In a significant move to support female students' education, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin inaugurated the expanded Pudumaipenn Scheme in Kanchipuram and Thoothukudi districts. The event took place at Pachaiyappa Women's College in Kanchipuram, where students were provided with debit cards as part of the scheme's outreach. The initiative is aimed at improving the enrollment and retention rates of female students in higher education institutions.
The Pudumaipenn Scheme, launched by the Tamil Nadu Government, aims to provide financial assistance to female students from government and government-aided schools pursuing higher education. The scheme, which started in 2022, has already benefited 7,777 students by providing them with Rs. 1,000 per month, amounting to a total disbursement of Rs. 20.99 crore.
As part of the scheme's expansion, Tamil Nadu is focusing on providing direct financial support to female students through debit cards. These cards will allow the students to easily access the funds and manage their financial needs while pursuing their studies.
In addition, the Tamil Nadu government has also rolled out the Tamil Pudhalvan Scheme, which benefits male students by providing similar financial support. As of August 2024, 8,599 male students have received Rs. 1,000 per month, totaling Rs. 4.30 crore.
During the Kanchipuram event, a total of 310 female students received their debit cards, marking the first phase of the expanded Pudumaipenn Scheme. The event was attended by several key officials, including Kanchipuram Collector Kalaiselvi, DMK MP Selvam, DMK MLAs Sundar and Ezhilarasan, Social Welfare Officer Shyamala, Mayor Mahalakshmi, and Sub-Collector Ashiq Ali.
This expansion of the Pudumaipenn Scheme is part of the Tamil Nadu government's broader efforts to encourage more female students to pursue higher education and become financially independent. The government has emphasized its commitment to supporting women's rights and education through these initiatives.
