Actor-turned-politician Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), on Saturday unveiled a wide range of welfare promises aimed at women and families if his party comes to power in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections 2026.
Addressing an International Women's Day event organised by TVK in Mamallapuram, Vijay announced that women up to the age of 60 would receive a monthly financial assistance of ₹2,500 if the party forms the government. Government employees would not be eligible for the scheme.
Key Welfare Promises Announced by Vijay
1. Monthly Financial Aid and Marriage SupportWomen will receive ₹2,500 per month. Young women will also be given one sovereign of gold and a silk saree as a wedding gift.
2. ‘Annapurani Super Six Scheme’Under this scheme, every family will receive six free LPG cylinders each year.
3. ‘Kamarajar Kalvi Uruthi Thittam’To reduce school dropout rates, mothers or guardians will receive an annual assistance of ₹15,000 for children’s education.
4. ‘Vetri Payanam Scheme’Women will be allowed to travel free of cost on all government buses across the state.
5. Rani Velu Nachiyar ForceA special security force named after Rani Velu Nachiyar will be formed to enhance women’s safety. Around 500 teams of women officers working in plain clothes and equipped with body cameras will be deployed across the state.
6. Anjalai Ammal Fast-Track CourtsFast-track courts named after freedom fighter Anjalai Ammal will be set up to ensure quicker investigation and justice in cases involving crimes against women.
7. Smart Panic Buttons in Public TransportPanic buttons will be installed in all public transport vehicles, including private share autos, enabling authorities to respond within five minutes of an alert.
8. Zero Dark Spots InitiativeThe government will install CCTV cameras and improve street lighting in vulnerable areas. Modern command centres will monitor these systems to strengthen women’s safety.
9. Free Sanitary Pads DistributionSanitary pads will be distributed free of cost through ration shops, schools, and colleges.
10. Singa Pengal Development SchemeWomen-run Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will receive interest-free loans of up to ₹5 lakh to expand their businesses. SHGs that register as MSMEs will also receive an annual ₹5 lakh grant.
11. Thaai Maaman Gold Ring SchemeEvery newborn child in the state will receive a gold ring from the government to mark their birth.
12. Baby Welcome KitNewborns will also receive a kit containing nutritional supplements, baby clothes, soaps, oil, powder, mosquito nets, toys, napkins, and diapers.
The 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly is scheduled to go to polls in the first half of 2026. The ruling alliance led by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin under the Secular Progressive Alliance will seek to retain power against the National Democratic Alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party.