Municipal Administration Minister K.N. Nehru distributed welfare aid and free pattas to over 5,000 beneficiaries in Tirunelveli and Nanguneri on Saturday.

At an event in Nanguneri, 921 beneficiaries received free pattas worth ₹2.94 crore and 63 individuals were provided with welfare assistance worth ₹17 lakh.

At the event held in Tirunelveli District Collectorate 4,280 beneficiaries were provided with regular pattas and 134 individuals received welfare aid, totalling ₹2.74 crore.

Speaking at the event at the district collectorate, Mr. Nehru said that the State government had been implementing various welfare schemes for the people, including distribution of free pattas and Women’s Rights Grant, which benefits 1.16 crore women across the State.

He said: “At present, housing pattas of two cents are being issued to the individuals who have been residing on the land for a longer period. Such pattas can be sanctioned with the approval of the district collector if the land value is less than ₹5 lakh.”

If the land value exceeds ₹5 lakh, the pattas would be provided on the approval of the Secretary of the Revenue Department, he said.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker M. Appavu, Tirunelveli Collector R. Sukumar, Tirunelveli Mayor G. Ramakrishnan and Corporation Commissioner Monika Rana were present.

Earlier, Mr. Nehru and Mr. Appavu laid the foundation stone for the Mudalvar Padaippagam, to be established at a cost of ₹5 crore near the Palayamkottai bus stand.

The location had been chosen as it is surrounded by several colleges and schools. The centre is expected to benefit economically weaker students and aspirants preparing for competitive exams. Furthermore, the centre will include the facility of an e-book room, enabling students to access digital reading resources, and four study halls, where students can discuss and study.