MK Stalin Transfers ₹5,000 to Women Beneficiaries Under Kalaignar Rights Scheme Ahead of Polls

Chennai, Feb 13 : With the Assembly elections approaching, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Friday announced a financial assistance package for women under the Kalaignar Women’s Rights Scheme, depositing a total of ₹5,000 into the bank accounts of 1.31 crore beneficiaries across the state.
The amount includes ₹3,000 released in advance for February, March, and April, along with an additional ₹2,000 described as a “summer special package.” Stalin said the early transfer was intended to prevent any disruption in benefits amid the election period.
In a statement shared on X, the Chief Minister alleged that attempts were being made to stall the grant citing the upcoming polls, but asserted that his government acted proactively to safeguard the interests of women. He reaffirmed his commitment to the programme, calling it a key promise of his administration.
Stalin further pledged that if returned to power, the current monthly assistance of ₹1,000 would be doubled to ₹2,000 under the proposed “Dravidian Model 2.0,” positioning the move as part of a broader push for women’s economic security.
Meanwhile, the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has outlined a series of welfare assurances, including raising social security pensions to ₹2,000 and offering education loan waivers. The party has also promised free LPG cylinders for eligible ration card holders and interest-free loans for minority women to encourage self-employment.
Earlier, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami unveiled additional proposals such as monthly assistance for women heads of families, expanded employment opportunities, housing initiatives, and continued free bus travel for women.
Amid the intensifying political activity, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is preparing for a tightly regulated election meeting in Salem, where party chief Vijay is scheduled to address a limited audience under strict security arrangements. Authorities have enforced controlled entry and traffic measures following a fatal stampede at a previous gathering.
The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly is expected to head to the polls in the first half of the year, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest as major parties sharpen their campaign strategies with competing welfare pledges.