Tourism Minister S. Rajesh Kumar on Saturday distributed welfare measures worth ₹6.73 crore to 2,306 beneficiaries at an event organised at Kanniyakumari district Collectorate in Nagercoil.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Rajesh Kumar said that new smart cards had been distributed to 864 beneficiaries. He added that several existing ration card holders had requested inclusion in the below poverty line category. Officials are verifying these applications to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries are included.

Mr. Rajesh Kumar said that free pattas were distributed to 106 beneficiaries, while 91 fishermen received housing plot pattas under Singaravelar scheme. He further noted that houses located along the coastal stretch from Arockiyapuram to Neerodi in the district were vulnerable to sea erosion and were frequently affected by high waves between June and August. He said that steps were being taken to build houses for the affected people.

The Minister also said that efforts were under way to provide patta to fishermen who have not been able to get a patta under the Singaravelar housing scheme.

He said that the Chief Minister was committed to ensuring that the benefits of all government welfare schemes reach every eligible person. He urged the officials in Kanniyakumari district to work in coordination to ensure that these schemes reach people at the grassroot level.

Kanniyakumari District Collector M. Prathap, MP Vijay Vasanth, MLAs S. Austin, Thalavai Sundaram, R. Chellaswamy and other officials were present.

Later, Mr. Rajesh Kumar inaugurated the “Nanjil Naadu” food festival in Kanniyakumari, organised by Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation.

The two-day “Nanjil Naddu” food festival being held on Saturday and Sunday, was simultaneously taking place in Kanniyakumari, Madurai and Tiruchi.

Published - July 25, 2026 08:03 pm IST