Chennai, Aug 28:
The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday announced a series of welfare measures, financial assistance schemes and infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening educational and social support for minority communities.
Minorities Welfare Minister A.M. Shahjahan made the announcements during the debate on the demand for grants for his department in the State Assembly.
A major announcement focused on improving higher education opportunities for Muslim women. The government said it would bear the full undergraduate tuition fees of eligible Muslim female students admitted under the government quota in government, government-aided and self-financing institutions.
The scheme will cover students pursuing arts, science, engineering, medicine, agriculture and law courses. An initial allocation of Rs 20 crore has been earmarked for the initiative.
The announcements form part of a broader package of welfare and development measures proposed for minority communities in the State. The focus on female literacy and higher education is expected to provide financial relief to students from economically weaker families and encourage greater participation of women in professional and higher education.
The Minister said the government was committed to expanding access to welfare schemes and strengthening infrastructure for minority communities across Tamil Nadu.