Nearly 21 lakh beneficiaries in Chennai, nearby districts, covered under cash relief disbursal

The disbursement of flood relief amount in cash has covered nearly 21 lakh beneficiaries in Chennai and parts of three neighbouring districts. 

This accounts for about 85% of the total beneficiaries of 25 lakh. Going by the coverage, a total of ₹1,260 crore has been distributed to the beneficiaries, who have been identified mainly on the basis of ration cards. 

Since Sunday (December 17), a sum of  ₹6,000 each is being paid to flood-hit families in the four districts, subject to certain stipulations. In respect of those not covered under such conditions, the payment will be made through banks, based on the scrutiny of applications submitted by the affected persons.  This will be done separately, says a government official, adding that “we have ensured the payment of relief only after bio-metric verification of the beneficiaries.”