Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday attended the Tamil Nadu Matchbox Industry Centenary Celebration at the SSTM College campus in Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi district.
The event was jointly organised by the National Small Matchbox Manufacturers Association, Global Safety Matchbox Industries Association, South India Matchbox Manufacturers Association, All India Chamber of Matchbox Industries (Sivakasi), along with various producers’ associations from Sattur, Gudiyatham, Tenkasi, Dharmapuri, Pollachi, and Kaveripattinam.
During the event, Sitharaman felicitated and interacted with women workers of the matchbox industry in Kovilpatti.
Addressing the gathering, she paid tribute to women workers who form the backbone of the industry.
“Women have driven this industry forward, working even in difficult conditions to sustain their families. Though many men are on this stage, at least one woman worker should have been here too,” she said.
Sitharaman noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has consistently prioritised the southern districts despite the absence of MPs from Tamil Nadu. “Any request made regarding the southern districts, the Prime Minister immediately considers,” she said, dedicating the event to PM Modi on his birthday.
Calling the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reform a “revolution, not just a tax change,” she recalled that the Modi government had reduced taxes on 375 products by 10 percent, bringing down consumer prices, which she described as a “Diwali gift.”
Seeking political support, the Finance Minister urged people to elect leaders who can aid development. “You must choose MLAs in 2026 and MPs in 2029 who can contribute to your growth. Leaders like Kadambur C. Raju (AIADMK senior leader) should be elected,” she said.
She also praised BJP’s Tamil Nadu state president Nainar Nagendran, affectionately referring to him as “Pannaiyar,” a term locals commonly use.
As part of the celebrations, Sitharaman visited an exhibition showcasing matchbox products. BJP leaders, including state president Nainar Nagendran, national women’s wing president Vanathi Srinivasan (MLA), and former minister and senior AIADMK leader Kadambur Raju, also addressed the gathering.
Industry leaders, including National Small Matchbox Manufacturers Association president M. Paramasivam, delivered speeches at the event, which drew more than 10,000 matchbox manufacturers and workers from across Tamil Nadu, including Sivakasi, Kovilpatti, and Tenkasi. A medical camp was organised for workers, and food was provided to all participants.
-ANI
