Over Rs. 3.7 crore assistance extended for minority welfare: Collector

The Minorities Day celebration was held on Thursday at the Tiruvannamalai District Collectorate under the leadership of District Collector K Tharpagaraj , with the programme organised by the Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department.
Addressing the gathering, the District Collector said December 18 is observed every year as Minority Rights Day, commemorating the 1992 United Nations declaration for the protection of the rights of religious, ethnic and linguistic minorities.
He said India’s strength lies in its “unity in diversity” and in the harmonious coexistence of people belonging to different religions, languages and cultures.
The Collector emphasised that the rights guaranteed to minorities under the Indian Constitution are fundamental human rights and not special privileges.
He added that the true success of a democratic nation is reflected in how safely and respectfully its minority communities are treated.
Detailing welfare measures implemented in the district, K. Tharpagaraj said that from 2021 till date, loans amounting to Rs. 162.22 lakh had been disbursed to 2,263 beneficiaries through the Tamil Nadu Minorities Economic Development Corporation.
He also said financial assistance of Rs. 10.11 lakh had been provided to 76 beneficiaries through the Ulema and Employees Welfare Board.
He further stated that assistance of Rs. 114.32 lakh had been extended to 545 women through the District Christian Women’s Aid Association, while Rs. 28.38 lakh had been provided to 163 women through the District Muslim Women’s Aid Association.
An amount of Rs. 27.56 lakh had also been sanctioned for the repair and reconstruction of four Christian churches.
Under the free sewing machine scheme for minorities, sewing machines worth Rs. 6.04 lakh had been distributed to 105 beneficiaries.
In addition, incentives amounting to Rs. 22.97 lakh had been provided to 3,611 minority girl students studying from Classes III to VI in government and government-aided schools in rural areas under the Rural Girls’ Education Promotion Scheme.
Officials from various departments, including District Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Officer Selvam, participated in the function.