Chennai: In a move aimed at improving access to essential supplies for vulnerable populations, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin is set to launch a new welfare initiative on Tuesday to deliver ration items directly to the homes of more than 21 lakh senior citizens and differently abled individuals.

According to an official government release, the scheme, titled "Chief Minister's Thayumanavar Scheme", will be inaugurated in Chennai. The programme aims to deliver key ration supplies, including rice and sugar, straight to the doorsteps of eligible beneficiaries.

The targeted group includes senior citizens above the age of 70 and ration card holders with disabilities. Of the total beneficiaries, approximately 20.42 lakh are elderly individuals, while 1.27 lakh are differently abled persons, the government stated.

Fortnightly, tech-enabled delivery system

As per the implementation plan, deliveries will occur every second Saturday and Sunday of the month. The Department of Food and Consumer Protection has already collected relevant data and shared it with field-level staff to begin operations smoothly.

To ensure accurate and transparent delivery, field staff will be equipped with electronic weighing machines and e-Point of Sale (e-PoS) devices, the release said.

Highlighting the financial commitment to the scheme, the government noted, "The pro-people move would cost the government a sum of Rs 30.16 crore and the government aims to ensure the welfare of the marginalised sections of the society."

With PTI inputs