Chennai, 13 December (H.S.) : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday launched the second phase of the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam (Kalaignar Women's Rights Entitlement Scheme), extending the monthly direct cash assistance to 17 lakh more women across the state. The announcement was made during the 'Vellum Tamil Pengal' (Women of Tamil Nadu continue to win) event.
With the inclusion of the new beneficiaries, the total number of women heads of families benefiting under the scheme is expected to cross 1.3 crore. In the first phase, which was formally launched on September 15, 2023, over 1.13 crore women heads of families have already received the benefit. The scheme provides eligible women with ₹1,000, which is directly credited to their bank accounts on the 15th of every month.
The initiative, which was a key poll promise of the DMK for the 2021 state Assembly elections, is currently the state's highest-spending social welfare program, with an initial allocation of ₹7,000 crore. The rollout of the second phase aims to further integrate women from economically weaker sections into the social security net, ensuring steady financial support for women-led households.
Eligibility criteria for the scheme include being aged 21 years or above, having an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh, and limits on land ownership and annual household electricity consumption.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
