Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai: Income ceiling likely to be increased, say reports
The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 13,722 crore to the scheme for this year. The KMUT scheme currently benefits around 1,16,50,000 women.
CHENNAI: The annual income ceiling eligibility for ‘Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai’ (women's basic income) scheme is expected to increase from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
Launched by Chief Minister MK Stalin, the KMUT will complete its first year on September 15. There are indications that the Tamil Nadu government may revise some of the eligibility norms to avail the scheme.
The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 13,722 crore to the scheme for this year. The KMUT scheme currently benefits around 1,16,50,000 women.
At present, the scheme is not covering the total number of targeted beneficiaries. To achieve this goal, the government is likely to announce the revised norms for the scheme a day after the CM's return from the US on September 15, which again falls on former chief minister CN Annadurai's birth anniversary.
However, a clear picture of the revised norms will be known only after the state government issues an official notification.
The eligibility criteria for the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme in Tamil Nadu include an annual family income of Rs 2.5 lakh or less.
They should own less than 5 acres of wetland (Nansei) or less than 10 acres of dry land (Punsei) and their household electricity consumption should not exceed 3,600 units per year.
These eligibility criteria have led to criticism from opposition parties, who argue that many women are unfairly excluded due to these restrictions.
(With Bureau inputs)