Tamil Nadu Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar on Saturday said the proposed monthly financial assistance of Rs. 2,500 for women would be implemented only after it is officially announced in the State Budget.
Speaking to reporters in Madurai, the Minister said the Government was currently assessing the financial position and necessary resources for implementing the scheme promised during the Assembly election campaign.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, after assuming office, had stated that time was needed to study the State’s financial condition before fulfilling major poll assurances. He had assured that welfare schemes would be implemented in phases after reviewing the functioning of various departments.
The announcement had raised expectations among women beneficiaries regarding the enhancement of the existing Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme, under which eligible women receive Rs. 1,000 every month.
Recently, the Government said additional time was required to restructure the women’s entitlement scheme. Following this, the monthly assistance of Rs. 1,000 for May was credited to the bank accounts of around 1.31 crore women beneficiaries across Tamil Nadu.
Nirmal Kumar said the revised scheme would be implemented only after financial resources were finalised and necessary allocations were made in the Budget.
He added that all administrative arrangements would be streamlined within the next few months and that the Chief Minister was personally reviewing every department and appointing officials to ensure smooth governance.
The Minister also said Chief Minister Vijay was ready to interact with the media whenever required.
