Women and Child welfare

• Women Welfare Women comprise 49.91% of the total population in Tamil Nadu as per Census 2011.

Major legislations

Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

• Under the Dowry Prohibition Act, District Level Advisory Committees have been formed in all the districts.
• Dowry Prohibition Act has been amended in 1989.
• District Social Welfare Officers have been designated as the Dowry Prohibition Officers.

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

• The Act provides protection to women to ‘live in violence free home’ and ensures the women’s right to reside in her matrimonial home, get custody of her children and maintenance.
• Though this Act has civil and criminal provisions, it also enables a woman to get immediate civil remedies within 60 days.
• In each District Social Welfare Office, a Protection officer has been appointed to help the aggrieved women to file the petition and get legal redressal.

Tamil Nadu Hostels and Homes for Women and Children (Regulation) Act 2014

• In order to enhance security and prevent acts of violence against children and women who are accommodated in places away from their homes and for registering and regulating all such places, the Government of Tamil Nadu have enacted the Act (2014) and its Rules (2015).
• Since 01.07.2022, all hostels and homes are required to get registered through an online registration.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

• The Government of India enacted the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act in 2006.
• This legislation is armed with enabling provisions to prohibit child marriages, protect and provide relief to victims and ensures punishment for those who abet, promote or solemnize such marriages.
• To eradicate child marriage in the State, the Government of Tamil Nadu has framed the State Rules viz.,
• The Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Child Marriage Rules, 2009 and notified the same on 30.12.2009.

Child Marriage Prohibition Officer

• The Government have designated the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) as Child Marriage Prohibition Officer for effective implementation of the Act.

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007

• The Statutory protection for the maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens is provided under this Act and the rules framed thereunder.
• It is the duty of the children and the legal heirs who are above the age of eighteen to take care of their Parent or Senior Citizens.
• A senior citizen including parent who is unable to maintain himself from his own earning or property owned by him, shall be entitled to make an application to the Tribunal set up under this Act on issues related to the physical health, mental health and property for which they can get relief.

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019

• This Act was passed in 2019 by Government of India and The Tamil Nadu Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules were framed in December, 2022.
• The Act seeks to recognize the identity of transgender persons and prohibit discrimination in the fields of education, employment, health care, holding or disposing of property, holding public or private office and access to and use of public services and benefits.

Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Pudhumai Penn Scheme

• This flagship scheme was launched on 05.09.2022 by providing financial benefits to girl students, to pursue higher education, this programme envisages to achieve a behavioural change leading to reduction in early marriages and arresting the low ratio of enrolment in higher education and increasing retention of girl students in higher education.
• The scheme therefore envisages empowerment of girls, especially who have studied 6^th to 12^th standard in Government schools.

Marriage Assistance Schemes

• Muthulakshmi Reddy Ammaiyar Ninaivu Inter-Caste Marriage Assistance Scheme the Government of Tamil Nadu has been implementing the Inter-Caste Marriage Assistance Scheme since 1968 to eradicate caste based discrimination and promote social equality among communities.

There is no upper age limit

• Category–I: One of the spouses from SC / ST community and other from a different community.
• Category–II: One of the spouses from forward community and the other from BC / MBC.
• Dharmambal Ammaiyar Ninaivu Widow Remarriage Assistance Scheme This scheme was launched in the year 1975 to encourage social reformation of remarriage of poor young widows and to ensure dignity, respect and their acceptance in the society.

Eligibility for Assistance

• Minimum age of bride is 20 years. Maximum age limit for bridegroom shall not be more than 40 years.
• No income limit.
• The bride should produce the widow certificate, invitation for re-marriage and age certificate.

E.V.R.Maniammaiyar Ninaivu Marriage Assistance Scheme for Daughter of Poor Widows

• This scheme was started in the year 1982 with an intention to help the poor widows to get their daughters married with requisite financial assistance.

Eligibility for Assistance

• Annual family income should not exceed Rs.72,000/-
• Widows receiving pension under social security scheme are not required to provide income proof and widow certificate.
• Bride should have completed 18 years. There is no upper age limit.

Annai Theresa Ninaivu Orphan Girls Marriage Assistance Scheme

• This scheme was launched in the year 1985, to ensure a safe future and secured life for poor orphan girls and enable them to get married.

Eligibility for Assistance

• Beneficiary should be an orphan girl.
• No income limit.
• The bride should have completed 18 years. There is no upper age limit.

Free Bus Travel for Women

• This scheme has benefited women passengers across the State immensely in multiple ways.
• A study conducted by State Planning Commission in November 2022 reported the following observations.
• From 12.07.2021 to 31.03.2023 about 260.59 crore trips were availed by women including working women and girl students pursuing higher education.
• So far 14.91 lakhs free trips have also been availed by the transgender persons.

