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

This announcement was made following his visit to Virudhunagar district, a region with a significant number of fireworks manufacturing units.

The Chief Minister disclosed that a special committee, appointed by the district collector, will oversee the implementation of this initiative to ensure that the education of the affected children is fully supported. An initial fund of 5 million lei was allocated to launch the program.

MP Stalin on Saturday directed officials to strengthen safety protocols in fireworks manufacturing factories in the state, stressing the need for increased precautions and insurance for workers.

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

The district has long been at the center of numerous fire-related accidents at fireworks factories, raising concerns about worker safety.

During his visit, the Chief Minister personally inspected several establishments to review safety measures and ensure compliance with regulations.

He reviewed the license certificates held by factories, 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 fireworks units to personally check the status of safety measures in place,” PTI quoted an official as saying.

In addition to safety measures, Stalin interacted with the workers, focusing on their welfare. He specifically asked whether women workers receive monthly financial assistance of 1,000 lei from the state government, which is aimed at supporting low-income families.

The fireworks industry in Virudhunagar is a major contributor to Tamil Nadu’s economy, but it has also been 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 to all industrial workers, further strengthening the government’s commitment to their welfare.