The Tamil Nadu government on Monday announced a special, one-time assistance of Rs 2,000 each for 60 lakh families living below the poverty line affected by drought and last year’s Cyclone Gaja.

“Considering the impact of Gaja cyclone in many districts as well as the drought, the special assistance was being provided,” Chief Minister Edapaddi K Palaniswami said in the state Assembly, adding that the proposal was part of his government’s efforts to ensure inclusive growth.

Palaniswami said Rs 1,200 crore would be allocated for the scheme. The beneficiaries will include urban and rural poor, including farm labourers, fireworks industry employees, and those who work in the powerloom and handloom sector, salt pans and construction industry, he added.

Gaja made landfall in Nagapattinam’s Vedaranyam block in mid-November, killing around 46 people. It left a trail of destruction in more than 10 districts, including Nagapttinam, Thiruvarur, Puthukottai and Thanjavur. The Centre has so far approved a total assistance of around Rs 1,500 crore even though the state government sought Rs 14,910 crore for rehabilitation, renovation, including work in the power sector, which was badly affected.