Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises P. Mathan Raja, who is also the Minister-in-charge of Ramanathapuram district, inspected various development projects in the district on Saturday.

He, along with Collector M. Sivaguru Prabhakaran, chaired a meeting with the MSME entrepreneurs and heard their grievances.

Following this, the Minister distributed welfare assistance to four beneficiaries through the District Industries Centre.

Subsequently, he held an inspection meeting with officials regarding various development projects being undertaken at Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram.

He instructed the officials to keep the temple premises clean and hygienic. Later, he inspected the Annadhanam (free meal) scheme operating at the temple and dined along with the devotees.

Following this, he inspected the 22 holy theerthams in the temple. He then inspected the ongoing groyne project at Thangachimadam. There, he interacted with the fishing community and heard their demands.

Later, Mr. Mathan Raja speaking to reporters, said, the basic requirements of Ramanathapuram district will be studied, analysed, and measures will be taken to fulfill all needs.

A field inspection would be conducted regarding the drinking water problem in the district, and it will be rectified.

“A situation persists where many youths from the district migrate to other districts and foreign countries for employment. An assessment would be conducted to determine what kind of industries can be started to provide employment opportunities for the youth and what types of industries have potential here,” he stated.

Further, school students from South Puthukudiyiruppu near Periyapattinam had sent a video request to the Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay seeking bus facilities.

Following this, Minister for Environment and Climate Change V.K. Rajeev and the District Collector met the students a few days ago and promised to provide bus connectivity.

In this situation, the bus operating from Ramanathapuram Palace to Periyapattinam was extended to South Puthukudiyiruppu on Saturday.

Mr. Rajeev and Mathan Raja flagged off the service.

District Superintendent of Police G. Chandeesh, among others, were present during the events.