Chennai
oi-Prakash KL
There could soon be a significant hike in Tamil Nadu’s flagship women’s welfare scheme, with the monthly financial assistance likely to rise from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 in the first phase of a major revamp planned by the state government.
Currently known as the ‘Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai’, it is set to undergo both structural and administrative changes under the present dispensation. As part of the overhaul, the government is also considering renaming the programme as the ‘Mathippumigu Magalir Thittam’, signalling a fresh identity for one of the state’s biggest social welfare initiatives.
Tamil Nadu’s ‘Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai’ scheme may increase monthly aid from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500 and could be renamed ‘Mathippumigu Magalir Thittam’, while considering stricter eligibility potentially excluding women over 60.
The proposed increase in financial aid is being viewed as the first step towards fulfilling the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government’s ambitious election promise. During the Assembly campaign, the party had assured voters that every eligible woman head of a household would receive ₹2,500 per month.
However, the government is treading cautiously due to mounting fiscal pressures and the enormous financial commitment required to implement the scheme fully, according to a report in The Hindu.
At present, nearly 1.3 crore women across Tamil Nadu benefit from the programme, making it one of the largest direct cash transfer schemes in the country. The existing payout of ₹1,000 per month already costs the exchequer around ₹15,600 crore annually, as per the report.
If the assistance amount is increased to ₹1,500 as currently being discussed, the annual expenditure would jump sharply to approximately ₹23,400 crore. Officials told the daily that such a steep rise cannot be implemented overnight without placing additional strain on the state’s finances. As a result, the government is reportedly leaning towards a phased enhancement rather than an immediate leap to the promised ₹2,500.
Another major change under consideration is the tightening of eligibility norms, particularly concerning age criteria. According to a study carried out last year based on recommendations from the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission, nearly 15 per cent of the current beneficiaries are women aged above 60.
The restructured scheme may strictly limit eligibility to women below the age of 60, in line with the ruling party’s original policy framework. If implemented, this could lead to the exclusion of nearly 19.5 lakh senior citizens who are currently receiving the monthly assistance.
Such a move would reduce the total beneficiary count from the present 1.3 crore to nearly 1.1 crore, thereby easing part of the government’s financial burden while allowing it to raise the payout amount for the remaining beneficiaries.
However, the possible exclusion of elderly women has already sparked concerns in policy circles. Officials admit there is currently no concrete roadmap to absorb these beneficiaries into alternative welfare programmes such as the Old Age Pension scheme.
Tamil Nadu’s existing Old Age Pension provides ₹1,200 per month, which is only marginally higher than the present women’s entitlement assistance. Welfare experts fear that removing senior citizens from the revamped scheme without a parallel support mechanism could create financial uncertainty for lakhs of vulnerable women who depend heavily on the monthly assistance for daily expenses.
Despite the concerns, the government appears determined to push ahead with the restructuring, viewing it as a balancing act between welfare expansion and fiscal discipline. The final contours of the revamped ‘Mathippumigu Magalir Thittam’ are expected to emerge after internal financial assessments and administrative consultations are completed.
