CM Stalin inaugurates 'Tamil Puthalvan' scheme; Rs 1,000 monthly aid to be given to college boys

CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday launched the 'Tamil Pudhalvan' (son) scheme — on the lines of ‘Pudhumai Penn’ (daughter) scheme — which will provide Rs 1,000 per month to male students from government and government-aided schools pursuing higher education in Tamil Nadu.

“This scheme will increase enrollment of boys in higher education institutions and make poor students from government schools into achievers. The Dravidan model government has been implementing various schemes for Tamil Nadu to be a pioneer among other states in India,” Stalin said, while addressing students at Government Arts College in Coimbatore.

Pointing out that the foundation for social justice is to ensure financial independence to women and right to education for youth, Stalin listed out some of the DMK government's flagship schemes including ticketless travel for women in buses, 'Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam, where eligible women get monthly financial aid of Rs 1,000', the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme in schools, and the Naan Mudhalvan scheme which gives skill training to college students. “Under the ‘Pudhumai Penn’ scheme, 3.28 lakh college girls are being given Rs 1,000 every month,” he added.

"Last night, I ordered crediting Rs 1,000 for this month to your bank accounts, did you receive a credit message, have you got it?" the Chief Minister asked.

Stalin said 'thank you' when students displayed messages of credit on their phones and expressed their happiness.

He distributed debit cards to students, marking the launch of the scheme.

CM Stalin also said that the government has set a vision to achieve a $1 trillion economy by 2030. “By doing so, Tamil Nadu may develop on par with developed countries on the infrastructure front,” he said.

Later, he inaugurated the Ukkadam flyover built at Rs 481 crore and buildings for the Life Sciences and Social Sciences department at Bharathiar University.

What is the 'Tamil Pudhalvan' scheme about?

Under the ‘Tamil Pudhalvan’ scheme, boys who have studied from Class 6 to 12 in government and government aided schools in Tamil medium are eligible to avail the monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 to pursue higher education.

Students who have studied from class 8 to 10 in government and government aided institutions and pursuing diploma courses can also avail the benefit. An allocation of Rs 360 crore has been made for the benefit of 3.28 lakh students.

The funds will be directly deposited into the students' bank accounts each month, helping them purchase textbooks, general knowledge books, and magazines to support their education.

By introducing the 'Tamil Pudhalvan' scheme, the Tamil Nadu government aims to further support students' educational aspirations and improve the overall literacy and education levels in the state.

Urging all students to pursue higher education and not get diverted after school education, the Chief Minister said the government has been rolling out several schemes for the benefit of students and any barrier in pursuing higher education should be shattered to reach their goals.

The existing 'Pudhumai Penn' scheme whose success inspired the 'Tamil Pudhalvan' scheme was launched on September 5, 2022, which offers Rs 1,000 per month to female college students who studied in government schools from Class 6 to 12 until they complete an undergraduate degree, diploma, ITI, or any other recognised course. This initiative has already benefited over 3.28 lakh girl college students starting from the academic year 2024-25.

(With online desk inputs)