Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Credits ₹5,000 to 1.3 Crore Women in Pre‑Poll Initiative
Chennai, February 13, 2026 — In a major welfare push ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced that ₹5,000 each has been directly deposited into the accounts of approximately 1.3 crore women beneficiaries under the state’s flagship women’s empowerment programme, the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme.
The initiative, which took effect today, marks one of the largest single-day cash transfers to women in the state, aimed at financial support and economic security. Officials confirmed that the disbursal includes an advance component for upcoming months along with a special top-up, ensuring beneficiaries receive the full entitlement promptly.
Breakdown of the Assistance
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Advance Payment: Covers three months of regular entitlements under the scheme.
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Special Bonus: A one-time addition to support household needs during the summer season.
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Total Amount: ₹5,000 per eligible woman, credited directly to bank accounts.
Objective and Impact
The scheme is designed to empower women financially, particularly those heading households, by providing a steady source of income. Government sources highlighted that the move aims to ensure uninterrupted benefits while reinforcing women’s participation in the state’s socio-economic development.
Stalin emphasized that the programme is a rights-based entitlement, not merely a welfare handout, and reiterated his government’s commitment to expanding financial support for women in the coming years.
Political Context
The announcement comes ahead of elections and is seen as a significant pre-poll outreach to women voters, a key segment in Tamil Nadu’s electorate. While the initiative has received praise for its scale and direct impact, opposition parties have questioned the timing of the transfers.
With over 1.3 crore beneficiaries, the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai programme remains one of India’s largest targeted cash transfer schemes for women, underscoring Tamil Nadu’s focus on inclusive growth and gender-focused welfare.