In a pre-election welfare push, the Tamil Nadu government has transferred cash assistance ranging from Rs 3,200 to Rs 8,000 to nearly 40 lakh beneficiaries across the state. The move covers old-age pensioners, widows, differently abled persons, fisherfolk families, and agrarian communities in the hills.
Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that 29 lakh old-age pensioners and destitute women received Rs 3,200, including an additional Rs 2,000 over their regular monthly pension of Rs 1,200. More than 5 lakh differently abled persons were credited Rs 3,500, while 2.58 lakh families of the differently abled received a Rs 4,000 maintenance allowance.
In a seasonal relief for fisherfolk communities, 1.62 lakh families were granted Rs 8,000 to compensate for the annual fishing ban period. Additionally, in an effort to benefit agrarian communities in the Nilgiris, the government increased the tea procurement price by Rs 2 per kilo, benefiting around 14,000 tea growers.
Stalin stated, “We will not let anyone lag behind in Tamil Nadu’s development journey.” This latest transfer follows a similar move two weeks ago when the Chief Minister ordered Rs 5,000 to be credited to 1.3 crore women beneficiaries under the state’s monthly assistance scheme, including an advance payment for three months and a special summer allowance of Rs 2,000.
With Tamil Nadu heading into a fiercely contested four-cornered battle, the timing of these transfers has drawn sharp political attention. Actor Vijay is set to make his electoral debut with his party TVK, adding a new dimension to the contest. Vijay enjoys a cult following, particularly among youth and women voters – demographics that the ruling party has aggressively courted through welfare measures.
Though the DMK-led alliance has won three consecutive elections, this time seat-sharing talks with the opposition parties are underway. The BJP, led by Syed Hafeezullah, is among the contenders in these negotiations.
