CM Stalin Expands Pudhumai Penn Scheme: Rs. 1000 Monthly Aid for Tamil-Medium Girl Students

Students from 6th grade to 12th grade studying in government-aided schools will receive a monthly incentive of Rs. 1000/- under the “Pudhumai Penn Scheme,” launched by the Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. M.K. Stalin.

The Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Mr. M.K. Stalin, today (30.12.2024) inaugurated the extension of the Pudhumai Penn Scheme at a government event held at Kamaraj College, Thoothukudi. As part of this, 10 students were given debit cards for the monthly incentive of Rs. 1000/- offered to girls studying in government and government-aided schools from 6th grade to 12th grade, continuing higher education in Tamil-medium.

The Honorable Chief Minister, who prioritizes women’s welfare, has consistently implemented welfare schemes to ensure their development. Recognizing that women’s education fosters social justice and economic development, the Pudhumai Penn Scheme was introduced on 5.9.2022 to support girls’ higher education.

Pudhumai Penn Scheme

Under the Pudhumai Penn Scheme, girls studying from 6th grade to 12th grade in government-aided schools in Tamil-medium and pursuing higher education are given Rs. 1000/- monthly without interruptions. This applies to undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and vocational courses, provided they complete these without breaks.

Since the scheme’s inception, approximately 4.25 lakh girl students from arts, science, engineering, vocational, and medical colleges have benefited. In December 2024 alone, Rs. 1000/- was disbursed to 2.98 lakh girl students. The government has allocated Rs. 370 crores for implementing this scheme.

Expansion of Pudhumai Penn Scheme

As part of the scheme’s expansion, girls studying in Tamil-medium government-aided schools from 6th grade to 12th grade, pursuing higher education courses in IITs, NITs, IISERs, and other prestigious institutions under the Union Government, are also eligible. Additionally, students availing scholarships like BC/SC/ST/Minority or belonging to families with multiple beneficiaries can also benefit.

Today, under the scheme, 75,028 girl students studying higher education from government-aided schools have been identified. The Chief Minister inaugurated the expanded Pudhumai Penn Scheme by issuing debit cards to students in Thoothukudi. Approximately 4,680 students in Thoothukudi district benefit from this scheme.

This noble initiative not only aims to improve education and self-confidence among girls but also ensures equality and fosters economic independence, paving the way for greater social progress.

The event witnessed the participation of ministers, members of parliament, legislative members, local representatives, and government officials.

Issued by:
Director, News and Public Relations Department, Chennai-9