Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin on Sunday released his party’s manifesto for the April 23 assembly elections, unveiling a raft of welfare promises across sectors including women’s empowerment, education, agriculture, health and industry. Calling it the “superstar” of the elections, Stalin said the document embodies the next phase of the state’s Dravidian model of governance. “Usually in Tamil Nadu elections, the DMK election manifesto is the hero, but now Dravidian model 2.0’s poll manifesto is the superstar,” he said, expressing confidence that the DMK would return to power for the seventh time by winning over 200 of the 234 seats in the upcoming polls.
‘Illatharasi’ coupon scheme for women
At the heart of the manifesto is the introduction of the “Illatharasi” coupon scheme for women. Under this initiative, women from households not under the income tax bracket will receive a one-time coupon worth Rs 8,000 to buy or replace household electronic goods such as a TV, refrigerator, washing machine, mixie, microwave oven or induction stove. “This new Illatharasi scheme will be implemented. Under this scheme, the women of families who don’t come under the income tax bracket would be provided a one-time coupon worth Rs 8,000 to purchase these electronic goods from the shops in their places of residence,” Stalin said. The term ‘Illatharasi’, literally translating to “queen of the house,” refers to the woman head of the family.Explaining the scheme further, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said, “Wherever the public is facing problems, we want to set it right. We promised certain things which will support the public. We targeted all these sections of the society. People use many gadgets, like the washing machine, cooker, stove, electric stove and grinder and everything. They face problems if the gadgets get stuck; in that case, the government gives an Rs 8,500 coupon, with which they can purchase whatever they need immediately. These schemes are targeted only to reduce school dropouts and increase the number of educated children,” he said.
Expanded benefits under existing schemes
The DMK chief promised to double financial assistance under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Scheme (KMUT) from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 and include new eligible beneficiaries.Highlighting its success, Stalin said, “The BJP attempted to obstruct the implementation of Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai Thittam…Despite challenges, he said the scheme has benefited around 1 crore 30 lakh families, with financial assistance of Rs 5,000 provided to beneficiaries. The DMK government remains committed to continuing and expanding welfare initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people.”The chief minister’s breakfast scheme will be expanded to cover students up to Class 8, benefiting around 15 lakh students. The monthly education grant for girls under the Puthumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan schemes will rise from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500.
Health, agriculture and social welfare
For healthcare, the DMK manifesto promises to raise the income ceiling under the CM Health Insurance Scheme to Rs 5 lakh, while increasing the sum assured to Rs 10 lakh. The party also pledged to enhance pensions for the elderly, widows, and unmarried women above 50 to Rs 2,000 per month, and increase the pension for persons with disabilities to Rs 2,500. Farmers will receive modern electric pumpsets without meters under the free electricity scheme, expected to benefit more than 20 lakh cultivators. The paddy procurement price will rise to Rs 3,500 per quintal, while the sugarcane procurement price will increase to Rs 4,500 per tonne. The DMK also promised the construction of 10 lakh new houses within five years.
A vision for the next decade
Unveiling the manifesto in Chennai, Stalin positioned Tamil Nadu as a national leader in welfare and governance.“Tamil Nadu has emerged as a leading state under the Dravidian model of governance, with several welfare schemes benefiting the public. DMK will form the government for the seventh time with continued public support. No other state in India has implemented welfare schemes as successfully as Tamil Nadu,” he said.He added that the manifesto outlines a 10-year vision for sustained welfare and equitable development, promising to strengthen education, healthcare, and social security while preserving Tamil Nadu’s reputation as a model welfare state.
