TN to construct 68 hostels for backward, SC/ST students

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu government today said 68 hostels would be constructed in the state at Rs 86.97 crore, to benefit backward, most backward, SC/ST and minority students in the state.


Making a suo motu statement in the Assembly, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said 47 of them can house 100 students, while the remaining would house 50 students.

The new hostels would have solar water heaters and solar photo voltaic power plant by Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency, she said.

A total of 10 school and college hostels -- five for backward classes, three for most backward classes, one each for SC/ST and minorities would be constructed at a cost of Rs 2.50 crore, the Chief Minister said, adding it would benefit 1,000 students.

Jayalalithaa also increased the income slab for receiving government aid for students in government-aided educational institutions from Rs one lakh to Rs two lakh.

"It would benefit 1,05,000 students belonging to BC, MBC, SC/ST and minority communities. It would cost Rs 23.24 crore to the exchequer," she said.