Minister for Industries S. Keerthana and Social Welfare Minister K. Jagadeshwari on Tuesday distributed new smart ration cards to 3,248 beneficiaries in Virudhunagar district.Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Keerthana said that after Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay inaugurated the smart ration card distribution in Chennai on July 13, a total of 73,000 smart cards were being distributed across the State.A total of 3,991 persons were identified as eligible for smart ration cards in Virudhunagar district among those who had submitted their applications seeking new cards between December 16, 2025 and April 30, 2026,Ms. Jagadeshwari said that a total of 3,991 new smart ration cards have been received for those who have been waiting for them in Virudhunagar district. Already, 554 beneficiaries were handed over the smart cards in the first phase. A total of 3,437 new smart cards have been distributed so far, she added. The smart cards were significant as it was mandatory for getting benefits like various assistance, health insurance and ration goods.Ms. Jagadeshwari said that efforts were underway to provide ₹2,500 monthly assistance for the women.The Ministers also distributed solatium of ₹4 lakh to the families of four of the deceased who were killed in a fire accident at an illegal fireworks unit at Sengamalapatti on Sunday.Virudhunagar Collector N.O. Sukhaputra, and MLAs P. Selvam (Virudhunagar) and A. Karthik (Srivilliputtur), District Revenue Officer R. Ananthi, and District Supply Officer Amarnath were present. Published - July 28, 2026 09:13 pm IST