Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday launched the second phase and expansion of the state government’s flagship women’s welfare scheme, the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam (KMUT), under which ₹1,000 per month is provided as financial assistance to women heads of households.The launch event was held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Multipurpose Stadium in Chennai in the presence of Cabinet colleagues, senior officials and beneficiaries. The programme, titled ‘Vellum Thamizh Pengal’, highlighted the government’s focus on women’s empowerment and social welfare.
The event featured moving testimonies from women who have benefited from various government schemes, including KMUT, Nannilam Magalir Nilavudamai Thittam, Vidiyal Payanam, Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam, Nalam Kakkum Stalin and Thozhi Viduthigal. An official release said the programme also showcased the state’s achievements in improving the social and economic status of women through sustained welfare measures.
Gandhian and social activist Krishnammal Jagannathan and Paralympics medalist Thulasimathi Murugesan were among the distinguished personalities who participated in the event.
Hailed as the crowning jewel of the state’s women-centric initiatives, the KMUT provides a monthly assistance of ₹1,000 directly to the bank accounts of women heads of families. At present, around 1.15 crore women receive the benefit, which helps them meet daily expenses and build meaningful savings.
The Chief Minister said women who are eligible but have not yet received the Magalir Urimai Thogai will soon be given an opportunity to apply and be included under the scheme. Stalin first announced the KMUT in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on March 2, 2023, and formally launched it later that year. So far, about 1.13 crore women heads of households have benefited.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin later said the scheme would continue to be expanded. In line with this assurance, women heads of households who were previously left out have now been included after completing the enrolment process, further strengthening the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment in the state.