Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna on Friday chaired a meeting at the Tiruvannamalai Collectorate to review the implementation of various schemes in the district.

At the meeting, Mr. Arjuna instructed officials to expedite ongoing works in the district, including in tribal hamlets. He also said that officials should ensure that government schemes reach remote villages without delay.

The Minister said that the government has planned to strengthen sports infrastructure and will build sports hostels for boys and girls.

“Residents, especially youngsters should cultivate the habit of spending at least an hour in the playground every day as it will not only keep themselves fit but will considerably reduce expenditure on healthcare. In other words, the State government spends around ₹30,000 crore annually for healthcare including medicines and hospital maintenance,” he said.

The Minister also focused on improving school and higher education and the prevention of child marriages in the district. He also reviewed the road connectivity in the hills, access to transport, healthcare, and other basic amenities for people living in interior areas.

Earlier, the Minister inspected the ongoing construction of the hockey indoor stadium inside the spacious District Sports Complex in Tiruvannamalai town. The stadium is being built at a cost of ₹10.15 crore.

The Minister also inspected 14-km long Girivalam Path near Arunachaleswar temple, Government Medical College Hospital in the town, where residents highlighted the need for more healthcare facilities and civic amenities in the hospital.

Later, Mr. Aadhav Arjuna inspected key stretches that are maintained by State Highways in Polur town. He also interacted with farmers in Melma village near Cheyyar town. Principal Secretary Sandeep Nanduri, District Collector Vandhana Garg, and officials were present.