Vijila Satyanand Chairs Christian Community meet in Nilgiris

A consultative meeting with members of the Christian community was held at the Nilgiris District Additional Collector’s Office on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Dr. Vijila Satyanand, Chairperson of the Welfare Board for Pastors and Employees Working in Christian Churches.
The meeting was organised by the Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Vijila Satyanand said the Tamil Nadu Government has been implementing various welfare schemes to ensure inclusive development for all sections of society, particularly backward classes and minorities.
She recalled that in 1969, former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had established a separate commission and department for minorities, which has since been strengthened by the present government with the formation of a dedicated welfare board for church workers.
Under the scheme, financial assistance of Rs 37,000 is provided to 600 beneficiaries annually for pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
The board also offers educational assistance, marriage aid, maternity assistance and accident relief to promote the social and economic advancement of beneficiaries.
In the Nilgiris district, welfare assistance worth Rs 8.80 lakh has been distributed to 45 beneficiaries this year through the Christian Women’s Aid Association.
The government also provides educational assistance up to Rs 40 lakh for Christian girls pursuing higher studies abroad.
Additionally, Rs 1.37 crore has been allocated this year for the reconstruction of 37 churches, and Rs 20 crore has been sanctioned for renovation works.
District Revenue Officer Narayanan, Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Officer Muthuraja, Welfare Board members Roslinjeeva, Sathyapalraj and Emmanuel, along with others, participated.