Sathiyavani Muthu Ammaiyar Ninaivu Free Supply of Sewing Machine Scheme

• This scheme aims to improve the status of women, especially economically weaker section women, widows, deserted and destitute women to earn their livelihood through self-employment by providing free motorized sewing machines.
• Women Industrial Co-operative Societies Economically poor women in the age group of 18 to 40 year, and destitute women have enrolled themselves to form the Women Industrial Cooperative Societies.
• There are 125 Women Industrial Cooperative societies functioning under the control of the Department of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment.

Mission Shakti Mission Shakti

• An integrated umbrella scheme was launched by Government of India to spearhead a concerted effort on mission mode to ensure gender equality and women empowerment by strengthening interventions for women safety, security and empowerment under 15th Finance Commission cycle upto 2025-2026.

Sub- Schemes of Mission Shakti Mission

• Shakti has two sub schemes Sambal and Samarthya.
• The Sambal sub-scheme caters to safety and security of women schemes with components such as One Stop Centre, Women Helpline-181, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Nari Adalat.
• Samarthya sub-scheme, on the other hand is a scheme for empowerment of women, with components such as Ujjawala, Swadhar Greh, Working Women Hostels, Gender Budgeting, Pradhan Mantri Mathru Vandhana Yojana and National Creche Scheme.

Nirbhaya Fund

• Nirbhaya Fund was set up in 2016 by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, with an aim to provide safe environment for women.
• Safe City Project under Nirbhaya Fund is implemented.

Cradle Baby Scheme

• To prevent the female infanticide, the State Government introduced the Cradle Baby Scheme in Salem district in 1992.
• Under the scheme, cradles are placed at Government Hospitals and Primary Health Centres to receive abandoned newborns and babies surrendered by their parents.
• After due process these children are given for legal adoption in order to prevent illegal sale of babies.
• Presently the Cradle Baby Scheme is implemented in 10 districts.
• 5928 children have so far been handed over at the reception centres till March- 2023 (Male – 1346, Female – 4582).

Chief Minister’s Girl Child Protection Scheme

• The Chief Minister’s Girl Child Protection Scheme, introduced in 1992, is an innovative scheme which aims at eradication of female infanticide, prevention of child marriage and promotion of girl child education.
• The scheme was restructured in 2001 to confer more financial benefits to the girl children.

Objectives of the Scheme

• To eradicate female infanticide
• To prevent child marriage
• To promote girl child education
• To discourage the preference for male child
• To promote small family norm
• To increase the Child Sex Ratio

Scheme-I:

• An amount of Rs.50,000 is deposited in the name of the single girl child in the form of Fixed Deposit.
• The application should be submitted before the child completes 3 years of age.

Scheme-II:

• For a family having 2 girl children, an amount of Rs.25,000 each is deposited in the names of two girl children in the form of fixed deposits.
• The application should be submitted before the second child completes 3 years of age.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme

• Government of India launched Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme on 22nd Jan 2015 with the urgent need to address declining Child Sex Ratio which is a major indicator in determining the status of women empowerment.
• The declining child sex ratio reflects both pre-birth discrimination manifested through gender based sex selective elimination and post-birth discrimination against girl children.

Objectives of the Scheme

• To prevent gender based sex selective elimination.
• To ensure survival and protection of the girl child.
• To ensure education and improve participation of the girl child.

Implementation of the Scheme

• In Tamil Nadu, the scheme was launched in Cuddalore district in 2015 as the district had the lowest Child Sex Ratio (CSR) (896) in the State.
• The scheme was expanded to 10 more districts Ariyalur, Dharmapuri, Namakkal, Salem, Perambalur, Villupuram, Thiruvannamalai, Thiruvallur, Tiruchirappalli and Chennai in the year 2018.

Senior Citizen Welfare

• Elderly population of Tamil Nadu is projected to increase to 18.20% in 2031

State Action Plan for Senior Citizens

• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India has formulated a sub scheme namely National Action Plan for Senior citizens for the years 2019 – 2025 under the umbrella scheme of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana Scheme to ensure the welfare of Senior Citizens and enable the State to plan and strategize their local considerations and frame their own State Action Plans for the welfare of the Senior Citizens.

