Expansion of Thayumanavar scheme: More beneficiaries to be included under doorstep ration delivery

.CHENNAI: Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay-led coalition government has decided to expand the Chief Minister’s Thayumanavar Scheme by extending doorstep delivery of essential ration commodities to senior citizens aged 60 years and above, persons with disability and widows, said senior government officials on Friday.

The decision was taken after Chief Minister chaired a review meeting of the Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department on Thursday, during which he directed officials to ensure that the scheme is expanded at the earliest while continuing the existing programme without any interruption, according to senior officials familiar with the deliberations.

At present, around 19 lakh beneficiaries, comprising senior citizens aged above 65 years and PwDs, receive essential commodities at their doorsteps under the scheme.

With the expansion, the minimum age for eligibility among senior citizens will be reduced from 65 years to 60 years. Widows will also be brought under the scheme, substantially increasing its coverage across the State, officials in the department said.

“The modalities for implementing the expanded coverage are being worked out. Detailed operational guidelines will be issued after the exercise is completed,” said an official.

The scheme was launched by the previous DMK government under former Chief Minister MK Stalin to deliver essential commodities under the Public Distribution System to the homes of eligible beneficiaries. The present government has decided to retain the scheme and widen its coverage as part of its welfare and food security initiatives, sources said.