Disabled during 1992-93. As per Persons with Disabilities Act 1995, a separate Commissioner has been appointed as per G.O.Ms.No:50, Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department, dated: 16.4.1999 and functioning as Office of the State Commisssioner for the Disabled.

4.2 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT 1995

The Persons with Disabilities Act was enacted during 1995, to give equal opportunities for the disabled and protect their rights in order to integrate them with the normal society and to enable them to have full participation in the normal life. In Tamil nadu, the Act is being successfully implemented, by appointing a State Commissioner to monitor the implementation of the Act, besides his role as Head of the Department for Rehabilitation of the Disabled.

4.3 POPULATION OF THE DISABLED IN THE STATE

According to the National Sample Survey, the disabled constitute 1.9% of the total population . As per 1991 Census, 1.9% of the total population of the State is estimated to be 10,61,320. However, during the census conducted in 2000, the population of the disabled are being enumerated and the results are awaited.

4.4. SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR THE DISABLED

Special Education is provided to the disabled through Special Schools. The Number of Government, Municipal, Aided and Unaided Special Schools functioning in the State are as follows:

SNo.	Type of school	Government    School	Recognised   Aided	Unaided	Municipal	Total
1	School for the Blind	11	11	3	--	25
2	School for the speech And hearing impaired Pre School	10   2	19	30	2	63
3	School for the Mentally Challenged	1	12	58	--	71
4	School for the severely Locomotor Disabled	1	12	33	--	46
5	School for the Leprosy cured	--	1	--	--	1
	Total	25	55	124	2	206

The Government Special Schools are functioning in the following places.

Visually Handicapped	Speech & Hearing Impaired	Locomotor Disabled	Mentally Challenged
Coimbatore	Cuddalore	Madurai	Chennai
Cuddalore	Dharmapuri
Dharmapuri	Erode
Madurai	Kancheepuram
Nagercoil	Tambaram
Poonamallee	Udagamandalam
Pudukottai	Pudukottai
Salem	Salem
Sivagangai	Thanjavur
Thanjavur	Virudhunagar
Tiruchirapalli

The following facilities are provided to the disabled studying in Special Schools:

i) Free special education, free boarding and lodging

ii) Two sets of uniform free of cost every year.

All handicapped children studying in the above schools are availing these facilities.

Twenty Pre-Schools for the speech and hearing impaired children are functioning in the Government Schools for Deaf at Cuddalore, Dharmapuri, Erode, Kancheepuram, Chennai, Udhagamandalam, Pudukottai, Salem, Thanjavur, Virudhunagar as well as in the Government Aided Schools for the Deaf at Vellore, Tiruchirapalli, Madurai, Tirunelveli, Sivagangai, Kanyakumari, Tuticorin, Dindigul and in the Government Orphanage at Ramanathapuram and Government School for the Blind at Coimbatore.

The school for the severely orthopaedically handicapped at Madurai is functioning as a primary school till date. The handicapped students coming out of the school find no other Government School in the State to continue their further studies. Considering the hardship to these students this Government have proposed to upgrade the above school upto VIII Standard during this year at a total cost of Rs.6.94 lakhs. The Government have also proposed to repair and renovate the century old building of the Government Higher Secondary School for the Blind at Poonamallee at a total cost of Rs.33.76 lakhs during 2001-2002

4.5 SCHOLARSHIP TO THE DISABLED

Under the scheme disabled students undergoing education upto post graduate level are given financial assistance towards purchase of study materials noted as below:

(a) I std to V std Rs.25/- per month
(b) VI std to VIII std Rs.75/- per month
(c) IX std to XII std Rs.110/- per month
(d) Graduates Rs.150/- per month
(e) Professionals and Rs.195/- per month
    Post Graduates

A sum of Rs.92.45 lakhs has been provided for this during 2001-2002.

4.6 SCRIBE ASSISTANCE TO VISUALLY HANDICAPPED STUDENTS

The visually handicapped students are permitted to engage a scribe for their examinations and a sum of Rs.30/- per paper is paid to each scribe. 200 Visually Disabled students studying in the following schools are benefitted every year.

a) Government Higher Secondary School for the Blind, Poonamallee, Chennai
b) Government Girls Higher Secondary School for the Blind, Tiruchirapalli.
c) Little Flower Convent Higher Secondary School for the Blind, Chennai ; and
d) St. Louis Institute of Higher Secondary school for the Blind, Chennai.

A sum of Rs.2.00 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002.

4.7 GOVERNMENT REGIONAL BRAILLE PRESS

The Regional Braille Press functioning in the campus of the Government Higher Secondary School for the Blind, Poonamallee has been modernised by installing two units of computerised mini Braille Printer and these units have started functioning from 4.8.2001. An amount of Rs.12.66 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002.

4.8. TRAINING TO THE TEACHERS OF THE SPECIAL SCHOOLS

Teachers of the Special schools require special training, because they handle different categories of children who are suffering from various disabilities. The duration of the programme is ten months.

(a) For Visually Handicapped

The Regional Training Centre functioning at the campus of Government Higher Secondary School for the Blind, Poonamallee, trains teachers every year to teach the blind. Government sponsored teachers are also admitted for training in this centre. A sum of Rs.400/- p.m. is being paid as stipend to each trainee.

