Tamil Nadu allocates Rs 792.8 million for 1,500 homes

The state government has earmarked Rs792.8 million for building 1,500 houses for the recently merged scheduled tribe (ST) and Narikuravar communities. A government order (G.O.) has been issued to implement this allocation.

According to the G.O., 1,000 homeless scheduled tribe members and 500 Narikuravars across 19 districts in Tamil Nadu will benefit from these houses. Eligible beneficiaries will be identified, and construction will commence promptly.

Initially, the estimated cost for constructing 1,500 houses was Rs450 million, but it was later increased to Rs790 million.

Many individuals from these communities lead semi-nomadic lives, and the state government has been providing them land pattas and houses to help them transition to a settled lifestyle. Chief Minister M K Stalin recently distributed land pattas to Narikuravars in Vellore district, while NGOs, in partnership with the state's Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department and district administrations, have been constructing houses for tribals to enhance their livelihoods through permanent jobs and business initiatives.