Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday, September 15, 2023, launched the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam in Kancheepuram on the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) founder C.N. Annadurai.
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Under the scheme, ₹1,000 will be given as a rights grant every month to 1.06 crore women heads of family in the State
During an official function in Kancheepuram district, the birth place of former CM Annadurai, Mr. Stalin formally launched the scheme at the Pachaiyappa’s College for Men, and also launched the distribution of ATM cards to beneficiaries.
Minister T.M. Anbarasan, Kancheepuram MP G. Selvam, legislators C.V.M.P. Ezhilarasan, K. Sundar and K. Selvaperunthagai, Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena, Finance Secretary T. Udhayachandran, Secretary-I to CM N. Muruganandam, Kancheepuram Collector Kalaiselvi Mohan and senior officials were also present.
Stalin lauds women
Addressing the women gathered at the venue, Mr. Stalin said that the basic income scheme could not be implemented soon after his government assumed office [in 2021]. due to the financial situation which prevailed then.
“Only because you voted for the DMK symbol and the symbol of our alliance political parties, am I able to implement these welfare measures,” Mr. Stalin said.
Lauding women’s role in the society, Mr. Stalin said the work of homemakers had to be recognised and the basic income scheme was a measure towards that objective.
Making strong comments against those who had prevented women from pursuing education and from leading in various roles in the society, Mr. Stalin also took a dig at “people who support child marriage even today”.
Recalling how women were oppressed by patriarchal forces over the years, Mr. Stalin said under the ‘Dravidian Model’ of governance, the role of women was being recognised through several measures. Referring to his mother Dayalu Ammal, wife Durga and daughter Senthamarai, Mr. Stalin recalled the support they gave him every day.
Underlining that the Tamil Nadu government’s welfare schemes were being keenly noticed by other States, Mr. Stalin said: “When I attended the dinner hosted by the President for the G20 Summit, even some Union Ministers were keenly interested in our schemes.”
Clarifications on bank details
During his speech, Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena said there were reports that in one of the districts, some women got calls asking them to share the OTPs [received on mobile phones]. Mr. Meena clarified that the State government has not asked for details of either OTPs or bank accounts of the beneficiaries. In case anyone asked for details of OTPs or bank accounts, Mr. Meena said complaints should be made to the police in this regard.
The scheme was also simultaneously launched by Ministers in districts across the State.
The Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam was among the schemes listed by the DMK in its electoral manifesto ahead of the 2021 Assembly polls.
Earlier in the day, Mr. Stalin paid floral tributes to the statue of former CM Annadurai in Kancheepuram Municipal Corporation office. He also visited Perarignar Anna Memorial House and paid floral tributes to the late leader’s statue.
‘Those rejected can appeal’
The State government has also announced that those, who applied to benefit under the scheme but were rejected would be able to move an appeal against the decision.
Over 1.63 crore applications were received under the scheme and of which a total of 1,06,50,000 applications were shortlisted after they were found to meet various eligibility criteria.
An SMS would be sent on behalf of the Chief Minister to the beneficiaries on September 15, which would also have details on how to handle any issues that may arise. Those who have applied for the scheme but have not been shortlisted to benefit, would be given the reason they were not shortlisted.
The Tamil Nadu government will incur an expenditure of ₹12,000 crore annually, to implement this scheme.
