Pension for Islamic Scholars

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has sanctioned pension for 128 Islamic scholars (ulema) including 18 women, according to a government order issued on September 2. The pension scheme was originally launched in 1981 and so far, Rs. 250 a month is being given. The amount has now been increased to Rs. 1,000 a month. A delegation of the ulema which called upon Minority Welfare Minister S. Abdur Raheem, requested that the sum be increased to RS. 2,500 a month. The minister assured them that the request would be conveyed to chief minister Jayalalithaa.