(b) For Hearing Impaired

The special training to teach the hearing impaired is conducted at Little Flower Convent Higher Secondary School for the deaf, Chennai-6. Totally 50 trainees are admitted every year with a stipend of Rs.400/- per month. In this, 10 Government sponsored teachers are also admitted.

(c) For Mentally Challenged

The training programme for teachers to teach the mentally challenged is conducted at Balavihar Training School, Chennai for Mentally Challenged. The number of teachers to be trained is 25. A sum of Rs.400/- p.m. is being paid as stipend to each trainee.

4.9 TRAINING TO DISABLED PERSONS

A special section is functioning in the Government Industrial Training Institute, Guindy to train hearing impaired in the trade of Fitter. 16 candidates are given training . A stipend of Rs.100/- p.m. is being paid to each trainee.

Vocational training is given to 30 visually handicapped persons in the following trades in the Government Industrial Training Centre for the Blind, Poonamallee every year.

A) Fitter-cum-Basic Machine Operator (one year duration)

B) Book Binder (One year duration)

C) Winder (6 months)

Free boarding and lodging facilities are provided to the trainees. The trainees are also provided with two sets of uniforms free of cost.

4.10 MODERN TRAINING CUM PRODUCTION WORKSHOP, GUINDY

Modern Training cum Production Workshop is functioning at Guindy Industrial Estate. It produces tricycles and wheelchairs required for free distribution to the disabled every year. A sum of Rs.54.35 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002.

4.11. GOVERNMENT REHABILITATION HOME WITH SHELTERED WORKSHOP FOR THE BLIND WOMEN, POONAMALLEE

Deserted, Orphan Visually handicapped Women in the age group of 18-40 years (45 years in the case of SC/ST) are given training in Chalk-Piece Making and Weaving for a period of 6 months in the Government Rehabilitation Home with Sheltered Workshop for the blind woman, Poonamallee. After training, they are given job in the home itself in weaving bedsheets, towels, bandage cloth and chalk-piece making. These products are sold to hospitals and schools. Totally 40 blind women are staying as inmates in the Home. A sum of Rs.6.57 lakhs has been provided during 2001-2002.

4.12 PLACEMENT OF TRAINED VISUALLY HANDICAPPED, SPEECH AND HEARING IMPAIRED AS SPECIAL APPRENTICES

Visually handicapped persons trained in the Government Industrial Training Centre for the Blind,Poonamallee and Speech and Hearing Impaired persons trained in the Special Section for the deaf in the Government I.T,I. Guindy are placed as special apprentices in Government Industrial establishments, undertakings and in Private Establishments on payment of Rs.500/- per month / per head as stipend for a period of 1 year, subject to the condition that the candidate should be absorbed regularly in the respective establishment when suitable vacancies arise. Under this scheme 25 persons are benefitted every year. Rs.1.50 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002.

4.13. RESERVATION FOR THE DISABLED

3% vacancies/seats arising in all the State/Public Services and Educational Institutions under all kinds of managements (Government, Local Bodies) have been reserved for the disabled. Out of which, 1% has been reserved for Visually Handicapped, 1% for Speech and Hearing Impaired and 1% for Locomotor Disabled respectively. With regard to teaching posts 2% of vacancies has been reserved for visually handicapped.

4.14 UNEMPLOYMENT ALLOWANCE TO THE UNEMPLOYED VISUALLY HANDICAPPED

Unemployed visually handicapped persons are paid unemployment allowance as indicated below for a period of 5 years or upto the age of 40 years (45 years in the case of SC/ST) or till he/she gets employment whichever is earlier.

(a) Rates of Unemployment Allowance

i) Graduates/Post Graduates Rs.300/- p.m.

ii) P.U.C/H.SC/Under Graduates Rs.250/- p.m.

iii) 10th Std and below Rs.200/- p.m.

(b) Age: 18 to 40 years (45years in the case of SC/ST)

(c) Should have been in the live Registers of Employment exchange for a minimum period of one year.

Every year 1200 visually handicapped persons are benefitted under this scheme. Rs. 29.20 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002.

4.15. SELF EMPLOYMENT

The Department is also taking steps to assist the disabled persons to avail loan from Nationalised Banks towards self-employment ventures including setting up of bunk stalls. Government subsidy equal to 1/3 of loan amount or Rs.2000/- whichever is less is paid. For the bunk stall scheme, a sum of Rs.5000/- is being given as subsidy.

Rs.20.00 lakhs has been provided towards subsidy for 2001-2002 for benefitting minimum 1000 disabled persons.

To give an added thrust to the self employment opportunities for the disabled, the Government have decided to guarantee loans taken from the National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation.

4.16. FREE SUPPLY OF AIDS AND APPLIANCES TO THE DISABLED

The Department supplies Tri-cycles, Wheel Chairs, Hearing Aids , Goggles and Folding Sticks, Braille Watches and solar batteries free of cost to the disabled persons every year. The number of beneficiaries and the allotment for 2001-2002 under each item is mentioned below:-

 

S.No	Details of Aids/ Appliances	No. of beneficiaries During 2001-2002	2001-2002 Allotment (Rupees in lakhs)
1	Tricycles	2000
2	Wheel Chairs	150
3	Hearing Aids	1500	72.00
4	Goggles and Folding Sticks	1500
5	Solar batteries	1500
6	Braille Watches	1000
	Total	7650	72.00

 

4.17 CONCESSIONS TO NORMAL PERSONS MARRYING VISUALLY HANDICAPPED

The following concessions are given to normal persons, marrying Visually handicapped:

i) A Certificate of appreciation

ii) Cash payment of Rs. 3,000/- towards marriage expenses; and

iii) National Savings Certificate for Rs.7,000/-

Every year 100 couples are benefitted under this scheme. Rs.10.00 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002.

