Chennai, May 13 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday highlighted the initiatives
undertaken by the ruling DMK's four year old Dravidian Model governance for the welfare
of women in the State and their empowerment, which are now serving as models for the
entire nation.
An official release here said after Chief Minister Mr. 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.
It listed pioneering and revolutionary schemes like the ‘Magalir Vidiyal Payanam Thittam’
(free bus travel), ‘Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam’ (Rs 1,000 per month assistance for
women heads in households), ‘Puthumai Penn Thittam’ (assistance for girl students to
pursue higher education), and ‘Thozhi Viduthigal Thittam’ (hostels for working women),
among others, besides launching of the Tamil Nadu State Women Policy 2024 aimed at
eliminating gender disparities, promoting social justice and economic empowerment for
women, ensuring dignity, recognition, social justice and gender equality.
It said upon assuming office, one of the first five orders issued by the Chief Minister
was the Magalir Vidiyal Payanam Thittam under which 682.02 crore free rides have
been availed by women till date.
Among these, transgender persons have made 36.89 lakh journeys and persons with
disabilities 3.78 crore journeys.Due to this scheme, women are able to save up to
Rs. 888 per month, which has been a source of happiness.
In families struggling with poverty and also being the backbone of the rural economy,
women carry significant responsibilities. Recognizing their hard work and contributions,
the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme was introduced under which 1.15 crore
women are receiving Rs.1,000 per month directly into their bank accounts so far.
The Government is taking steps to extend this benefit to all eligible women who have
not yet received it.
Another revolutionary initiative by the Chief Minister is Pudhumai Penn Thittam, that
ensure girls studying from Class 6 to 12 in government and government-aided schools
to pursue higher education without hindrance. Under the scheme, the state provides
Rs. 1,000 per month to those joining undergraduate programmes in government or
union government educational institutions, including medical colleges.
Through direct bank transfer, 4.95 lakh students have received this assistance so far,
the release said, adding, 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%.
Other flagship schemes launched for women by the DMK rule included 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 to promote Women
as entrepreneurs beyond just attaining education.
It said to promote start-ups, the Tamil Nadu Government under TANSEED for women
entrepreneurs under which special grants up to Rs.15 lakh is provided as subsidy/grant
to support women-led innovations. Tamil Nadu Constitutes 41% of India's working Women
across India.
Enhancing Women's contribution in police force, reservation for women in local bodies
were the other initiatives launched for the welfare of women, it said.
UNI GV