SIFAA to give welfare aid to elderly actors

The South Indian Film Artistes Association, known as Nadigar Sangam in Tamil Nadu, today decided to provide monetary aid to its members who are over 60 years and in need of such support.
Out of the 3500 members of SIFAA, the personal details related to 2500 persons have been enumerated, vice president, SIFAA, Ponvannan told reporters here after its 62nd general council meet of the association here.
Stating that 600 members were more than 60 years, he said it has been decided in the meet to give a monthly monetary aid of Rs 2,000 to those who were over 80 years and Rs 1,000 to members who were more than sixty years.

It has also been decided to take special care of about 100 differently-abled members through exclusive support schemes, he said flanked by president Nasser and General Secretary Vishal and treasurer Karthi.
To ensure higher education for 117 children of members who will pass out of 12th standard this year, arrangements have been made with the help of private sponsors (colleges), he said.
"Everything, from pensions (for actors), welfare schemes and the topic over construction of new building (at Nadigar Sangam premises here) were discussed," he said.

President Nasser said the general council has given its "100 per cent nod" to raise funds for a new building for the Sangam here.

As part of efforts to raise funds, in the first phase, a celebrity cricket tournament will be held here next month, he said.
"Construction work for the new building is likely to begin by end of next month after the fund raiser event," he said.
The state of the art new building will include a large auditorium and a hall to enable holding functions for the families of members, he said.