Tamil Nadu's new Chief Minister Vijay is all set to roll out May installment under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme for women beneficiaries. The TVK chief's announcement confirms his plans to continue one of the state's flagship welfare programmes.
The government release underscored that an amount of Rs 1,000 will be directly credited to the bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries under the scheme.
The Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme was was originally introduced by the previous DMK government and takes its name after late party patriarch M. Karunanidhi.
It was designed to offer a direct cash transfer for women heads of households, and aimed to provide monthly financial support and strengthen household income security across lower- and middle-income groups.
The statement further noted that the government would be taking some time to restructure elements of the welfare programme before introducing further changes or expansions.
“The government needs time to restructure the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai, under which Rs 1,000 is given to women. The Chief Minister has directed that the May instalment will be directly deposited soon,” the release stated.
Launched as part of a broader set of welfare measures by the DMK government, the scheme has been key politically and as a social assistance programme in Tamil Nadu in recent years.
It is also credited with improving financial access for millions of women. The direct benefit transfer model also became a central talking point in state politics, with both ruling and opposition parties using welfare schemes to shape their electoral messaging.
ALSO READ: Vijay Net Worth: A Look At Actor's Rs 600 Crore Empire As TVK Makes Stunning Debut In Tamil Nadu
The announcement comes months after Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam vowed Rs 2,500 monthly assistance for women below the age of 60 in its election manifesto ahead of the April 23 polls.
The promise had stirred a debate regarding cash transfer policies in the state. Notably, it also positioned the party's welfare agenda as being more encompassing than existing schemes.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.