The Tamil Nadu government headed by DMK on wednesday announced a series of welfare schemes for the poor and deprived. This includes the construction of houses for those residing in huts, payment of fees for professional college students who are the first learners from their families, waiver of non farm loans given by TAHDCO etc. The governor of Tamil Nadu, Surjit Singh Barnala said that within a time span of six years, the government would convert over 21 lakh mud walled houses to permanent houses. The scheme would be named as 'Kalaignar Housing Scheme' and is expected to commence from this year. The government also announced the lowering of minimum number of years of residence for claiming patta from five to three years.