Welfare aid worth ₹13.74 crore distributed on ‘Equality Day’ in Thoothukudi

Minister Geetha Jeevan distributes ₹13.74 crore in welfare assistance on 'Equality Day' in Thoothukudi.

Minister of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment P. Geetha Jeevan on Monday distributed welfare assistance worth ₹13.74 crore to mark ‘Equality Day’ in Thoothukudi.

The event was organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar. The Department of Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare arranged a series of events across the State to distribute welfare assistance. Collector K. Elambahavath presided.

In her address, Ms. Geetha Jeevan said that Dr. Ambedkar, architect of the Indian Constitution, was a distinguished legal scholar, professor and champion of civil rights. While drafting the Constitution, he advocated for women’s representation. The rights enshrined in the constitution affirmed that the Adi Dravidar and tribal people must be provided with assistance to uplift their livelihoods.

Since assuming office, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had consistently implemented welfare measures. All hostels under the Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department were modernised to provide students with advanced facilities, she added.

Various forms of aid were distributed to beneficiaries including free housing pattas worth ₹33 lakh to 33 beneficiaries, tourist vehicles worth ₹37.10 lakh to three beneficiaries under TAHDCO, a subsidy of ₹6.34 lakh to one beneficiary for setting up a photo studio, e-pattas worth ₹12 crore to 1,203 beneficiaries under the Revenue and Disaster Management Department.

Thoothukudi Corporation Mayor Jegan Periyasamy, Corporation Commissioner L. Madhubalan, Ottapidaram MLA M.C. Shunmugaiah, District Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Officer J. Bennet Asir and other officials were present.