Government Service Homes

• The Government runs Service Homes in seven districts, namely Chengalpattu (Tambaram), Cuddalore, Salem, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli, Sivagangai and Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu for poor girls, deserted women and widows in need of care and protection.
• Service Homes provide accommodation, food, education, medical facilities, educational tours and vocational training to the inmates.
• Spoken English, computer training, counselling and career guidance facilities are also given to these girls in the Service Homes.
• Government Working Women Hostels Industrialization and urbanization have opened avenues for employment of young women in the cities and towns and are therefore required to stay away from their homes.
• This increases their need to find safe, secure and affordable housing accommodation near the place of work.
• To meet this need, the Government is running 21 Working Women Hostels in 18 Districts throughout the State.

Tamil Nadu Working Women Hostels Corporation Limited (TNWWHCL)

• Tamil Nadu Working Women Hostels Corporation Limited was established as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) in 2018-19 under the Company Act, 2013, to undertake infrastructure development, management and maintenance of certain projects such as Working Women Hostels, Crèches, Senior Citizen Homes, Child Care Institutions with modern facilities.
• The Directorate of Social Welfare is the Nodal agency for implementation of this project.

One Stop Centre (OSC)

• One Stop Centres are implemented throughout the State with 100% financial assistance from Government of India, to provide integrated support and assistance under single roof for the women who are affected by violence both in private and public spaces within family, community and in workplace.

Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women

• Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women, a statutory body has been functioning since 1993.
• Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women was restructured in 2022 with a chairperson and seven members.
• The Commission investigates and examines all matters relating to the safeguards provided for women under the Constitution and other laws.
• The Commission takes up the cases of violation of provision of the Constitution and other laws relating to women with the appropriate authorities.
• The Commission also reviews from time to time the existing provision of the Constitution and other laws affecting women and recommends amendments thereto so as to suggest remedial legislative measures.

Transgender Welfare

• The state has played a lead role in the country in bringing welfare measures to the transgender community by the formation of “Tamil Nadu Transgender Welfare Board” on 15.04.2008.
• The Board implements various welfare programmes for the transgenders.

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019

• This Act was passed in 2019 by Government of India and The Tamil Nadu Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules were framed in December, 2022.
• The Act seeks to recognize the identity of transgender persons and prohibit discrimination in the fields of education, employment, health care, holding or disposing of property, holding public or private office and access to and use of public services and benefits.

Tamil Nadu Transgender Welfare Board

• The Transgender Welfare Board was formulated in 2008 to implement the welfare schemes for giving social and economic support to the Transgender.
• The following welfare measures are extended through the Transgender Welfare Board.
• Identity card.
• Financial assistance to Higher Education.
• Individual and business oriented and integrated skill development training.
• In order to promote self-employment to transgenders every year Rs.1.00 crore has been sanctioned.

The Widow and Destitute Women Welfare Board

• The Government of Tamil Nadu has constituted the Widow and Destitute Women Welfare Board in 2022 to ensure the protection and welfare of Destitute Widows, deserted and destitute Women.
• The board shall function with the objective to provide education, health, employment, vocational training etc.

Women Helpline (181)

• The nationwide common Women Helpline-181 has been implemented in Tamil Nadu since December 2018 with 100% financial assistance by Government of India.
• The Women Helpline is functioning 24×7 hours to provide immediate and emergency response during a need or crisis and thereby improve the safety of women and children.
• Women helpline is sambal sub-scheme of Mission Shakti scheme.
• Women Helpline also provides information about the laws, existing schemes and government programs related to women empowerment and protection.

Senior Citizen Helpline (14567)

• Government of India launched the toll free senior citizen helpline number ‘14567’ throughout India on 28.04.2021 in co-ordination with the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.
• It is designed to provide support to the senior citizens from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on all days.
• It provides 100 percent direct financial assistance to the implementing agency which runs the helpline.
• The following services are provided through elder helpline:-
  • Rescue services
  • Information on Old Age Homes
  • Information on senior citizen welfare schemes

Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme (CMBFS)

• To provide Breakfast to students studying in the standard 1-5th of Government Primary school on all school working days, the scheme was rolled out by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on 15.9.2022.
• Presently 1,54,108 students studying in 1969 schools are being benefitted under this scheme.
• To ensure that children attend schools without hunger.
• To ensure that children do not suffer from malnutrition.
• To enhance the Nutritional status of the children, particularly in preventing Anaemia.
• To increase the attendance / learning skills of the children in the schools.
• To decrease the burden of the working mothers.

Puratchi Thalaivar M.G.R. Nutritious Meal Programme

• The Mid day meal scheme was introduced in the year 1925 in Madras Municipal Corporation, the first of its kind in India.
• The scope was enlarged when the Noon Meal Programme was introduced in all districts of Tamil Nadu by former Chief Minister Thiru.K.Kamarajar in the year 1962.
• Then, in 1982 Puratchi Thalaivar M.G.R. Nutritious Meal Programme was launched.
• To ensure Protein rich food in nutritious meal programme for the children, the former Chief Minister Kalaignar M.Karunanidhi introduced the distribution of egg scheme along with in Noon Meal in 1989.
• As of now 13 varieties of Hot cooked Nutritious meal is being provided to the children in Primary and Upper Primary classes up to 10th Std. in all Government, Government aided schools and National Child Labour Project Schools in Tamil Nadu.