4.18. CONCESSION TO NORMAL PERSONS MARRYING ORTHOPAEDICALLY HANDICAPPED

Under this scheme the following incentives are given to those normal persons who marry disabled person without one leg or one arm

i) A certificate of appreciation

ii) Cash payment of Rs.2000/- and

iii) National Savings Certificate for Rs.5000/-

For the year 2001-2002 under this scheme, 145 couples are benefitted.

It is proposed to enhance the above concession from Rs.7000/- to Rs.10,000/- per annum during this year. For the year 2001-2002, a sum of Rs.10.15 lakhs has been provided .

4.19. CONCESSION TO NORMAL PERSONS MARRYING SPEECH AND HEARING IMPAIRED PERSONS

The following incentives are given to those normal persons marrying speech and hearing impaired persons.

i) A certificate of appreciation;

ii) Cash payment of Rs.2,000/- and’

iii) National Savings Certificate for Rs.5,000/-

For the year 2001-2002 under this scheme, 145 couples are benefitted..

It is proposed to enhance the above concession from Rs.7000/- to Rs.10,000/- per annum during this year. A sum of Rs.10.15 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002.

4.20 FREE TRAVEL CONCESSION TO THE DISABLED IN STATE OWNED TRANSPORT CORPORATION BUSES

The Visually Handicapped are being permitted to travel free of cost in the Government Corporation Transport Buses upto 100 Kms from their residence without any conditions. The concessions have been extended to other disabled persons in order to pursue their education, visit hospitals and training centres and undertake employment under certain conditions. The Visually Handicapped and the orthopaedically handicapped have been permitted to travel within the State once in a year to and fro by express buses also. An amount of Rs.50.00 lakhs has been allotted for the year 2001-2002.

At present among all the disabled beneficiaries about 700 mentally challenged persons are allowed the above concessions. Because of the ceiling of annual income of Rs.12,000/-, many mentally challenged persons are deprived of the above concessions. Government have proposed to remove the above ceiling in respect of the mentally challenged, so that all mentally challenged persons will be benefitted at an extra cost of Rs.11.82 lakhs during this year. A total sum of Rs.61.82 lakhs has been provided during 2001-2002.

4.21. MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE TO SEVERELY HANDICAPPED

The maintenance allowance of Rs.150/- p.m. is given to the severely handicapped persons. The income of the parents/guardians should not exceed Rs.15,000/- per annum. 7400 persons are benefitted under this scheme. A sum of Rs.115.80 lakhs has been provided for the year 2001-2002 for this scheme

4.22. SHELTERED HOME FOR ADULT MENTALLY CHALLENGED GIRLS

To protect the adult mentally challenged girls above 14 years, the Government offer grants-in-aid to Non-Governmental Organisations for running sheltered homes. Under the scheme six homes (Madurai, Salem, Tuticorin, Sivagangai, Thanjavur and Vellore) are being sanctioned a grant of Rs.2.5 lakhs per home for 30 girls every year.

A sum of Rs.15.00 lakhs has been provided for the year 2001-2002.

4.23. ASSISTANCE TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED LAW GRADUATES

Ten Physically Handicapped law graduates are given financial assistance of Rs.3000/- each to register at Bar Council as Lawyers and for purchase of Law books.

A sum of Rs. 0.30 lakh has been provided for the year 2001-2002.

4.24. ARTIFICIAL LIMB SUB-CENTRE, MADURAI

An Artificial Limb Sub-Centre, Madurai has been attached to the Government Special School for the Severely Orthopaedically handicapped at Madurai to provide surgical corrections, Physiotherapy exercises, free supply of calipers etc. to the severely locomotor disabled children of the school.

4.25. STATE AWARDS

To encourage the persons who are involved in the services for the disabled, the following awards are presented by the Government during Independence Day and International Day of the Disabled Persons.

• Best Collector for implementation of schemes for the disabled.

• Best Employer for providing largest number of employment opportunities for the disabled.

• Best Disabled Employee

• Best Teachers who teach and train the disabled children

• Best Social Worker who have rendered outstanding services for the cause of the disabled

• Best Institutions which have assisted largest number of disabled children and women.

• Best Doctor who has provided better Medical Rehabilitation to disabled persons.

• Best Students (Visually handicapped and Hearing Impaired) who secure first three ranks in X Standard and Higher Secondary Classes.

4.26. DISTRICT REHABILITATION CENTRES

A District Rehabilitation Centre is functioning in Chengalpattu which serves the disabled in the District. This is funded by Government of India. Nearly 2000 persons with different types of disabilities are benefitted. A sum of Rs.33.94 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002.

