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Chennai floods: Who is eligible for government’s Rs 6,000 aid? Here are the details

In the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung, Chennai and several districts including Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, and Thiruvallur experienced heavy rainfall, resulting in the loss of lives and damage to properties.

On Wednesday, the Commissioner of Revenue and Disaster Management in Tamil Nadu outlined the procedures for distributing the government-announced financial aid to individuals affected by the floods in Chennai and its neighbouring districts.

Between December 3 and 4, Cyclone Michaung influenced heavy to very heavy rainfall in Chennai and the surrounding Chengalpet, Kancheepuram, and Thiruvallur districts, causing significant damage to lives and properties due to flooding.

Chief Minister MK Stalin, on Saturday, declared a financial assistance package of Rs 6,000 for those impacted by the floods. Additionally, he announced an increase in compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in rain-related incidents due to the cyclone, raising it from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.

Who qualifies for financial assistance?
Families that have lost their livelihoods and experienced property damage during the two days of flooding are eligible for financial assistance. The aid will be distributed to them at local ration shops in their respective areas.

Government officials at both the central and state levels, individuals paying income tax, and those holding sugar cards must submit details of the damage they incurred. Additionally, they are required to provide their bank account information at ration shops to access the financial assistance. The government will deposit the aid into their bank accounts after verifying the reported damages.

To ensure the smooth execution of this process, the government has issued instructions to the registrar of co-operative societies, the managing director of the Civil Supplies Corporation, district collectors, and the police. Their role is to oversee the arrangements and ensure the distribution of tokens to eligible beneficiaries.

The relief coverage includes the following taluks:

1. Chennai District: All taluks
2. Chengalpattu: Tambaram, Pallavaram, and Vandalur taluks, along with three revenue villages in Thiruporur taluk
3. Kancheepuram: Kundrathur taluk and three revenue villages in Sriperumbudur taluk
4. Tiruvallur: Ponneri, Gummidipoondi, Avadi, Poonamalle, Uthukottai, and Tiruvallur taluks

This decision to provide cash relief was made in light of damaged ATMs in certain areas and the loss of ATM cards by many individuals. Additionally, it allows the government more time to collect the bank details of all beneficiaries.