Vijay promises ₹2,500 monthly assistance for women, free bus travel

Emulating electoral strategies of the Dravidian majors in Tamil Nadu, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Saturday unveiled a set of women-centric poll promises for the upcoming Assembly election, including ₹2,500 monthly grant for women, free government bus travel for them across the State, and six free cooking gas cylinders per family per year.

Speaking at the International Women’s Day celebrations organised by the party in Mamallapuram, he said under the Madhippumigu Magalir Thittam [Honourable Women’s Scheme], a ₹2,500 grant would be provided for all women up to 60 years of age, barring family members of Union and State government employees.

He also criticised the DMK government for giving only ₹1,000 as a rights grant for women, saying that it was not sufficient to meet even basic expenses.

Under the Annapoorani Super Six scheme, six Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders would be provided to each family free of cost every year.

Under the Annan Seer Thittam [Brother’s Wedding Gift Scheme], one sovereign of gold and a superior quality silk saree would be provided as a gift free of cost for the bride, he said.

Curbing dropout rate

To ensure there are no dropouts in schools due to economic hardship, Kamarajar Kalvi Urudhi Thittam [Kamarajar Education Assurance Scheme] will be implemented, under which ₹15,000 per year would be provided as a grant for the mother or guardian of schoolchildren. Under Vetri Payanam Thittam, women shall travel free of cost on all government buses across Tamil Nadu, Mr. Vijay said.

Under Thaai Maaman Thanga Modhiram Thittam, all children born in Tamil Nadu will be provided a gold ring along with a baby welcome kit containing nutrition products, dresses, soaps, oil, powder, mosquito nets, toys, and diapers, the actor-turned politician said. Under Singa Pengal Membattu Thittam, to improve production efficiency, a ₹5 lakh interest-free loan will be provided to self-help groups (SHGs). Registered MSMEs born out of SHGs will be provided ₹5 lakh per year as full subsidy, he said.

To ensure the safety of women, children, and elderly persons, Mr. Vijay said a separate department for women, children, and elderly development would be created and function under his direct oversight.

Women safety

To ensure zero tolerance towards crimes against women and ensure their safety, Rani Velunachiyar Padai [Rani Velunachiyar Force] will be created. In this force, plain-clothes women police, equipped with body cameras, will be posted for security in public places. A total of 500 women security groups will be created across the State.

Anjalai Ammal Fasttrack Courts will be created to speed up cases related to crimes against women. To ensure the safety of women travelling in public transport, smart panic buttons will be fitted in vehicles, including share autorickshaws, and they will be connected to a centralised command centre that would function round the clock. If the button is pressed, authorities will ensure to respond within five minutes, he said.

Lighting facilities and CCTV cameras will be installed in public places across the State to ensure there are no dark spots and will be connected to modern control centres. Sanitary napkins will be provided free of cost at public distribution system outlets, schools and colleges, he said, alleging there were several discrepancies in the existing system under this initiative.

Mr. Vijay said all these poll promises were just a sample and that he would unveil further poll promises in the coming days. He also claimed that 30% of the budgetary allocation in Tamil Nadu was being siphoned off as what he called “Stalin sir tax,” in which “20% goes for Stalin sir and 10% for Ministers.”

He also questioned how the government was able to transfer ₹5,000 to women beneficiaries recently when the ruling party was raising the issue of a financial crunch in the exchequer. Because of “Stalin sir tax,” an artificial deficit was being created, he claimed.

Published – March 07, 2026 11:02 pm IST