On the same pattern, District Rehabilitation Centres are functioning in the State with State funds in 28 Districts. These District Rehabilitation Centres identify the disabled and provide rehabilitation assistance depending on the nature of disability including assistive devices and necessary training. A sum of Rs.230.70 lakhs has been provided for 2001-2002.

4.27. COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT CLINICS

After conducting the Operation Polio Programme throughout the State, a Comprehensive Rehabilitation Scheme has been in operation to cover not only polio Victims but also Speech and Hearing Impaired, Visually Handicapped, Mentally Challenged and Leprosy Cured.

During 2001-2002, 56 blocks will be covered as 2 blocks per district (except Kancheepuram)

For the year 2001-2002 Rs.44.55 lakhs has been provided.

4.28. BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENT

In order to provide barrier free environment to the disabled persons, this Government propose to construct ramps in all the Collectors’ Offices and in Secretariat at a total cost of Rs.65.00 lakhs. This will be extended to other offices in a phased programme.

4.29. CENTRALLY SPONSORED SCHEME

(1) A Pilot project for rehabilitation services to the handicapped persons, has been established at Chengalpattu.

This scheme is implemented as a pilot project since 1984 to identify and rehabilitate the disabled persons in the district.

NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR REHABILITATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITY

Under the National Programme for Rehabilitation of Persons With Disability, it is proposed to upgrade the District Rehabilitation Centre at Chengalpattu as State Resource Training Centre at a cost of Rs.25 lakhs. Further, Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services will be provided in three districts of this State with the colloboratiion of Non Governmental Organisations. Rehabilitation Services will be provided at district, block and Gram Panchayat Level.

4.30. CENTRAL SECTOR SCHEME GRAMIN PUNARVAS YOJANA

The Central Sector Scheme of Gramin Punarvas Yojana which focuses on prevention, early detection, provision of assistive devices, aids and appliances etc. will be implemented in 6 districts of the State namely, Vellore, Kancheepuram, Salem, Virudhunagar, Tuticorin and Madurai.

CHAPTER - 5

SOCIAL DEFENCE

5.1 The reformation and rehabilitation of abandoned, neglected, destitute and delinquent has undergone several changes. The first reformatory school of its kind was started in 1887 in the State of Tamil Nadu at Chengalpattu.

Tamil Nadu Children Act 1920 was implemented with renewed concepts of Juvenile Justice System. Due to the social changes and issues, the Juvenile Justice Act, 1986(Central Act)came into force from 2.10.87 replacing the Tamil Nadu Children Act 1920. Subsequently, the Government of India enacted the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 . The State Government of Tamilnadu is in the process of framing necessary rules under the revised Act. The Department of Social Defence is also maintaining the Institutions for the girls and women in moral danger within the provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.

The Department is conducting various special programmes for adequate care to the neglected, destitute, abandoned and delinquent children and girls and women in need.

a) OBSERVATION HOMES

The children in difficult circumstances and children coming into conflict with law are being maintained in Observation Homes and there are 19 such homes situated in the following places.

(i)	Government Observation Homes (Chennai,Chengalpattu,Villupuram,Trichy, Thanjavur, Karaikudi, Thiruneveli, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri,Vellore)	11
(ii)	Observation Homes run by Non-Governmental Organisations (Chennai,Nagapatinam, Dindigul, Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tuticorin, Coimbatore, Thiruvallur)	8
	Total	19

Children found to have committed offences are being admitted in the observation homes through Juvenile Courts, whereas neglected/destitute and abandoned children are admitted through Juvenile Welfare Boards. Maintenance grant is provided at Rs.200/- per month per child for homes maintained by NGOs.

b) JUVENILE AND SPECIAL HOMES

23 Juvenile and 2 Special Homes are functioning to provide care, treatment, training in education and vocational courses to children sent by Juvenile Welfare Boards and Juvenile Courts.

(i)	Government Special Homes for boys and girlsChengalpattu (boys) and Chennai (girls)	2
(ii)	Government Juvenile Home for boys 7 (Chennai, Ranipet, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Panchapalli, Mallipudur, Thattapari) Girls1 (Chennai)	8
iii)	Juvenile Homes run by NGO (Dindigul, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Salem, Madurai, Thiruvannamalai and in Chennai 9)	15
	Total	25

The buildings of two dormitories in the Government Special Home at Chengalpattu, are in a dilapidated condition. It is therefore necessary to provide airy dormitory in hygienic condition for the children. It is proposed to construct dormitory building for 3,600 sq.ft. with bathrooms, toilet and water supply ect. to the above Home at a cost of Rs.21.60 lakhs during 2001-2002.

The Juvenile Home for Girls at Kellys, Chennai is having a strength of 520 girls against the capacity of 250 girls. Hence it is proposed to start a Juvenile Home for girls through a reputed NGO at Chennai with a strength of 100 girls at a cost of Rs.4.05 lakhs during 2001-2002. It is also proposed to under take special repairs of class rooms at a cost of Rs.15.00 lakhs during 2001-2002.

The Juvenile Home for boys and girls under the management of Balavihar, Chennai caters to the needs of mentally challenged children referred by the Juvenile Welfare Boards. NGOs maintaining Juvenile Homes are provided grant of Rs.200/- per month/per child towards maintenance charges.

c) AFTER CARE ORGANISATION

After care Homes have been established in Tamil Nadu for the purpose of training, care of the Juveniles after their relief from the Homes enabling them to lead an honest, industrious and useful life. 3 After Care Organisations are functioning under the control of this Department.

1.	Government After Care Organisation for boys, Athur (Kancheepuram District) and Madurai.	2
2.	Government After Care Organisation for women, Vellore	1
	Total	3

Besides providing basic amenities, the following facilities are provided for the welfare of inmates:-

1. Water purifiers provided for protected water supply.

2. Providing generators for all the homes to manage the uninterrupted electricity supply.

3. Providing inner garments to the inmates of Juvenile/Special Homes.

d) JUVENILE WELFARE BOARDS

17 Juvenile Welfare Boards are functioning to deal with the cases relating to neglected/destitute children. Each Juvenile Welfare Board functions with a Chairman and four non-official members(Including one woman member). The Juvenile Welfare Boards are functioning in the premises of the Observation Homes at the following places. Action is being taken to constitute a Juvenile Welfare Board at Thiruvallur.

1. Chennai	2.Chengalpattu
3. Vellore	4. Villupuram
5.Dharmapuri	6. Salem
7. Erode	8. Trichy
9. Thanjavur	10. Madurai
11.Tirunelveli	12.Coimbatore
13.Myladuthurai	14.Virudhunagar
15. Dindigul	16. Tuticorin
17.Karaikudi

e) JUVENILE COURTS

In Chennai City, the Court of XII Metropolitan Magistrate is dealing with the cases relating to delinquent children. In mofussal areas, the Chief Judicial Magistrate / Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate / Judicial Magistrate of First Class are designated for the above purpose.

5.2 VIGILANCE / PROTECTIVE HOMES UNDER IMMORAL TRAFFIC (PREVENTION) ACT 1956

The Vigilance/Protective Homes established under the provisions of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 provide care, treatment, training and rehabilitation to the girls and women. These institutions also admit girls who are in moral danger and girls seeking admission for protection voluntarily. There are six vigilance/protective homes situated in the following places.

 

Chennai	2
Madurai	1
Trichy	1
Salem	1
Coimbatore	1
Total	6

a) RESCUE SHELTERS

The department is also maintaining six Rescue Shelters to take care of girls and women during their trials before the Courts. One each in the above places and one at Vellore is attached to the After Care Organisation for Women.

b) UNMARRIED MOTHERS HOME

In the Government Vigilance Home at chennai, a Home for unmarried pregnant women is functioning. In Tuticorin at Adaikalapuram one more Home is functioning under voluntary organisation. These Homes admit unmarried pregnant women with a view to provide them care and protection, pre natal care during the period of pregnancy and the admission is voluntary.

c) SHORT STAY HOME

Apart from the above, a home for stranded girls is also functioning at Chennai (Abhaya Nilayam). The Non-Governmental Organisations maintaining the homes are provided grant of Rs. 200/- per month per Woman towards maintenance charges.

d) HALF-WAY HOMES

A scheme is implemented by the Department to provide facilities for shelter, Education and Vocational Training to the Girl children in vulnerable situation in the following places through NGOs.

1. Ulundurpet

2. Viralimalai

3. Namakkal

The objective of the scheme is to identify adolescent girls in vulnerable situation and to prevent them from exploitation by providing useful occupation. The Scheme is designed to promote the self-esteem of the girls. Each Half - Way Home is meant for 25 girls. A sum of Rs.2.33 lakhs is paid as annual grant to these NGOs (0.77 lakhs to each NGO).

5.3 JUVENILE GUIDANCE BUREAUX

The Juvenile Guidance Bureaux are meant to investigate the personality, attitude and abnormal behaviour of the children by scientific methods. The socio economic and psychological background of the children are also investigated by trained psychologists and Testing Officers attached with the Juvenile Guidance Bureaux. The Juvenile Welfare Boards and Juvenile Courts refer cases of deviant children to the Juvenile Guidance Bureaux.

There are six Juvenile Guidance Bureaux functioning under Voluntary Organisations at Chennai, Madurai, Vellore, Dharmapuri, Coimbatore and Tirunelveli.

These Juvenile Guidence Bureaux also study the psychological problems of the inmates of the Observation Home, Juvenile/Special Homes and render their report.

5.4 EDUCATIONAL TRAINING

In all the Government Juvenile/Special Homes, education is imparted up to VIII standard. In the Government Special Home, Chengalpattu for boys and Government Special Home for Girls at Chennai, education is imparted upto X standard besides computer training.

In order to avoid over crowding of students in higher classes in Chengalpattu and also considering the distance involved, it is proposed to start High School sections of 9th and 10th Std in Government Juvenile Home, Thanjavur at a total cost of Rs.12.30 lakhs during 2001-2002.

Inmates are also admitted in outside Higher Secondary Schools, Colleges, Industrial Training Institutes, Polytechnics and Professional Colleges. The details are as follows:

Medical Education (Degree Course)	4
Engineering Degree Course	4
Arts Graduate Degree Course	3
I.T.I. Certificate Course	38
Polytechnic Course	1

In order to give an added thrust to the education and overall development of inmates of Special/Juvenile Homes, this Government have provided 5 seats in Engineering Colleges for the benefit of the inmates of the above Homes.

