Pongal gift distribution begins

As for the occasion, the in-gate of the Secretariat was highly decked up akin to an ornamental fruit garden with banana trees, banana flowers and sugar canes among others.The gift hamper comprised one kg of raw rice and sugar, two-foot long sugarcane, cashew and raisins weighing 20 grams each and five grams of cardamom.

The drive would also cover the special ration card holders from the police department.

While extending his greetings to the beneficiaries, the CM revealed that this exercise would cost Rs 210 crore to the exchequer and would benefit nearly 1.84 crore families that are covered under this

freebie drive.

Earlier in the day, the CM gave away appointment orders to 390 Village Health Nurses and inaugurated Zero Delay Casualty Ward at Omandurar –Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital.

The Zero Delay Casualty Ward has at present eight beds, and the air-conditioned facility has artificial life support, and multi-para monitor, among other key facilities.

The CM also honoured Heart Transplantation Doctors Team. led by Cardiologist Dr S Manoharan for their successful completion of a heart transplantation.