file photo Udhagamandalam: At least 60 beneficiaries of Kalaignar Kanavu Ilam SchemeFrom many panchayats of Kotagiri, in EucalyptusOn Monday, he staged a silent protest in front of the Panchayat Union office. He demanded release of the first installment of sanctioned funds house construction under the scheme.
At least 278 houses have been sanctioned under this scheme in Kotagiri block alone. Many of these beneficiaries are living in temporary sheds or rented houses after their old huts were demolished to begin construction.
The protesters said they had started the construction work two months ago by borrowing loans as there was undue delay in releasing the first installment.
C Manogaran, ward member of Jakkanarai panchayat, said, “Work orders were issued to 67 beneficiaries in our panchayat about three months ago. Some have laid the foundation, while others have completed the house up to lintel level with the borrowed money. Although the first installment of Rs 75,000 has not been released yet, this silent protest is to bring this issue to the attention of the government.”
Dhandapani, one of the beneficiaries, said, “It was the officials who urged us to start the construction work immediately and warned that they would otherwise cancel the work order. We are paying exorbitant interest to the lenders. This is to show that This is our first silent protest.” Dissatisfaction.”
Meanwhile, Kotagiri block development officer K Sreedharan told TOI, “The first installment of the scheme will be distributed within a week.” Installments are disbursed in four phases from foundation to completion.
Manogaran said that if the first installment is not paid within a week, the protesters will gherao the Panchayat Union office.
