Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announces free education for children of firecracker accident victims, allocates Rs 5 crore

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has stated that the state government will cover the education expenses of children who have lost their parents in firecracker accidents.

This announcement was made after his visit to Virudhunagar district, a region with a significant number of fireworks factories.

The Chief Minister revealed that a special committee appointed by the District Collector will monitor the implementation of this initiative to ensure that the education of the affected children is fully supported. An initial fund of Rs 5 crore has been allocated to kick-start the programme.

MK Stalin on Saturday ordered officials to strengthen safety protocols at fireworks factories across the state, stressing the need for improved precautions and insurance coverage for workers.

The DMK chief made these remarks during a two-day visit to Virudhunagar district, which has a significant concentration of fireworks units.

The area has long been the focus of numerous fire accidents at fireworks factories, raising concerns about worker safety.

During his visit, the Prime Minister personally inspected various units to review safety measures and ensure compliance with regulations.

He reviewed factories’ license certificates, inspected storage areas where chemicals and explosive materials are kept, and toured production sites and warehouses.

“This is probably the first time that a chief minister of the state is visiting the fireworks units to personally assess the status of safety measures taken,” PTI said while quoting an official.

In addition to security measures, Stalin also interacted with the workers, focusing on their well-being. He specifically asked whether women employees were receiving the state government’s monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000, which is meant to support low-income families.

Virudhunagar’s fireworks industry is a major contributor to Tamil Nadu’s economy, but is also plagued by frequent safety lapses and accidents, leading to concerns about working conditions.

As part of his review, Stalin also emphasized the importance of providing insurance coverage for all industry workers, further strengthening the government’s commitment to their welfare.