CM Stalin inaugurates Rs 23.61 Crore projects in Salem

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday inaugurated completed development projects worth Rs. 23.61 crore and laid the foundation stone for new works estimated at Rs. 6.32 crore in Salem district through video conferencing from the Secretariat in Chennai.
Following the virtual event, Tourism Minister I.R. Rajendran participated in the inauguration of the newly constructed Government Museum building on Kannankurichi Road at Asthampatti in Salem.
The new museum building, constructed at a cost of Rs. 5 crore, has a built-up area of 9,838.8 square feet. The Salem District Museum, functioning under the Tamil Nadu Museum Department since 1979, is the second oldest museum in the State. It showcases exhibits spanning archaeology, anthropology, paintings, zoology, botany, numismatics, weaponry and philately.
Stone sculptures from the Pallava, Chola, Pandya and Nayak periods, hero stones, inscriptions, ancient stone tools, pottery, coins, British-era cannons and natural history specimens are displayed, highlighting the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. The upgraded facility is expected to serve as a knowledge centre for students, researchers and tourists.
Under the NABARD scheme, the School Education Department inaugurated classroom and toilet buildings constructed at a cost of Rs. 13.66 crore in schools located in Panapatti, Kundukkal, Vazhapadi, Seshanchavadi, Athur, Malliyakkarai, Jarikondalampatti, Seelanaickenpatti and Neethipuram.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department also inaugurated a devotees’ rest house, marriage hall and executive officer’s quarters built at a cost of Rs. 4.95 crore at the Arulmigu Bhadrakaliamman Temple in Mecheri.
In addition, foundation stones were laid for a memorial hall to commemorate 22 communists who lost their lives in the Salem Jail firing incident, to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 3 crore by the Information and Public Relations Department at Asthampatti, and for installation of automatic milk packet stacking machines costing Rs. 3.32 crore at the Salem District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union in Thalavaipatti.
Tourism Minister I.R. Rajendran said the projects reflected the Chief Minister’s focus on women’s welfare, basic infrastructure and balanced regional development.
District Revenue Officer R. Ravikumar, Museum Curator Mullai Arasu and senior officials attended the function.