5.5 VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN JUVENILE / SPECIAL HOMES

To provide rehabilitation, Vocational training is also imparted to the inmates in the Juvenile/Special homes. Trained teachers and instructors are imparting training to the children in Carpentry, Book-binding, Mechanised carpentry, Masonry, Tailoring and Embroidery, Soap-making, Gardening and Agriculture, Weaving, Brass-band music, Mat-weaving, Dairy farming, Black-smithy and Metal work in the Juvenile/Special Homes. The children are permitted to appear for the trade examination after the completion of their training. Besides the above, the following short-term vocational training courses are also provided.

1 Candle making

2 Paper toy making

3 Flour grinding

4 Automobile workshop

5 Home and commercial electrical wiring

6 Plumbing

7 Screen Printing

8 Baniyan making

Tailoring sections in Government Special Home for Girls, Chennai and Carpentry sections at Thanjavur and Ranipet, Weaving section in Government Special Home, Chengalpattu have been modernised to provide training to the children. An Arc Welding cum production Unit is imparting training to the children in the Government Juvenile Home, Ranipet.

In Protective Homes/After Care Home for Women, training is imparted in embroidery and needle work, mat weaving and weaving. A Power Laundry in the Vigilance Home, Chennai provides training to children in laundry allied jobs.

One Creche is functioning in Government Juvenile / Special Home for Girls, Chennai. children are also trained in the house-keeping course. One After Care Hostel for the employed ex-pupils of Juvenile/Special Home for Girls, Chennai is functioning in the premises. 10 ex-pupils are benefitted under this scheme.

Two-wheeler servicing and repairs workshop is functioning in Government Juvenile Home, Chennai, Thanjavur and Cuddalore. 30 children are trained in these units.

Hollow-block making units in Government Juvenile Homes at Thanjavur and Ranipet, Sanitary Napkins making unit in Government Juvenile/Special Home for Girls at Chennai, impart training to the children.

5.6 INCENTIVE TO THE CHILDREN IN VOCATIONAL TRADES

The aptitude of the children in the institutions are closely monitored to provide them both education and useful occupation. The children trained in the industrial unit are provided incentive at the following rates.

1) skilled children at Rs.70/- per month

2) semi skilled children at Rs.50/- per month

The incentive payment is saved and credited to the pocket money of the children every month.

5.7 VOCATIONAL TRAINING TO THE DISCHARGED INMATES.

In the After care organisation for boys,at Athur, Kancheepuram District, training is imparted in Bookbinding, Black-smithy and Agriculture. Incentive is provided (Rs.50/- for semi-skilled and Rs.70/- for skilled) to the inmates working in the Vocational Units. A scheme to provide extensive training to the discharged inmates of Juvenile / Special Homes was introduced and is being continued. This scheme is designed as " Vocational Rehabilitation Centre" and the courses offered in the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre which is functioning in the premises of the Government After Care Organisation for Boys at Athur include Auto-Mechanism, General Mechanic, electrical wiring, Motor-Winding, Screen-Printing, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning, and Desk Top publishing (Computer). The After Care Organisation for girls/women at Vellore, is providing training in Holdall making, Leather stitching and Tailoring.

The vocational trades taught in Vocational Rehabilitation Centre has duly been recognised by the Employment and Training Department. By this recognition, the boys after finishing their courses will receive the certificates (recognised) with which they can seek employment through Employment Exchange or any other sources. So far 32 students have been benefitted under this scheme.

5.8 REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES

The Department of Social Defence is providing rehabilitation to the children/inmates discharged from the institutions, as detailed below:

1) Job opportunities are provided to eligible ex-pupils in the posts falling vacant in the department which do not come under the purview of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission.

2) A Marriage grant of Rs.3,000/- is sanctioned to the girls as a method of Rehabilitation. Besides Rs.2000/- is paid towards marriage day expenses. 16 Girls have benefitted.

3) The women and girls discharged from the Vigilance / Protective Homes are provided with financial assistance under self-employment scheme from the "Social Defence Inmates Welfare Fund". Rs.5000/- is provided to each discharged children / inmate to start trades such as petty shops, tailoring shops and to rear cattle or goats. So far 151 ex-inmates have been provided with financial assistance.

4) Lump-sum grant is provided for the purchase of tools and equipment’s to the trained children in the following vocational trades when they go out of the Juvenile/Special Homes so as to help them to start trades on their own.

Sl.No	Vocational Sections	No. of Awards	Lumsum Grant per head
1.	Carpentry	5	2,000
2.	Weaving	2	1,000
3.	Book-Binding	3	1,000
4.	Gardening and Agriculture	4	500
5.	Masonry	2	500
6.	Tailoring	10	2500
7.	Embroidery	2	1000
8.	Metal Work	4	1,000
9.	Mat-Weaving	4	1,000
10.	House Wiring and Plumbing	2	1,000
11.	Electric arc Welding	2	1,000
12.	Two wheeler Servicing & repair	2	2,000

A sum of Rs.35,000/- is provided in the budget for 2001-2002 towards the above.

5.9 FAMILY SUPPORT SCHEME:-

With a view to help the children who have come to the Juvenile Homes due to poor economic condition, Family Support Programme is implemented. Under the scheme the child is allowed to remain and grow within the family atmosphere by providing financial support for education. Children are identified by a Committee and placed back with their parents under the scheme. Financial assistance of Rs.200-/ per month per child is provided to the family. 100 children are benefitted. This is an attempt towards deinstitutionalisation.

