To commemorate the birth anniversary of Dravidian icon C. N. Annadurai, the DMK government, headed by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, launched a prominent financial assistance program for women. This initiative grants women a monthly sum of Rs 1,000 and was personally inaugurated by Chief Minister Stalin, underscoring its significance in recognizing women's unwavering contributions to society. The program saw the distribution of debit cards from banks to numerous beneficiaries, with state ministers extending its reach to their respective districts.

Chief Minister M. K. Stalin expressed while addressing “When Madras Presidency was renamed as Tamil Nadu, Anna (Annadurai) said that as long as the state is known as Tamil Nadu, it is his reign. And like that, as long as women in Tamil Nadu receive their rightful money, it would mean that it is Stalin’s administration,” the CM said. “It is not assistance. It is your rightful money.”

As part of this initiative, the government has identified a substantial 1.06 crore women as beneficiaries, and it disburses the Rs 1,000 assistance through Direct Benefit Transfer. The program, formally named "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam," which translates to the Kalaignar Scheme for Women's Rights, pays tribute to the late DMK leader Karunanidhi, who was affectionately known as "Kalaignar," highlighting his distinction as an artist.

This program prominently featured in the DMK's 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly election manifesto, has generated high anticipation. It reflects the party's dedication to empowering women and pays homage to Annadurai, who played a pivotal role in the DMK's historic victory in the 1967 assembly election and founded the party in 1949.

In July of this year, Chief Minister Stalin took a significant step towards addressing the welfare and empowerment of women in the Dharmapuri region of Tamil Nadu, India. He initiated a registration camp aimed at streamlining and facilitating the application process for monthly assistance programs specifically designed to benefit women in need.

Chief Minister Stalin regarded this scheme as revolutionary, with the potential to bring about a new era of prosperity for millions of women. The yearly payment of Rs 12,000 has the power to notably enhance women's quality of life, boosting their self-esteem and contributing to the battle against poverty.

The opposition criticized the DMK government for altering the scheme's original goal, which initially aimed to assist all women leading households in Tamil Nadu. The revised eligibility criteria now require women to be at least 21 years old, have an annual family income below ₹2.5 lakh, consume less than 3,600 units of household electricity annually, and own no more than 5 acres of wetland or 10 acres of dryland.

Image source: HT