Tamil Nadu: Salt pan workers in Thoothukudi seek hike in monsoon relief from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000
Thoothukudi, June 16
Salt pan workers on Tuesday demanded an increase in monsoon relief assistance, citing growing difficulties in sustaining their livelihoods.
The workers have sought an increase in the monsoon relief assistance from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.
Speaking to reporters, salt pan worker Kasi Ammal pointed out that the Rs 5,000 monsoon relief assistance provided by the government was insufficient to cover family expenses for three months.
"We work under extremely difficult conditions in the salt pans. Although we get work for several months starting from the Tamil month of Thai, our employment is completely affected during the monsoon season. The Rs 5,000 monsoon relief assistance provided by the government is not sufficient to meet our family expenses for three months. Therefore, the relief amount should be increased to Rs 10,000," Ammal told ANI.
Kasi further demanded the construction of house-site pattas and urged the Tamil Nadu government to provide support to help the workers build their homes.
"We also need house-site pattas. Many of us are living in rented houses, and we require government support to build our own homes," added Ammal.
Echoing similar concerns, another worker, Mariammal, stated that with the rising cost of essential commodities, the government must take steps to increase the relief amount.
"It is impossible to run a family for three months with just Rs 5,000 as monsoon relief assistance. With the rising cost of essential commodities, the government should take steps to increase the relief amount. We request Chief Minister Vijay Thambi to consider our appeal and assure an increase in the monsoon relief assistance," said Mariammal.
Urging immediate intervention, the workers called on both the government and political parties to address their core grievances, specifically the hike in relief assistance and the grant of house-site pattas as early as possible.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is a fair demand. These workers toil in extreme conditions and deserve better support. But I also wonder if the government can create alternative employment during monsoon months instead of just relief. That would be more sustainable.
Fully support this. Salt pan workers are the backbone of our state's industry and they get such raw deals. A family can't survive on Rs 5,000 for three months in this economy. The CM should look into this urgently. Also, please give them pattas so they can build homes. 🏠
I appreciate the workers raising their voices. However, I think the relief amount should be calculated based on actual inflation and family size. Rs 10,000 might also be tight for three months. But it's a step in the right direction. The government must also address housing needs.
It's 2025 and we're still talking about basic relief for workers? 😞 These hardworking people deserve dignity. Rs 5,000 is an insult honestly. I hope the state government wakes up and shows some compassion. And pattas should be given without delay.
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