Women Development Schemes in Tamil Nadu Under D.M.K. Administration

The administration of the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) in Tamil Nadu has pursued a comprehensive approach to women’s development through a range of progressive schemes designed to address the diverse challenges faced by women and also to promote gender equality, enhance economic opportunities and improve the overall well-being of women. These initiatives reflect a commitment to addressing the social and economic challenges faced by women. They have included the Free Education for Women initiative, which eliminates financial barriers to education. The Marriage Assistance to Daughters of Poor Widows Scheme provides financial support for marriage expenses, while the Puthumai Penn Scheme offers aid for higher education. The Government also provides Maternity Benefits, and collectively these schemes aim to empower women and promote their socio-economic development.

The EVR Nagammaiyar Ninaivu Free Education Scheme was introduced during the DMK rule in 1989 and is named in honour of E.V. Ramasamy (Periyar) and his wife Nagammaiyar, both of whom were prominent social reformers advocating women’s rights and education. Under the scheme, eligible female students receive tuition fee waivers and other necessary support to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various disciplines across state-run educational institutions. The scheme aims at enhancing access to higher education for girls from marginalised communities and at promoting social justice and gender equality by empowering women through education.

It was a new scheme introduced by M. Karunanidhi during the DMK regime. In order to uplift the condition of women in different sectors, 33 per cent reservation was introduced by him. Women entered local bodies, which saw a couple of Dalit women becoming mayors. The women who belonged to the lower sections benefited most from this scheme, and it became a light to politics.

It is one of the important schemes introduced during the DMK regime in 1975. Under this scheme, on the marriage of a widow, a sum of Rs. 5,000 is given in the form of six-year National Savings Certificates in the joint names of the husband and wife. During this tenure, 312 couples benefited, and Rs. 15.60 lakh was sanctioned for this scheme. Widows who were ill-treated in society benefited more from this scheme.

The Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Ninaivu Marriage Assistance Scheme was introduced on 3^rd June 1989. Under this scheme, a grant of Rs. 5,000 is given on the occasion of the marriage of girls from poor households who have passed the 8^th Standard or above. The girls should have attained the age of 18 years at the time of marriage. During the DMK regime, 26,547 girls benefited, and Rs. 13.27 crore was allocated for this scheme.

The Marriage Assistance to Daughters of Poor Widows Scheme was introduced by the Tamil Nadu Government in 1989 to provide financial support to economically disadvantaged families, particularly those headed by widows. The scheme aims to alleviate the financial burden that marriage expenses can impose, especially on single-parent families. It aims to ensure that the daughters of poor widows can have a dignified marriage. The scheme offers gold, typically around four grams, intended for making the thali (mangalsutra), a culturally significant item in Tamil weddings. This provision not only eases the financial strain but also respects and upholds traditional customs.

The Sivagami Ammaiyar Ninaivu Girl Child Protection Scheme was introduced in April 1992 by the Tamil Nadu Government. This scheme also ensures equal opportunity in education for girl children on a par with male children. In 1997, the DMK Government modified the scheme so that the amount had to be deposited with the Tamil Nadu Power Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited in the name of the girl child. By re-establishing this scheme, the DMK Government reduced the burden on parents of meeting the education and marriage expenses of their girl children.

The DMK Government’s efforts in women’s development highlight a progressive approach. The Government has shown a strong commitment to advancing women’s empowerment through a range of innovative schemes. It has focused on economic independence, social security, education and the overall well-being of women across the state.