Latest news with #KalaignarMagalirUrimaiThittam
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
‘Headline' schemes, but T.N.'s women deserve better
In Tamil Nadu, women have always led — in their homes, in our workforce, and, increasingly, in public life. Yet, despite their resilience, many continue to be underserved by systems that too often prioritise spectacle over substance. Over the past few years, a number of women-centric schemes have been launched. On paper, the announcements have captured headlines. But in homes and communities across the State, the reality has not always kept pace with the promise made. Delays, exclusions and bureaucratic roadblocks have diluted the impact of what could have been transformative interventions. Schemes and hurdles Consider the much-publicised monthly income support scheme for women heads of households. Nearly 2.06 crore women applied for this. Yet, as of March 2024, only 1.06 crore applications were approved, leaving behind nearly one crore women, many of whom are from vulnerable and rural backgrounds. Their exclusion was not for lack of need, but often due to rigid documentation rules or administrative hurdles. In districts such as Tiruvannamalai and Villupuram, women queued for hours only to be told later that they were ineligible due to discrepancies in ration cards or land records. More than 9.24 lakh women have formally appealed these rejections which is a number that speaks volumes about the frustration and unmet expectation among the public, as was reported even in this daily ('9.24 lakh women file appeals against their rejection from Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam', updated October 11, 2023). Even for those applications that were approved, there were significant delays in disbursement that were reported across several regions, undermining the assurance of timely and dignified support. Public transport initiatives, too, have sought to ease financial burdens such as the scheme of free bus travel for women. While the savings are real on paper, many commuters in tier-2 and tier-3 towns experience overcrowded services, fewer bus services, and a lack of safety provisions. The effectiveness of these efforts has been limited by the absence of women conductors, marshals, and last-mile connectivity. There is also the question of continuity versus innovation. Programmes such as the Amma Baby Care Kits — introduced to promote maternal and infant health — have continued, but largely without expansion or evolution. Similarly, subsidies and microcredit support for women-led self-help groups have seen notable budgetary reductions in recent years, shrinking the ecosystem that once enabled grass-root entrepreneurship. Measures that made a mark These issues highlight a broader concern: the gap between policy design and delivery. Launches are often celebrated, but follow-through is what truly changes lives. In contrast, Tamil Nadu has also witnessed quieter, more enduring models of empowerment. The Cradle Baby Scheme, initiated in the early 1990s, was a deeply humane response to female infanticide. In districts such as Salem, Dharmapuri, and Madurai — once plagued by this practice — the incidence of female infanticide dropped by over 75% between 1992 and 2011 (as in data from the Tamil Nadu Department of Social Welfare). Equally pioneering was the scheme of all-women police stations that were set up to offer safety and justice with sensitivity. By 2021, over 222 such stations were operational across the State — a testament to what institutional innovation can achieve when guided by empathy and purpose. The introduction of 50% reservation for women in local bodies was another landmark reform. Thousands of women emerged not just as voters or beneficiaries but also as panchayat presidents, councillors, and community leaders, shaping decisions, budgets, and futures. Among the welfare schemes that empowered women in a lower social strata was the revolutionary 'Thalikku Thangam' initiative which offered financial assistance and gold to women from low-income families at the time of marriage — ₹25,000 and eight grams of gold for those who had completed high school, and ₹50,000 for graduates. And the vision of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam extended beyond matrimony. The Amma Free Bicycle Scheme gave rural schoolgirls a path to independence, literally, helping reduce school dropout rates by enabling them safer and quicker access to education. And there were every day interventions that preserved the dignity of working women — from Amma Canteens to the supply of essential household appliances. These were not mere handouts. They were enablers of comfort and safety, and ensured independence for countless families. The truth is that Tamil Nadu's women do not need slogans. They need systems. They do not want doles. They want dignity. And they know the difference between symbolic politics and sincere governance. Success lies in evidence on the ground Success, after all, is not measured by how many schemes are announced but by how many lives are uplifted. Empowerment does not lie in headlines. It reveals itself in evidence of healthier babies, in safer streets, in confident women in leadership, and in girls growing up with ambition instead of fear. As Tamil Nadu looks ahead, the conversation must shift. Beyond slogans and statistics, what women seek are systems that work, services that reach, and respect that endures. They deserve nothing less. Perhaps the question is not whether welfare exists but whether it is designed to perform, or to transform. Edappadi K. Palaniswami is the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and a former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- The Hindu
48th summer festival kicks off in Yercaud with week-long flower show and cultural events
