T.N. widows and single women association urges government to set up separate department to oversee their affairs

The Widows and Destitute Women Welfare Association – Tamil Nadu has urged the State government to set up a separate department under the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment department to oversee their affairs.

Putting forth 10 demands ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the coalition of over 25 associations also urged the government to pass a Tamil Nadu Widows and Single Women (Equality and Non-Discrimination) Act to prevent discrimination against women on religious, cultural, political and economic grounds.

Further they have also demanded that a Tamil Nadu State Widows and Single Women Policy be formulated for their social, economic and political empowerment.

Among their demands, they also requested that assistance for widows be increased to ₹5,000, and an allocation of 10% be made for single women and widows under housing schemes. At least 5% of government employment must be reserved for widows and single women which must be on a par to their educational qualifications.

In an effort to ensure education for children they demanded that a State Widow and Single Women Welfare Insurance Scheme be set up where their children’s welfare and education through scholarships is ensured.

“Representation of widows and single women must be ensured through appointment or reservation in statutory bodies such as panchayat, town panchayat, municipal and Corporation administrative committees. Further to encourage remarriage of women, an assistance of ₹3 lakh should be provided.” said a press release.