Tamil Nadu assembly polls: CM M K Stalin credits Rs 5,000 to 1.31 crore women under Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme

CHENNAI: The DMK govt on Friday sprang a surprise by crediting Rs 5,000 each into the bank accounts of 1.31 crore beneficiaries of the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam. Chief minister M K Stalin justified the pre-poll move saying the sum was credited as there was an attempt to scuttle the scheme citing election code of conduct.In an early morning video statement, Stalin said the govt had deposited Rs 1,000 monthly entitlement for Feb along with advance payments for March and April. In addition, special summer assistance of Rs 2,000 was credited.The special summer component alone entails an additional expenditure of around Rs 2,600 crore, while the total outgo for the consolidated payment accounted for an approximate Rs 6,550 crore.Stalin said there were attempts to stall the scheme by invoking the model code of conduct ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, and said the advance payment was meant to pre-empt such a move.“We are receiving information that a group in Delhi, along with another group in Tamil Nadu that acts as their slave, is conspiring to halt this scheme for the next three months, citing the elections. There are also reports that some are attempting to approach the court,” Stalin said.“How will you manage your monthly expenses (if the disbursement is halted)? Will you be able to buy medicines for the sick in your family? Can you meet your children’s educational expenses during the exam season?” he asked.By the time the announcement was made around 7.45am, many beneficiaries had received the amount, while others saw their accounts being credited with the money through the day.The CM also announced that if DMK returns to power, the monthly entitlement would be doubled to Rs 2,000. “This is the promise given by Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin, who fulfils what he says,” he added.On questions raised about feasibility of the promise, Stalin said similar doubts were raised when the scheme was first introduced, but the govt had implemented it successfully despite financial constraints. Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam was announced by Stalin as a poll promise in 2021 and was rolled out in 2023.He said the DMK govt had achieved economic growth that was not seen in the previous regime. “So, irrespective of the obstacles that come our way, we will overcome them,’’ he said.Later in the day, Stalin handed over appointment orders to 9,801 people who were recruited to various govt depts through TNPSC and other recruitment boards. Stalin said the govt had recruited 94,191 employees through govt recruitment boards in the past four-and-a-half years.