The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday (May 13, 2025) listed the initiatives it has undertaken for the welfare of women in the State. It mentioned schemes such as the ‘Magalir Vidiyal Payanam Thittam’, ‘Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam’, ‘Puthumai Penn Thittam’, and ‘Thozhi Viduthigal Thittam’, among others.
Since Chief Minister M.K. Stalin assumed office in 2021, he has introduced numerous revolutionary schemes to promote the upliftment of women, significantly improving their position in society, an official release stated. The Tamil Nadu State Women Policy 2024 was launched, paving the way for women’s rights, it added.
The ‘Magalir Vidiyal Payanam Thittam’ was among the first five orders issued by the Chief Minister, through which women, persons with disabilities, and transgender persons were able to travel free of cost. So far, 682.02 crore free rides have been availed through this scheme, the government said.
While transgender persons have made 36.89 lakh journeys, persons with disabilities have undertaken 3.78 crore journeys. Due to this scheme, women were able to save up to ₹888 per month, the release stated.
So far, 1.15 crore women have been receiving ₹1,000 per month directly into their bank accounts under the ‘Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai’. “The government is taking steps to extend this benefit to all eligible women, who have not received it yet,” it said.
To help girls studying in Classes 6 to 12 in government and government-aided schools pursue higher education without hindrance, a monthly aid is being provided to them under the ‘Pudhumai Penn Thittam’.
“Through direct bank transfer, 4.95 lakh students have received this assistance and have expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister. According to the State Planning Commission’s report, due to this scheme, the number of girls transitioning from school to college has increased by 34%,” the release said.
As of now, 13 ‘Thozhi Viduthigal Thittam’ for Working Women with 1,303 beds were operational, with 14 more being established. In Salem, Thanjavur, Perambalur, Vellore, Villupuram, Tirunelveli, and Adyar (Chennai), seven hostels with 476 beds have been renovated at a cost of ₹4.21 crore, it said.
Increased loan limit for women in self-help groups, 40% reservation for women in government jobs, increase in maternity leave, Tamil Nadu Startup Seed Grant Fund, and reservation for women in local bodies were among the initiatives the State government has undertaken for the welfare of women, it said.
Published – May 13, 2025 04:00 pm IST
