Virudhunagar, Nov 11: In a significant announcement, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin declared that the state government would bear the higher education expenses of the children of workers who die in firecracker accidents. He made this announcement at a welfare assistance distribution event held in Virudhunagar.
Stalin inaugurated the new Collectorate building, constructed at a cost of ₹77.12 crores, and took a photo with the Collector, Jayaseelan, seated at his desk. Following this, in a government event held at Pattampudur, Stalin distributed welfare benefits worth ₹417.21 crore to 57,556 beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Stalin highlighted several key projects in the Virudhunagar district. He mentioned the implementation of the Thamirabarani drinking water scheme, which benefits 1,256 rural households. Additionally, projects such as the Ayutha Aadai Park, the renovation of the Irukkangudi Mariamman Temple, and the establishment of a new garment park are being carried out in the district.
The Chief Minister noted that 95% of Plus-2 students in the district have enrolled in higher education, citing the success of various educational schemes like Pudumai Penn, Nan Mudhalvan, Tamil Pudhuvalan, and Kalvi Kanavu. He also awarded the “Good Governance” award to Virudhunagar Collector Jayaseelan for his leadership in these initiatives.
Stalin announced that the government would allocate ₹5 crore to create a special fund for the higher education expenses of children whose parents die in firecracker accidents. This fund will be managed by the district collector and will ensure the children’s educational needs are met.
In his speech, Stalin also referred to a recent newspaper list of the top 10 most powerful leaders, where his name was included. He credited this recognition to the people of Tamil Nadu and reaffirmed his commitment to continue working tirelessly for the state’s development.
The Chief Minister took a dig at opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who had criticized the government’s welfare schemes. Stalin mocked Palaniswami, stating that the opposition leader’s remarks about these programs being useless only made him laugh. He pointed to significant projects such as the Kindi Super Speciality Hospital, the 100-Year-Old Museum in Madurai, and the Women’s Rights Fund benefiting 1.7 crore women, which the opposition deemed ineffective.
Stalin further criticized Palaniswami for his arrogance and stated that the people would continue to reject his party. He emphasized his pride in implementing projects under the leadership of late Chief Minister Karunanidhi and claimed that these initiatives have improved the lives of the people of Tamil Nadu, much to the discomfort of the opposition leader.
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including ministers S. Ramasundaram, E. V. Velu, Thangam Thennarasu, Ganeshan, MPs Nawas Kani and Manickam Thakur, Chief Secretary Muruganandham, MLAs Srinivasan, Thangapandian, and Raguraman, as well as Revenue Secretary Rajesh Lakani and Principal Secretary of Revenue Department Amudha.
