Sun Jun 22 18:34:50 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article rewrite of the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar and Housing Development Corporation (TAHDCO) has established community groups comprised of Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) members to manage and maintain community assets like halls and knowledge centers. This initiative aims to improve the upkeep of these facilities, which previously suffered from neglect under village panchayat control. The groups receive financial assistance through loans and subsidies, allowing them to generate income by renting out the spaces for events. The new model also shifts asset ownership to the District Manager of TAHDCO, fostering a sense of community ownership and responsibility.
**News Article:**
**TAHDCO Empowers SC/ST Communities to Manage Public Assets in Tamil Nadu**
**CHENNAI, June 23, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar and Housing Development Corporation (TAHDCO) has launched a novel initiative to empower Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities by entrusting them with the management and maintenance of community halls, village knowledge centers, and multipurpose centers across the state.
The move comes in response to concerns about the poor upkeep of these assets under the previous management of village panchayats. Under the new model, dedicated community groups consisting of SC/ST members will oversee the maintenance and operation of the facilities.
“Previously, many of these assets were not maintained properly, resulting in damages to infrastructure,” explained K.S. Kandasamy, Managing Director of TAHDCO. “This new initiative addresses those concerns and ensures the effective utilisation of these spaces by fostering community ownership and responsibility.”
Each group will receive a loan of ₹3.5 lakh from TAHDCO through the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) at a concessional interest rate, along with a 35% subsidy under the CM-ARISE scheme. These funds will be used to procure essential furniture and equipment, enabling the groups to generate income by renting out the premises for events and functions.
Unlike the previous system, the ownership of the asset will now reside with the District Manager of TAHDCO, further reinforcing accountability and preventing potential misuse.
The program is expected to not only improve the maintenance of vital community assets but also provide economic opportunities and a greater sense of empowerment for SC/ST communities across Tamil Nadu.