5.10 ERADICATION OF JUVENILE BEGGARY

One Juvenile Guidance Bureau, under Indian Council for Child Welfare, a Voluntary Organisation, is functioning at Shenoy nagar, Chennai with grant-in-aid to identify the children found begging and counsel them and their parents. Children are motivated to go to schools.

5.11 SPECIAL CARE CENTRES

To provide parental care to the Destitute children in the juvenile Homes, two Special Care Centres (one for boys and one for girls) have been started through the Non-Governmental Organisations in the premises of Government Juvenile Home, Ranipet and Government Juvenile/Special Home for Girls, Chennai at a cost of Rs.1.20 lakhs. 100 children are benefitted under the scheme.

5.12 CRISIS INTERVENTION CENTRE FOR THE PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT

The objective of the Juvenile Justice administration in the State includes, among other things, an emphasis on the protection of the rights of the children and preventing their abuse, neglect or exploitation. To ensure prevention of child abuse, Government of Tamil Nadu has launched a project through Indian Council for Child Welfare, Chennai (Tamil Nadu). The project takes on record and enquire the cases of child abuse and provide temporary care and protection to the child besides Guiding and Counselling parents.

5.13 STATE SCHEME FOR PROVIDING NIGHT SHELTER FOR STREET CHILDREN

The Government is implementing a scheme to provide shelters to children living at path ways or dwelling on the streets. Under the scheme, there are 16 shelters functioning in the State under Non-Governmental Organisations. Rs.65,500/- per annum is paid as grant, for providing service to 50 children in a shelter which includes one time meal, non-formal education, and vocational training. The Shelters function in the following places.

Chennai	5	Tirunelvelli	1
Madurai	4	Dindigul	1
Salem	1	Trichy	1
Villupuram	1	Ramnad	1
Vellore	1
			16

These shelters provide a safe place to the street children during night hours and provide vocational training and non-formal education. 800 children are benefitted under the scheme.

5.14 INTEGRATED PROGRAMMES FOR STREET CHILDREN

The Government of India in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is assisting the NGOs to implement a comprehensive programme called "Integrated Programme for Development of Street Children". The proposals of the NGOs are recommended by the State Government for the release of funds. The maximum grant available to an NGO is Rs.15.00 lakhs per annum. 8 NGOs in Tamil Nadu are implementing the above programmes. For Chennai City Corporation, the Department of Social Defence had formed a City Level Forum and brought out a Plan of Action. This Plan of Action attempts to provide a common platform and basis for coordination and networking among Governmental and Non-Governmental agencies. This is the first of its kind in the country.

5.15 DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION

Non-Governmental Organisations are availing financial assistance from Government of India for implementing the following programmes.

NAME OF THE PROGRAMME	NUMBER OF NGO’s
a) Drug Awarness, Counselling and Assistance Centre	3
b) De-addiction cum Rehabilitation Centre	25
c) De-addiction Camp	1
Total	29

5.16 CHILDLINE

A novel scheme of a child accessing service deliveries through a telephone outreach programme has been launched. This project is known as "Child Line" with a simple number ‘1098’. Any Child in distress or any person finding a child in distress situation can dial 1098 at free of cost. Collaborating Organisations with net work of NGOs attend to the phone calls received and make appropriate interventions. The Scheme was initiated by Department of Social Defence and is funded by Government of India and the Department of Social Defence is the nodal Department. A Child Line advisory Board comprising of Representative from UNICEF, NGOs, Government of India Officials from Information Bureaux, Railways, Telecom and State Government Officials from Social Welfare, Institute of Child Health and Police have been constituted. The Director of Social Defence is the Chairman of the Child Line Advisory Board.

So far, the following assistances have been provided.

1.	Medical Assistance	105
2.	Shelter Assistance	677
3.	Protection from abuse	86
4.	Missing Children	279
5.	Repatriation	267
6.	Death related	1
7.	Emotional Support and Guidance	63
8.	Information and referrals	391
9.	About Child Line	8311
10.	Chit Chat calls	673

5.17 MISSING CHILD BUREAU

Consequent on the industrial growth, children are the victims in various forms and aspects. Therefore with a view to create a hightech information Data bank about Missing Children Government on an experimental basis have initially created a Missing Child Bureau in Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore.

5.18 PROGRAMME DEVELOPMENT MONITORING AND EVALUATION CELL

A Programme Development Monitoring and Evaluation Cell was created in the year 1991 with UNICEF assistance in the Directorate of Social Defence with the objective of monitoring the child welfare related programmes (institutional and non-institutional programmes) implemented by the Department apart from ensuring minimum standards of services to the children in institutions.

The Programme Development Monitoring and Evaluation Cell is also conducting workshops and seminars especially on Children in Especially Difficult Circumstances besides monitoring the programme for street children implemented by the Non-Governmental Organisations.

