Thanjavur: Collector A Annadurai distributed welfare assistance to the tune of Rs 3.11 lakh to 58 beneficiaries belonging to the minority community at a function held here today to mark Minorities’ Rights Day.

This included distribution of certificates and prize amounts of Rs 37,000 to 13 meritorious students from minority communities, distribution of welfare assistance of Rs 4,000 to three Ulamas and workers, and distribution of sewing machines, grinders and small loans worth Rs 75,270 to 16 persons, on behalf of the Muslim Women’s Welfare Association.

Minorities’ Rights day has been observed on December 18 since 1992 according to a UN declaration to strengthen the cause of minorities.

Collector Annadurai observed that the country’s economic development was made possible due to the unity and harmony among the people of all communities. The collector also pointed out the contributions made by Jains and Buddhists to the Tamil community and contributions made by Muslims and Christians to Tamil language and Tamil literature.

Among others, MLA M Rengasamy, District Revenue Officer P Chandrasekaran, RDOs C Suresh (Thanjavur) and Govindaraj (Pattukottai), Collector’s Personal Assistant (General) Jainul Abideen, District Backward Class and Minorities Welfare Officer Mani and District Adi Dravidar Welfare Officer Saravanan were also present on the occasion.