Tiruvannamalai Collector D Bhaskara Pandian visited Thandarampattu Panchayat Union, Vannappuram Panchayat, to inspect the ongoing work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) on July 23. The scheme is being implemented in 1764 clusters across 860 village panchayats in Tiruvannamalai district, involving 2752 projects such as the creation of new ponds, construction of rural playgrounds, stone laying, soil laying, construction of farm plots, and tree planting, all aimed at improving rural cleanliness and infrastructure.
The MGNREGA initiative is also providing employment opportunities to various groups, including people with disabilities, thereby supporting their welfare. It is particularly beneficial for women, offering them a chance to enhance their livelihoods through the 100-day employment program. Currently, a total of 90,922 individuals are employed under these projects, including 14,998 men, 75,924 women, and 6,208 differently-abled persons.
In accordance with directives from the Minister of Public Works, Highways, and Minor Ports, several government projects are also underway in Thandarampattu Panchayat Union. These include the construction of new classrooms, a fair price shop, an Anganwadi centre building, an overhead reservoir tank, cement roads, a school canteen, and a panchayat council building in Vannappuram panchayat.
During his visit, the Collector inspected the construction of a new pond, measuring 45 × 40 feet, being built at a cost of ₹9.97 lakh under MGNREGA for the benefit of the local villagers and farmers in Kunkilnattam village, Vannappuram panchayat. He also reviewed the implementation of various projects in the area. The inspection was attended by the District Development Officer (Development), the Chairman of the Panchayat Council, department officials, and reporters.
