From the year 2003, as part of economic development to the weaker and disadvantaged community, milch-animals were given to find income and improve their socio-economic standard. The Dalit Christians in the Diocese area are the major beneficiaries of this programme.
Eligibility criteria to avail of this assistance:-
- Widows from the family of poor status.
- Economically lower strata Dalits.
- Destitute women.
- Disabled persons belonging to Dalit community.
Applications submitted by the target population are verified and screened by the SC, ST Commission and through the local Parish Priests the application are forwarded to the Secretary of KMSSS.
All the animals given to the beneficiary are insured to compensate against loss. The milch-animals’ yield is sold to the Government Milk Societies or private vendors. Through this scheme the children are greatly benefited in education. They are supplied with milk which is essential for normal growth of children.
Cow Project client’s details:
No. | Zone | Villages covered | Number of Clients | Amount Rs. |
1. | Thiruvaiyaru | 11 villages | 50 persons | 6,00,000 |
2. | Kumbakonam | 04 villages | 50 persons | 6,00,000 |
Total repayment from the above 100 beneficiaries is Rs.3,24,650/-.
From the repayment amount received from the beneficiaries, the target people are given assistance to engage in small scale business, sewing machine and milch-animals and for education of children.