Collector T. Soundiah has appealed to the labourers working in various industries in the district to learn about the programmes implemented through welfare boards of the State Government.
The government had set up boards for the welfare of workers in a number of industries. Over 5.20 lakh persons in Erode district were enrolled as members of these welfare boards so far. But a large number of eligible workers were not registered with these boards due to lack of awareness.
Welfare assistance including accident relief, educational aid and financial assistance for marriage were being extended to the members of these boards. The applications for membership were being provided free of cost at the respective government offices, he said while participating at the mass contact programme held in Karukkampalayam, near here, recently.
The Collector said the district administration was according top priority for the implementation of rural development programmes. Basic infrastructure including roads, drinking water supply provisions and drainage system had been created in almost all the villages under the Anaithu Grama Anna Marumalarchi Thittam. Over 82,000 families were given free gas stove and connection. Steps had been taken to get approval from the government to provide more gas connection to people in the rural areas, he added.
Mr. Soundiah had also encouraged the self-help group members in the rural areas to take up more income generation activities. Later, he disbursed welfare assistance to the tune of Rs. 9.89 lakh to 197 beneficiaries selected under various programmes.
