By IANS,
Chennai: Tamil Nadu government’s poverty reduction scheme Vazhndhu Kaattuvom Project (VKP) got an additional funding of Rs.950 crore from the World Bank Thursday.
An agreement to this effect was signed by the state government, the central government and the World Bank at the state secretariat here.
With this fund, the state government has decided to expand the project to 120 backward blocks in 26 districts to benefit 960,000 households.
According to an official, the project was aimed at assisting self help groups amongst the poor and create economic opportunities. It also provided training to youth from the disadvantaged groups to help them get employed. Special assistance to differently abled persons is also extended.
The project, which began in 2006, is being implemented in 70 backward blocks in 16 districts in Tamil Nadu with a World Bank assistance of Rs.717 crore.