One thousand rupees as Onam gift for SC people aged 60 and above

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As a government initiative, it has been decreed that one thousand rupees will be provided to each Scheduled Tribe member of the state aged 60 years and above excluding the residents of Kottayam district as a gift. The distribution of this amount to them will take place this Onam. Once the model code of conduct for the Puthuupally by-election is lifted, the funds will also be disbursed to those residing in Kottayam district. A sum of 5,57,81,000 rupees has been allocated from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for this purpose.

Additionally, the health department is introducing a special Onam kit for the first time, specifically for sickle cell patients. This kit is provided in addition to the nutrition kits they are currently receiving. The Civil Supplies and Consumer Federation has compiled this kit comprising 8 items including sugar, tea powder, green gram and jaggery. Minister Veena George has announced that the Health Department and the Sickle Cell Patients' Association will be distributing these kits on Friday and Saturday.

Regarding gender reassignment surgery, it is now an optional and financially feasible choice. Ongoing medical support is ensured for transgender individuals, and Minister R. Bindu has removed the age limit requirement. Instead, the directive has been modified to apply to ‘all transgender individuals who are 18 years of age and eligible for sex reassignment surgery.’

The assessment of necessary work for the KSEB Medical Dispensary, to determine the estimated rates for the State Medical Regulatory Commission has been postponed. The new date for this will be announced later, as today's (August 23) session was deferred.