Dr. J Radhakrishnan, the Additional Chief Secretary (Cooperative Department) of the Government of Tamil Nadu, provided welfare assistance worth Rs. 1.84 crores to 226 beneficiaries during a program at the Central Cooperative Bank in Tiruvannamalai district.
During the event, Dr. Radhakrishnan highlighted that, following the instructions of the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, the government is actively conducting multifaceted activities across various districts, focusing on cooperative, food, and consumer protection sectors. These activities include field surveys to ensure that cooperative credit assistance, farmer support schemes, food security measures, fertiliser supply, and the operations of fair price shops are being effectively implemented. Any identified deviations are promptly addressed.
He also mentioned the initiative to upgrade Primary Agricultural Cooperative Credit Societies into banks with internet connectivity. This upgrade aims to expand the range of schemes available to the public through Cooperative Credit Societies. Employees are receiving training to facilitate this transition.
Dr. Radhakrishnan further noted that various welfare schemes, such as piggy banks for school children, promotion of savings habits, self-help groups, and personal loan assistance for disabled persons, are being implemented through cooperative sector banks. Additionally, Tiruvannamalai district houses 10 warehouses managed by the Tamil Nadu Consumer Goods Trading Corporation, which procured 56,109 metric tons of agricultural products in the last financial year (2023-24).
He also praised Tiruvannamalai district for being a leader in providing agricultural loans through cooperative banks. Last year, loans totaling Rs. 905 crore were distributed to 1.19 lakh farmers, and this year, Rs. 284 crore has been disbursed to 36,613 farmers so far.
Dr. Radhakrishnan advised government officials, particularly fair price shop employees, to prioritise grievance redressal and act as a bridge between the government and the public.
During the event, several awards and assistance were distributed, including a meritorious appointment order, best employee appreciation certificates, Youth Savings Accounts, Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai accounts, and education assistance worth Rs. 4.30 lakhs. Additionally, loan assistance totaling Rs. 1.32 crore was provided to 12 women self-help groups and other beneficiaries for various purposes.
Dr. Radhakrishnan also conducted a surprise inspection of the Karpagam Cooperative Special Store Fair Price Shop in Ramalinganar Street under Tiruvannamalai Corporation. He observed the provision of computerization training to cooperative bank employees.
District Revenue Officer Ram Pradeepan, Tiruvannamalai Co-operative Societies Director S. Parthipan, District Central Co-operative Bank Director K. Jayam, Deputy Registrars, and other departmental officers were present at the event.