It has been learned that the Tamil Nadu government has been providing higher cash dole to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in the State than what has been allowed by the Union government of India.

This was conveyed by a team of senior officers of the government to Indian Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice on Saturday.

The State also brought to the notice of the committee the Centre’s decision on reduction in the sanctioned strength of staff to look after refugee camps. What was 280 had been brought down significantly to 32, an official said.

Chief Secretary K. Gnanadesikan and Director General of Police Ashok Kumar were among those who represented the State before the Committee, headed by E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan.
(with inputs from The Hindu)