Kumbakonam, Jan 29: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday unveiled a set of five major welfare initiatives for the Muslim community at the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) state conference held near the Tharasuram Bypass in Kumbakonam. The announcements were made under the theme “Protect Minority Rights” as part of the government’s continued focus on inclusive development and social welfare.Speaking to a large gathering of community leaders and members, Stalin said the measures respond to long-standing requests from the Muslim community and reflect his administration’s commitment to minority welfare.
Here are the five key announcements the Chief Minister highlighted:
Increase in Pension for Ulemas: The monthly pension for Islamic scholars (ulemas) registered with the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board will be raised from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000, strengthening financial support for religious teachers and community leaders.
Higher Family Pension: The family pension for eligible dependents of Waqf Board members — currently at ₹1,500 — will be increased to ₹2,500 to ensure better social security for their families.
New Waqf Tribunal in Coimbatore: In addition to the existing tribunals in Chennai and Madurai, a new Waqf Tribunal will be established in Coimbatore to expedite the resolution of Waqf-related disputes and better serve the community across the state.
Identification of Burial Ground Sites: The state government will identify and allocate land in municipal corporation areas for Muslim burial grounds (kabristans), addressing a critical need in urban centres where space is limited.
Gradual Fulfilment of Community Requests: Stalin assured that the government will work to progressively meet other demands of the Muslim community, indicating a phased approach to broader welfare initiatives.
The announcements were widely welcomed by community members and leaders at the IUML conference, who saw them as concrete steps toward strengthening minority welfare in the state. Observers note that these measures also underline political priorities ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.