Coimbatore's 48-day govt exhibition ends with 1.95 lakh visitors, ₹27.87 lakh revenue

The government exhibition organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) at the VOC Grounds in Coimbatore concluded on July 28, after a 48-day run. District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar stated that the exhibition drew 1,95,552 visitors and generated ₹27.87 lakh in revenue from ticket sales.

Inaugurated on June 11 by Minister for Information and Publicity R. Rajmohan, in the presence of Minister for School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Backward Classes Welfare V. Sampath Kumar, the exhibition was intended to bring the State government's welfare schemes directly to the public. For nearly two months, it served as an information hub for residents to learn about various government initiatives.

A total of 32 stalls were set up at the venue — 26 by government departments and six by public sector organisations. These stalls showcased a wide range of welfare schemes, including those related to education, health, agriculture, social welfare, housing, and employment generation. Departmental officials were present at each stall to explain the schemes, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and documentation required.

The stalls were designed with visual aids, videos, and pamphlets in Tamil. Officials used interactive sessions to demonstrate application processes, and visitors could also file grievances at a dedicated counter.

The exhibition was not limited to information dissemination. Cultural programmes organised by different government departments were held regularly, offering visitors a taste of Tamil Nadu's artistic traditions. The Department of Health and Family Welfare set up medical camps where basic health check-ups were provided. The Coimbatore Corporation operated a civic service centre, allowing visitors to submit applications and avail of municipal services. Entertainment facilities and children's play areas added to the family-friendly atmosphere.

Entry to the exhibition was free for the first three days. From June 14, tickets were priced at ₹15 for adults and ₹10 for children. According to the Collector, the visitor count consisted of 1,66,421 adults and 29,131 children, totalling 1,95,552. The revenue collected through ticket sales amounted to ₹27,87,345, which has been remitted to the State exchequer.

According to officials, one of the primary objectives of the exhibition was to reach residents from remote areas who may not have easy access to district collectorate or taluk offices. The presence of such a wide array of departments in one place enabled visitors to resolve queries and complete formalities without multiple trips.

The exhibition's popularity points to the public's appreciation of having government services under one roof. Officials said such events help bridge the gap between the administration and citizens, especially those from rural and semi-urban areas. They also help the government gauge public interest in its schemes and identify areas where awareness is lacking.

The Department of Information and Public Relations has been organising such exhibitions in various districts for decades. These exhibitions serve as an effective medium for two-way communication between the government and the people. The Coimbatore edition was notable for its scale and attendance, reflecting the district's central role in the region.

In his remarks, Collector Giriyappanavar expressed satisfaction with the response and noted that the exhibition succeeded in its objective of creating awareness about welfare programmes. He said feedback collected from visitors would be useful in fine-tuning future outreach efforts.

With the conclusion of the exhibition, the VOC Grounds, which had been bustling since June, will return to its regular usage. The administration is expected to share a detailed report on the exhibition's outcomes with the State government. There were also suggestions from visitors to make such exhibitions an annual feature, given the convenience and the range of services offered.