In a significant boost to women’s welfare ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has credited Rs 5,000 directly into the bank accounts of more than 1.3 crore female beneficiaries under the state’s flagship Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme.
The one-time payment, announced early Friday morning, comprises ₹3,000 as advance monthly entitlement for February, March and April, along with an additional Rs 2,000 as a special summer benefit, marking one of the largest direct benefit transfers made under a state-level social welfare programme this year.
In a statement shared on social media, CM Stalin reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the rights-based assistance programme, emphasising that the funds were credited despite model code of conduct concerns due to the approaching elections. “No matter who imposes obstacles, I will not back down from it,” the Chief Minister said in his post, underscoring his determination to ensure uninterrupted support to beneficiaries.
Beyond the immediate credit, CM Stalin also reiterated a key pledge under the proposed ‘Dravidian Model 2.0’, to raise the monthly entitlement from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 for women heads of households, if the DMK retains power in the forthcoming elections.
This proposed enhancement is expected to substantially augment the economic security of women across the state and reflects the administration’s focus on uplifting grassroots livelihoods. The expansion of the entitlement builds on earlier efforts to include additional beneficiaries and ensure wider reach of the welfare programme.
The number of beneficiaries covered by the programme has steadily risen since its launch, with expansion drives bringing the total to about 1.31 crore women whose accounts now receive the entitlement.
Welfare at the Heart of Governance
The Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme, launched in 2023 to provide monthly cash assistance to women heads of families, has been a cornerstone of the state government’s women-centric policy agenda. Over successive phases, the scheme has expanded enrollment and continued benefit flows, demonstrating robust implementation and administrative commitment.
By delivering direct financial support on a wide scale and combining it with forward-looking commitments, Chief Minister Stalin’s administration has signalled its intention to place women’s economic empowerment at the centre of Tamil Nadu’s social policy agenda.
– Magizh