CHAPTER 6

OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME

6.1 The Scheme of Old Age Pension has been mainly implemented by the State Government under the following five categories with a view to give Social Security to Old Age Persons who have no means of subsistence and have no relatives.

i) Old Age Pension (Normal) Scheme (Implemented from 1.4.1962)

ii) Destitute Physically Handicapped Scheme (1.11.1974)

iii) Destitute Widows Pension Scheme (1.6.1975)

iv) Destitute Agricultural Labourers Pension Scheme(15.3.1981)

v) Deserted Wives Pension Scheme (25.4.1986)

Under the scheme, the pension amount payable every month is Rs. 200/- to all categories.

6.2 OLD AGE PENSION SCHEME

i) Old Age Pension (Normal) Scheme

The above scheme was introduced and functioning from 1.4.1962 for the grant of pension to all old age persons, who have no means of subsistence to support them. The minimum age limit for the eligibility to old age pension is 60 years, in the case of destitute, who are incapacitated to earn their livelihood due to blindness, leprosy, insanity, paralysis or loss of limb. For other destitute persons the minimum age limit for eligibility is 65 years.

As on 30.6.2001 the number of beneficiaries under this scheme is 4,66,362.

For the normal Old Age Pension Scheme, of the total of Rs. 200/- pension amount received by those who are 65 years or more, the central government's contribution is Rs.75/- per month.

ii) Destitute Physically Handicapped Pension Scheme

Under this scheme, Physically handicapped destitute persons, whose disability is 50 percent or more are eligible for the pension. The age limit prescribed is 45 years.

The Government have constituted a District Level Committee as per G.O.Ms.No.964, SWD dated 19.12.1980 in each district with the Collectors, District Medical Officers and District Social Welfare Officers as Members to examine the applications received from physically handicapped persons and sanction pension to them considering the individual hardship without reference to age rules. ( The Government in their Lr.No.G2/16369/82 dated 22.7.1982 issued orders extending the scheme to leprosy patients also).

As on 30.6.2001 the number of beneficiaries under this scheme is 42,654.

iii) Destitute Widows Pension Scheme

The Government have extended the scheme of Old Age Pension to the Destitute Widows. There is no age limit for this scheme. The Destitute widows who have not remarried and who are having legal heirs of 18 years of age and above are also eligible for pension under this scheme. The other conditions under this scheme are the same as those applicable in the case of Old Age Pension (Normal) Scheme.

As on 30.6.2001 the number of beneficiaries under this scheme is 4,61,661.

iv) Destitute Agricultural Labourers Pension Scheme

The Government have extended the scheme of Old Age Pension to the Destitute Agricultural Labourers. Under this scheme, the minimum age is fixed as 60. The conditions under the scheme are the same as those applicable in the case of Old Age Pension (Normal) scheme.

As on 30.6.2001 the number of beneficiaries under this scheme is 89,911.

v) Deserted Wives Pension Scheme

The scheme has been extended to the benefit of the wives those who are not less than 30 years of age, deserted by their husband, obtained legal separation certificate from the competent Court of Law. The deserted wives are eligible for pension under this scheme though they are having legal heirs who have completed 18 years of age and above.

As on 30.6.2001 the number of beneficiaries under the scheme is 71,612.

6.3 OTHER BENEFITS

Free Supply of Dhoties / Sarees

One dhoti or one saree is given to male or female pensioners respectively twice a year during Pongal and Deepavali Festivals.

Supply of nutritious meals and free rice to the Old Age Pension beneficiaries

The Government in their G.O.Ms.No.771 SWD, dated 6.10.1980 have ordered for free supply of one kilogram of free rice per week for all Old Age Pensioners free of cost with effect from 1.11.1980.

The Government in their G.O.Ms.No.394, Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department, dated 5.9.1991 have permitted all the Old Age Pension Beneficiaries to draw rice free of cost as per the scale indicated below with effect from 15.9.1991.

i) Free supply of one Kg. of fine variety of rice per week per head for those who are not taking meals in the Nutritious Meal Programme Centres.

ii) Free supply of 1/2Kg of fine variety of rice per week, per head for those who take meals in Nutritious Meal Programme Centres.

As per G.O. Ms. No. 288, SW & NMP Dept., dated 26.9.1997, the supply of rice is made once in a month. Accordingly, the Old Age Pensioners who take meals in the Nutritious Meal Programme Centres get free supply of two kilograms of rice per month and those who do not take meals get free supply of 4 kilograms of rice.

11,32,200 persons are benefitted under these schemes.

CONCLUSION

I wish to refer here to the views of our Hon’ble Chief Minister on the achievements of 100 days of her golden rule. She has stated, "My goal and aim is to tirelessly work to achieve the ideal of making Tamil Nadu the best State in India, conceptualizing and implementing schemes for the welfare of women, and ensuring that nobody is below the poverty line". Accordingly the Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department will extend a helping hand and assist children, women, the physically handicapped and the aged. We will ensure their well being by formulating and implementing many good programmes, so as to satisfy their known felt needs. Then only they can see prosperity in their life. By this the country will attain prosperity. We will continue to perform by taking Hon’ble Chief Minister’s instructions as our goals.

We strongly believe that if we all work with a sense of duty, determination and discipline, and with a unity of purpose, we can surely lay the foundation of a prosperous future and ensure the prosperity of those suffering in poverty. To transform these dreams into reality, we pledge to work day and night, tirelessly, under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister.

B. VALARMATHI

Minister for Social Welfare