The 48th edition of the Yercaud Summer Festival and Flower Show was inaugurated on Friday by Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare M.R.K. Panneerselvam, Forests Minister R.S. Rajakannappan, and Tourism Minister R. Rajendran in the presence of Salem District Collector R. Brindha Devi. Speaking at the event, Mr. Panneerselvam said the State government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, has been implementing several welfare schemes, including the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, which provides ₹1,000 per month to over 1.15 crore women. Other initiatives such as Vidiyal Payanam and the Breakfast Scheme were also highlighted. He noted that under the backyard garden initiative, 15 lakh households across Tamil Nadu had received vegetable seeds and benefitted through the horticulture department. The week-long flower show and summer festival at Anna Park features over 50,000 roses sculpted into forest-themed displays, including elephants, deer, monkeys, and other animals. A replica of the Mettur Dam's 16-shutter spillway, made with 73,000 roses, is a key attraction. Awareness-themed installations created from over 6,000 carnations and roses highlight topics such as waste management and biodiversity. Cartoon character displays and selfie points have been created to attract children and families. More than 30,000 flower pots have been arranged, and decorative lighting enhances the park's visual appeal. Several government departments have also set up stalls exhibiting horticultural produce and value-added products. Mr. Rajakannappan spoke about welfare schemes for forest-dwelling communities and noted that more than 20,000 students and residents had selected the Oriental Darter as Salem district's bird. Mr. Rajendran said the festival helps boost local tourism and showcases Yercaud's natural charm. He expressed confidence that this year's event would attract larger crowds and offer a memorable experience for visitors from across the State.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Women saved 888 a month through free bus rides'
Chennai: State govt on Tuesday said women in Tamil Nadu went on 682.02 crore bus rides under the ' Magalir Vidiyal Payanam Thittam ' (free bus travel for women scheme) in the past four years. "Women, differently abled and transgender people can travel for free under the scheme," an official release said. "Of the 682.02 crore free rides, 36.89 lakh rides were claimed by transgender people, and 3.78 crore rides by differently abled people. Women were able to save up to 888 a month."DMK govt, which is set to complete four years, has launched several schemes for the welfare of women. Some of them are Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, Pudhumai Penn Thittam, and Thozhi hostels for working the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, 1.15 crore women householders receive 1,000 a month. For women in self-help groups, DMK govt increased the credit limit from 12 lakh/SHG to 20 lakh/SHG, resulting in higher bank loans to the tune of 1.12 lakh crore in four years, which is nearly 300% higher when compared to the previous AIADMK govt (from 2016 to 2020).
The Hindu
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
T.N. government lists measures undertaken for welfare of women
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.
The Hindu
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Dravidian model govt. focuses on development of all sectors, districts, sections of society: T.N. CM Stalin
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) said his government focuses on the development of all sectors, districts, and sections of society, implementing schemes that aim not only to provide monetary benefits but also to achieve social benefits that enhance the quality of life. He also expressed confidence that the DMK will win the 2026 Assembly elections. 'I never said I have done everything in these four years. I still have duties left and schemes to implement, and there is still one more year left in this term. After that, with the support of the people, we will win the next Assembly elections, and the Dravidian model government will continue,' Mr. Stalin said at a function organised to mark the completion of four years of the DMK government led by him. 'I am happy that the people of Tamil Nadu are satisfied that the State stands tall under our Dravidian model government. People are also happy that their grievances are being heard and promptly addressed by this government. Four years ago, on this day [May 7, 2021], I took office as the Chief Minister. Now, I can proudly say I have remained true to the trust that the people of Tamil Nadu placed in me,' he said. 'If we were to list all the achievements of our Dravidian model government, we could make a list of accomplishments. But if I were to list what is absent in our government, it is poverty, famine, inflation, major caste conflicts, religious riots and violence. When this government was formed, we called it a dawn. Because, after being pushed to the margins for 10 years, Tamil Nadu had to be revived. We made a firm resolve to provide a dawn of hope to Tamil Nadu and Tamils. I am saying this with confidence that today, we have ensured the progress of Tamil Nadu many times,' he said. The Chief Minister also listed out several aspects of the DMK government's flagship initiatives, such as Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, Magalir Vidiyal Payanam, Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme, Pudhumai Penn, and Tamil Pudhalvan. 'Several statistics released by the Union government have put Tamil Nadu at the forefront. Our State has been receiving several awards from the Centre. These are not awards for Stalin; these are accolades for the people of Tamil Nadu,' he added.
