Kalaignar Women’s Empowerment Grant Scheme: This scheme aims to provide monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 to 1.06 crore eligible women family heads in the state. The initiative also honours the legacy of former CM C.N. Annadurai, coinciding with his birth anniversary.
Chennai, 15 September(City Times): Kalaignar Women’s Empowerment Grant Scheme: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has launched a social welfare scheme called the “Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam” or “Kalaignar Women’s Empowerment Grant Scheme” in Kanchipuram Today. This scheme aims to provide monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 to 1.06 crore eligible women family heads in the state. The initiative also honors the legacy of former CM C.N. Annadurai, coinciding with his birth anniversary.
Financial Assistance and ATM Card Distribution(Watch Video)
During the grand launch event held in Kanchipuram, Chief Minister MK Stalin symbolically handed out ATM cards to the first batch of beneficiaries under the scheme. This gesture marked the beginning of a transformative journey for countless women and their families across Tamil Nadu. The initiative also sought to honour the memory of the late C.N. Annadurai, a stalwart leader who championed social justice and empowerment throughout his political career.
In addition to the event in Kanchipuram, Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Udhayanidhi Stalin spearheaded the scheme’s launch in Chennai, emphasizing the government’s commitment to reach women across the state.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this scheme, individuals must be above 21 years of age. Their annual family income should not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh, and their land holdings should be limited to 5 acres of wetland or 10 acres of dry land. Additionally, their annual electricity consumption should not exceed 3600 units.
Enrollment Process
For eligible women whose names have not been included in the scheme, the government will provide an opportunity to enrol. They can make a request through the e-seva portal, and action will be taken within 30 days.
Benefits and Ineligibility
Under this scheme, women and transgender individuals above 21 years of age are eligible for monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000, which amounts to Rs 12,000 per year. However, certain categories of individuals are ineligible, including government employees, income taxpayers, pensioners, and owners of certain vehicles.
Application Process
Eligible beneficiaries can register for the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam Scheme by visiting their nearest Public Distribution Fair Price Shop or Ration Shop. Volunteers at these locations will assist women in filling out the application forms. After submission, the forms will be forwarded to the implementing department for verification. Once verified, the financial assistance will be transferred directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Registration Camps
Registration camps for this scheme were held from July 24, 2023, to August 16, 2023. During this period, eligible women could visit their nearest camp and complete the registration process.
This scheme aims to empower economically vulnerable women in Tamil Nadu by providing them with financial assistance, improving their livelihoods, and enhancing their standard of living.
Reaching Every Corner of Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu government has left no stone unturned in its efforts to ensure that the benefits of this scheme reach every eligible woman in the state. To facilitate the launch events and ensure comprehensive coverage, ministers like Shekhar Babu and Ma Subramaniam, among others, presided over events held in various regions.
Eligibility Criteria: An Inclusive Approach
One of the standout features of the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam Scheme is its inclusive eligibility criteria. To be eligible for this transformative program:
- Individuals must be above 21 years of age.
- The annual family income should not exceed Rs 2.5 lakh.
- Land holdings should be limited to 5 acres of wetland or 10 acres of dry land.
- The annual electricity consumption should not exceed 3600 units.
These criteria are designed to ensure that the scheme benefits economically vulnerable women and provides support where it is needed the most.
Determining the Female Head of the Family
Identifying the female head of a family is a crucial aspect of the scheme’s implementation. To make this determination, the government follows a straightforward procedure. The wife of the man listed as the head of the family on the ration card is considered the female head. Additionally, single, widowed, or transgender women can also be recognized as the female head of the family, ensuring inclusivity.
Streamlined Enrollment Process
To ensure a smooth and efficient enrollment process, the government set up registration camps at Public Distribution Fair Price Shops and Ration Shops. Volunteers stationed at these locations played a pivotal role in guiding eligible women through the registration process.The procedure for enrolling in the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam Scheme is simple yet effective:
- Eligible beneficiaries visit their nearest registration camp.
- Volunteers assist women in filling out the application forms accurately.
- Completed forms are submitted to officials present at the camps.
After submission, the application forms are forwarded to the implementing department for thorough scrutiny and verification. This step ensures that the benefits reach those who meet the eligibility criteria, making the process transparent and accountable.
Budget Allocations Reflecting Priorities
The Tamil Nadu government has shown its commitment to the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam Scheme by allocating a substantial budget of Rs 7,000 crore. This financial commitment demonstrates the government’s dedication to social welfare and women’s empowerment. With this significant budget allocation, the scheme has become the highest-spending social welfare program in the state.
Verification Process: Ensuring Rightful Beneficiaries
Following the overwhelming response to the scheme, with 1.63 crore applications received, a rigorous verification process was put in place. This process aimed to ensure that the financial assistance reaches the deserving women of Tamil Nadu.
The verification process involved cross-referencing the details provided in the application forms with the eligibility criteria laid out by the government. After careful scrutiny, 1.06 crore women were shortlisted as eligible beneficiaries.
Empowerment Through Direct Cash Transfers
To streamline the distribution of financial aid, the Tamil Nadu government adopted a direct cash transfer mechanism. This approach ensures that the beneficiaries receive their monthly financial assistance directly in their bank accounts. The simplicity of this method minimizes bureaucracy and ensures that the funds reach the beneficiaries promptly.
Benefits Beyond Financial Assistance
While the financial assistance provided under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam Scheme is undoubtedly transformative, the benefits extend beyond monetary support. By issuing ATM cards to eligible