A 74-year-old widow seems to be the latest victim of government’s fund crunch. R Sarojini Ammal, a resident of Vysyal Street here, is waiting for the administration to pay up last seven months’ rent on her property in Ramakrishna Nagar which houses the Adi Dravida Hostel.The hostel run by the Department of Adi Dravida Welfare houses around 80 students.
Sarojini Ammal claims that the department cited paucity of funds as a reason for non-payment of the rent. “It is not fair to penalise an old lady saying that there are no funds. I do not even get a reply when I visit the department,” she said in a petition sent to the lieutenant governor, chief minister, welfare minister and the area MLA.
In her petition, Sarojini Ammal urged the government to release the rent as her medical and daily expenses depend on it. She also pleaded for regular payment henceforth.
No clarification was available from the Department of Adi Dravida Welfare which is without a regular director since July 1. When contacted, Deputy Director (Student Wing) of Department of Adi Dravida Welfare M Thillagam, accused the reporter of being biased towards Sarojini Ammal. Hindu Religious Institutions Commissioner Mohandoss, who is the director in-charge, said that he would have to look into details.
Sources in the Department, however, said Sarojini Ammal has sought an increase in the rent, which has been sent to the government for approval. The Department had also asked Sarojini Ammal to carry out repair work in certain portions of the building.
Sarojini Ammal could not be reached for comment as her house remained locked since Wednesday when she submitted the petition.
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