Udhayanidhi Stalin Evaluates Women’s Development Programs

An evaluation meeting was held today regarding the activities of various programs operated under the Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Corporation.

Today (October 23, 2024), Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin, conducted a review meeting at the camp office concerning the operations of several initiatives under the Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Corporation, including the Tamil Nadu Rural Livelihood Mission, the Tamil Nadu Urban Livelihood Mission, the Self-Employment Scheme, and the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana.

The visionary scholar and educator, Mr. Kanalañjar, established the Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Dharmapuri district in 1989 to empower rural women economically. During his tenure, the Honorable Chief Minister facilitated assistance programs for thousands of women SHGs across various localities.

Members of the Women Self-Help Groups actively engage in group activities, producing goods and managing loans. In Dharmapuri, they are notably involved in various forms of skilled work and production.

Across Tamil Nadu, approximately 4.73 lakh Women Self-Help Groups operate with a total membership of 53.94 lakh. From May 7, 2021, until today, the Tamil Nadu government has disbursed loans amounting to ₹95,109 crore to Women Self-Help Groups across the state.

Under the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam initiative, health training programs for 10,969 women from Self-Help Groups have been organized in collaboration with the Health Department across 388 districts. The United Nations Interagency Task Force Award for 2024 has been announced for the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam initiative, recognizing the contributions of women from Self-Help Groups.

The Chief Minister emphasized that education for girls should not be a burden and has launched the Chief Minister’s Illam Thedi Kalvi initiative, which benefits 15,16,128 girls studying in 32,364 schools across Tamil Nadu. Additionally, 50,985 women from Self-Help Groups are involved in producing educational materials.

The products created by the Women Self-Help Groups are being marketed through various platforms. A total of 1,099 Self-Help Groups have sold goods worth ₹3.75 crore through 42 exhibitions. Through 29 exhibitions at the natural marketplace, 1,171 Self-Help Groups have sold goods worth ₹59.17 lakh. In high-traffic areas, products worth ₹2.42 crore have been sold. Through 100 mobile sales units, products worth ₹82.65 lakh have also been marketed.

To promote the products of Women Self-Help Groups, an online sales platform, www.mathisandhai.com, has been launched and has been operational since November 18, 2023. Furthermore, around 1,039 products from Women Self-Help Groups have been listed on major e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, Boom, GeM, Indiamart, Trade India, and Boost 360.

Through 36 rural self-employment training centers, 92,016 rural individuals have received self-employment training, and financial assistance has been provided to 50,841 individuals, enabling them to start their own ventures. In 490 skill fairs, 40,214 individuals were trained in various government skill development programs.

A total of 731 employment camps have been conducted across Tamil Nadu, placing 1,01,674 individuals in various jobs. Skill development training has been provided to 45,043 urban youth, costing ₹76.60 crore, resulting in employment for 32,431 individuals.

Since May 7, 2021, ₹24.26 crore has been allocated as capital assistance to 3,235 producer groups, and ₹5.70 crore has been provided to 760 SHGs.

Honorable Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Udhayanidhi Stalin conducted a detailed review of these initiatives. Additionally, he assessed the programs implemented under the Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Corporation, including the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, Tamil Nadu Rural Livelihood Mission, and new employment schemes (TN-RISE).

Women Self-Help Groups have produced a variety of sweets and snacks for Diwali, which are being sold in a special Diwali gift pack. This gift pack has garnered a significant customer response, as evidenced by the enthusiasm of the officials involved.

Several initiatives have been implemented to empower women in Tamil Nadu. Due to the advantages offered by these programs, Tamil Nadu stands out among states with the highest employment of women. The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated that efforts would continue to enhance the livelihood opportunities for women in Tamil Nadu.

In this evaluation meeting, participants included the Additional Secretary of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Mr. Kagan Deep Singh, and other officials from the Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Corporation.

Source: Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Chennai-9