₹5,000 deposited into women’s bank accounts!

We welcome the historic announcement made by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu that ₹5,000 has been credited to the bank accounts of women beneficiaries and that the women’s entitlement amount will be increased to ₹2,000 in the next DMK government.

Today, the Government of Tamil Nadu has deposited ₹5,000 into the bank accounts of all women receiving the Women’s Entitlement Scheme. This includes ₹3,000 as advance payment for the months of February, March, and April, and ₹2,000 as special assistance to help them cope with summer hardships. This is a heart-warming and historic announcement. On behalf of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, we convey our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister for implementing this measure.

Since assuming office, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government has been providing ₹1,000 per month to nearly 1.5 crore women under this scheme. When it was announced as an election promise, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam criticized it as impractical. However, after successful implementation, the scheme has inspired political parties across India. The Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress, among others, made similar promises in various state elections.

Inspired by Tamil Nadu, states such as Assam, Delhi, Odisha, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand have implemented monthly financial assistance schemes for women. Thus, Tamil Nadu’s initiative has become a model for the entire nation.

Women beneficiaries use this amount to repay small debts, support their children’s education, cover elderly medical expenses, and even make modest savings. The scheme has provided economic self-reliance, particularly to rural women. Nearly 74% of beneficiaries are from rural areas.

When money is placed in the hands of women, they spend it constructively, generating economic circulation and contributing to development. The Women’s Entitlement Scheme has played exactly that role in Tamil Nadu.

At a time when elections are approaching, there have reportedly been attempts by the BJP-AIADMK alliance to stop the scheme through legal means. Anticipating this, the Hon’ble Chief Minister ordered advance payment of ₹3,000 for three months along with ₹2,000 as summer assistance, totaling ₹5,000 credited at once. This is not only a comforting announcement for women but also one that strengthens the rural economy.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when many global economies declined, the Union Government increased funding for the 100-day employment scheme, helping sustain rural women’s incomes. Economists noted that this played a significant role in preventing a deeper economic downturn. Similarly, the Women’s Entitlement Scheme functions as an economic stabilizer.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister has further announced that in the next DMK government, the monthly entitlement will be increased to ₹2,000. This unexpected announcement has energized women beneficiaries, many of whom have resolved to bring the DMK back to power.

Before coming to power in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to deposit ₹15 lakhs in every citizen’s bank account. That promise proved false, as not even ₹15 was deposited. Unlike such empty promises, our Chief Minister has demonstrated effective governance through concrete implementation.

Not only has he fulfilled the promises made in 2021, but he has also implemented additional welfare initiatives like the Breakfast Scheme, which was not even part of the election manifesto.

Under his leadership, Tamil Nadu has emerged as a people-centric and socially just government, leading the nation in economic growth, education, and healthcare infrastructure. The people of Tamil Nadu must continue to support his achievements and ensure that his leadership continues in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

On behalf of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, we request the people of Tamil Nadu to support the formation of a government under his leadership once again.

Thol. Thirumavalavan
Founder-President
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi