Chennai, May 12 (BPNS)

The film ‘Jai Bhim’ by Tamil superstar, Suriya depicted the woes of the tribal Irula community and has been a runaway success at the box office. However, the lives of Irula’s have been tough and many don’t have homes to stay in other than make-shift shanties which give away during heavy rains and winds.

The Ranipet district authorities have conducted a survey and enumeration among the 9500 Irulars of 2899 families in 172 regions of the district and found that several of these families don’t have homes to live in except makeshift shanties and tents. With the enumeration completed, the district administration has prepared a proposal and forwarded it to the state government to build houses for the Irualar community by getting the support from the Prime Minister Awas Yojna( PMAY) and Kalaignar housing scheme.

District collector of Ranipet, Baskarapandian who led the enumeration drive of the Irula community in the district while speaking to BPNS said, “ The district authorities have conducted an enumeration of Irualar community in the district and have listed out the basic amenities they require. They live in small groups and in isolated places and it was difficult to get their details. However, we have identified those who need homes and pattas have been identified and a proposal sent to the state government. Houses will be built for them under the Prime Minister Awas Yojana (PMAY) and the Kalaignar housing scheme.”

The district collector has also conducted an inspection in Kalavi, Athiyanam, and Melneli villages of Ranipet district and found that 19 families were living without electric connection even after poles were laid. The connection was not affected as they did not have funds to be given as a deposit with Rs 3000 required for each connection.

Ranipet district collector, Baskarapandian directed the district authorities to pay the deposit money for the 19 families, and an amount of Rs 57000 was paid by the district administration.