Tamil Nadu - Salem   

Minister distributes free saris and dhotis for Pongal in Salem

SALEM: Agriculture Minister Veerapandi S. Arumugam distributed free dhotis and saris to beneficiaries at various points in the city and suburbs on Sunday.

The minister began his tour of the day at South Alagapuram in urban limits where he distributed the Pongal dhotis and sarees to the beneficiaries attached to the fair price shop there. Later he continued the distribution in Fairlands, Alagapuram Pudur, Adaikala Nagar, Asthampatti, Seerangapalayam, Komarasamipatti, Pillayar Nagar, Johnsonpettai, Manakkadu, Chinnatirupathi and Erikadu in the city.

He said that Tamil Nadu government would distribute 1.59 crore dhotis and 1.58 crore saris for this Pongal season in the State. A sum of Rs. 258 crore had also been earmarked for the purpose, he said and asked the beneficiaries to make use of the welfare scheme. He further added that the distribution of saris and dhotis in Salem district would be completed by January 10.

The Minister covered beneficiaries attached to 13 fair price shops under the scheme. He also asked the employees in these shops not to show any disparity and treat all beneficiaries equally. “There should not be any party affiliation here and no one should raise a finger of accusation at the distribution,” he insisted.

He said that various development works had been undertaken in Salem Corporation areas and district for the past 3 years. To upgrade the sanitation system in the city, Underground Drainage scheme also would be undertaken shortly. Dedicated water supply scheme for the city also would soon be undertaken. Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has sanctioned various welfare and development schemes in the State, he said.

The distribution in the city would continue for another two days. Collector J Chandrakumar presided over the function. Senior officials and people’s representatives took part in these functions.

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