The Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing Development Corporation Limited (TAHDCO) has enrolled nearly three lakh temporary cleanliness workers who are eligible to receive smart cards to avail themselves of benefits under various schemes of the Union and State governments.
According to official sources, TAHDCO has been preparing an integrated database of cleanliness workers, rag pickers, sweepers, crematorium workers and hospital workers involved in housekeeping, since last year, with the help of local bodies. The exercise involves enrolling the personal details of eligible beneficiaries and their family members and has reached its final stages.
K.S. Kandasamy, Managing Director, TAHDCO, said: “The agency, after thorough scrutiny, has removed duplications in the database. So far, 2.94 lakh beneficiaries have been enrolled. The aim of the exercise was to ensure the extension of targeted assistance under 11 initiatives, including scholarships for their children, marriage and maternity benefits and old-age pensions.”
Steps are being taken to print smart cards to be distributed to beneficiaries in a phased manner. The first phase of distribution is likely to commence soon. The smart cards will be similar to ration cards and the beneficiaries will receive periodic updates on the registered mobile number regarding various benefits available to them, he added.
Published – January 10, 2025 12:56 am IST
