Tamil Nadu Government Disburses Rs 5,000 to 1.31 Crore Women Beneficiaries Ahead of Assembly Elections
In a significant pre-election move, the Tamil Nadu government on Friday credited a total of Rs 5,000 to 1.31 crore women beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Women's Rights Scheme. The disbursement includes Rs 3,000 as an advance payment for the months of February, March, and April, along with an additional Rs 2,000 designated as a "summer special package."
Chief Minister MK Stalin Announces Advance Payment
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin made the announcement through a detailed social media post on platform X. He revealed that the Rs 3,000 amount was provided as an advance to cover three months of the Women's Rights Grant. Stalin alleged that "some" entities were attempting to block the grant for three months, citing the upcoming assembly elections as justification.
"For the women of Tamil Nadu, this Women's Rights Grant is the promise given by Stalin. No matter who tries to create obstacles, I will not step back from it," the Chief Minister declared in his post. "Citing the elections as a reason, they are trying to block the Women's Rights Grant for three months. But our #DravidianModel government has acted ahead of them!"
Stalin emphasized that his administration took proactive measures to ensure beneficiaries would not face any disruption in receiving their entitled funds during the election period.
Future Promise Under Dravidian Model 2.0
The Chief Minister further outlined ambitious plans for the scheme's future. He announced that under what he termed "Dravidian Model 2.0," the current monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 would be doubled to Rs 2,000 if his government is voted back to power in the upcoming elections.
"With the support of #WinningTamilWomen, we will continue to win! Under #DravidianModel 2.0, we will increase the ₹1,000 Women's Rights Grant to ₹2,000! This is the promise that Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin makes to my sisters! #WeWillWinTogether," Stalin's post elaborated.
Opposition Party Announces Competing Welfare Promises
Meanwhile, the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) unveiled its own set of five election promises. The most notable commitment involves raising social security pensions from Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,000 for several vulnerable groups, including:
- Senior citizens
- Elderly widows
- Unmarried elderly women
- Women abandoned by their husbands
- Persons with disabilities
- Transgender persons
Heightened Security for Political Gathering in Salem
In the midst of this electoral buildup, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is preparing to hold a tightly controlled election meeting on Friday at Seelanayakkanpatti in Salem. Party chief Vijay is expected to address exactly 4,998 participants at the KVP Garden venue.
Authorities have implemented stringent security measures for the event:
- Entry will be strictly limited to those holding passes with QR codes
- Heavy police deployment will be present throughout the venue
- Comprehensive vehicle checks will be conducted
- Traffic diversions will be implemented to ensure safety
Officials have emphasized that individuals without valid passes should watch the program through live broadcast channels rather than attempting to attend in person.
Security Measures Following Previous Tragedy
These heightened security precautions come in direct response to a tragic stampede that occurred at a previous TVK gathering in September, which claimed 41 lives. The incident has prompted authorities to enforce strict crowd management protocols during all high-profile political events in the state.
Upcoming Assembly Elections Context
The 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly is scheduled to go to the polls in the first half of this year. In the 2021 Assembly elections, the DMK secured 133 seats, while Congress won 18, PMK won 5, VCK won 4, and other parties collectively won 8 seats.
The current disbursement of funds to women beneficiaries represents a significant welfare initiative as political parties intensify their campaigns and make competing promises to voters ahead of the crucial state elections.
