Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin Inaugurates 729 New Homes for Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees Across Six Districts

Rs. 38.76 Crore Project Provides Safe Housing and Better Living Conditions in Resettlement Camps

Chennai – In a major step toward improving the lives of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin today virtually inaugurated 729 newly constructed houses in resettlement camps across Viluppuram, Tiruppur, Salem, Dharmapuri, and Virudhunagar districts. These homes were built at a cost of Rs. 38.76 crore as part of the state government’s long-term rehabilitation program for camp-based Sri Lankan Tamils.

Background and Vision

CM Stalin had earlier, on August 27, 2021, announced a significant shift in the state’s approach to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees. Through a Statement under Assembly Rule 110, he declared that refugee camps would henceforth be termed “Sri Lankan Tamil Resettlement Camps”, signifying a move toward dignity, safety, and permanent rehabilitation for the Tamil diaspora displaced by the Sri Lankan civil war.

To reflect this shift, various welfare benefits including monthly cash assistance, clothing allowances, educational aid, and enhanced ration benefits were upgraded. The government also announced access to LPG gas connections, stoves and subsidies, seed capital for women’s self-help groups, and skill-based training with placement support for the youth in camps.

Infrastructure for a Better Life

In continuation of this policy, 729 new houses were built in the following six locations:

• Kizhputhupattu in Viluppuram
• Thirumoorthi Nagar in Tiruppur
• Thammampatti in Salem
• Nagathi Agaram and Sarkuli Agaram in Dharmapuri
• Kandiyapuram in Virudhunagar

The project cost of Rs. 38.76 crore covered the construction of the homes as well as critical infrastructure.

Additionally, basic infrastructure such as roads, street lighting, drainage, and drinking water systems were developed in several camps at a cost of Rs. 7.33 crore.

Long-Term Resettlement Plan

The state government has set an ambitious goal of constructing 7,469 new homes to replace dilapidated houses in 67 resettlement camps across 26 districts. The first phase involved sanctioning 3,510 houses in 35 camps across 19 districts, with a budget of Rs. 180.34 crore.

Of these, 2,781 homes in 32 camps across 18 districts have already been completed and handed over to beneficiaries. The current inauguration of 729 homes marks the second phase in this ongoing initiative.

Dignitaries Present

The inauguration was attended by several key ministers and senior officials, including:

• Thiru K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran, Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management
• Thiru Gingee Mastan, Minister for Minorities Welfare and Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils
• Thiru Na. Muruganandam, IAS, Principal Secretary, Revenue Department
• Ms. Rita Harish Thakker, IAS, Secretary, Rehabilitation Department
• Mr. M. Selvaraj, IAS, Commissioner for Welfare of Sri Lankan Tamils and Rehabilitation
• Mr. Jegan Singh Raj John, IAS, Special Secretary, Rehabilitation Department

The dignitaries reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing Sri Lankan Tamils with secure, permanent housing and integrated welfare services that allow them to lead dignified lives.

Issued by:
Director, Department of Information and Public Relations, Chennai – 9