Women the force that drives the world: T.N. CM Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday (March 7, 2026) extended International Women’s Day greetings, describing women as the powerful force that drives the world.

In a statement, Mr. Stalin said it was social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy who raised the question, Pen Yen Adimaiaanaal? [Why did women become slaves?], and spread awareness on women empowerment. Following his principles, former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi enacted a law granting equal rights to women in property and provided reservation for them in government employment.

He said following in the footsteps of those leaders, the Dravidian model government has dedicated itself to the advancement of women. He also listed some of the initiatives taken by his government for the welfare of women, including Magalir Vidiyal Payanam (free bus travel for women), Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam (KMUT), Pudhumai Penn, Thozhi hostels, concession in registration fees when property is registered in the name of women, a free HPV vaccination drive for girls under 14 years of age, the Nannilam land ownership scheme for Adi Dravidar and tribal women, and the appointment of women Odhuvars in temples.

“Looking ahead to the upcoming Dravidian Model 2.0 government, we have already announced that under the KMUT, the monthly grant will be increased to ₹2,000. In addition, an advance amount covering three months, along with a special summer grant of ₹2,000, has already been credited to the bank accounts of 1.31 crore women across Tamil Nadu,” he said, adding that it is the women who will lead the way in realising his dream of making Tamil Nadu a one-trillion-dollar economy.