Objectives of the Scheme

• Motivate children to attend school regularly.
• Maximise enrolment and reduce dropout rate in schools.
• Universalization of the primary education.
• Improving the nutritional status of children and enhancing the literacy rate of the children.
• By providing more employment opportunities to women under nutritious meal scheme and empower them economically.

Integrated Child Development Services

• Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), globally considered as one of the world’s largest and most unique community-based outreach system for promoting early childhood care for survival, growth and development was launched in 1975 as a welfare scheme for children between 0-6 years, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
• The scheme aims to address the issue of malnutrition among children, fulfill other needs for the complete development of children and provide health care services to pregnant women and lactating mothers.
• Government of India launched the Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment (POSHAN Abhiyaan) during 2017-2018 in order to reduce malnutrition through targeted approach by leveraging technology and Jan Andolan (Peoples’ Movement).
• The Anganwadi Services Scheme under POSHAN 2.0 was approved for implementation during the 15th Finance Commission period i.e. from 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 and in 2022–2023, the nomenclature of Anganwadi Services was changed to Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0, an Integrated Nutrition Support Programme to strengthen the content, delivery, outreach and outcome of the nutritional services.

“Uttachathai Uruthi Sei (Ensure Nutrition)” Scheme

• Tamil Nadu has announced an eminent scheme Uttachathai Uruthi sei on 07.05.2022 aim to ensure the healthy growth of children under 6 years to achieve the status of “Malnutrition free Tamil Nadu”.
• Under this scheme the height and weight of all children under 6 years will be measured to ascertain the nutritional status.
• Accordingly, nutrition and medical intervention will be provided.
• The utmost goal of this scheme is to bring them back to normal.

Usage of Fortified Food Ingredients

• To combat micronutrient deficiency among the Children, Antenatal women, lactating mothers and Adolescent girls, the following fortified food ingredients are utilized in the Supplementary nutrition provided through Integrated Child Development Services: –
• Double Fortified Salt with Iron and Iodine.
• Palmolein oil fortified with Vitamin A and Vitamin D.
• ICDS Food Supplement (Sathumavu) fortified with Vitamins and Minerals.
• Rice fortified with Iron, Folic acid and Vitamin-B12

National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan)

• POSHAN Abhiyaan, also known as the National Nutrition Mission (NNM) was launched during 2017-2018 with the aim of improving nutritional outcomes in a phased manner.
• The scheme has specific targets for reducing stunting, wasting, under weight, anaemia and Low birth weight.
• The scheme is being implemented in all Districts, with the funding pattern of 60:40 (GOI:State).

Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0

• Saksham Anganwadi and POSHAN 2.0 is an Integrated Nutrition Support Programme.
• It seeks to address the challenges of malnutrition in Children, Adolescent girls, Pregnant women and Lactating mothers through creation of a convergent eco system to develop and promote practices that nurture health, wellness and immunity.
• POSHAN 2.0 focuses on Maternal Nutrition, Infant and Young Child Feeding Norms, Treatment Protocols for SAM/MAM and Wellness through AYUSH practices to reduce Underweight, Wasting, Stunting and Anaemia.
• These are monitored through ‘POSHAN Tracker’, a new, robust ICT based data system.

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015

• The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 aims at providing proper care, protection, development, treatment and social reintegration of children in difficult circumstances by adopting a child-friendly approach keeping in mind the best interest of the child.
• The Act provides a legal framework to deal with children in need of care and protection and children in conflict with law.
• The Government of Tamil Nadu framed the Tamil Nadu Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2017 under the above Act.

Mission Vatsalya Scheme (Child Protection Services Scheme)

• The “Mission Vatsalya” scheme provides a framework to fulfill the mandates stipulated under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
• Programmes for addressing the needs of every child have been drawn keeping in view the individual care plan of children.
• Monitoring and Evaluation at regular intervals is also ensured.
• The Directorate of Social Defence has also developed performance and management indicators to monitor the implementation of Child Protection Services at district level.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012

• The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act, 2012) was formulated in order to effectively address sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and safeguarding interest and wellbeing of the child at every stage.
• It provides for protection of children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography.
• It also provides for stringent punishment which is inflicted as per the gravity of offences.
• The punishment ranges from simple to rigorous imprisonment of varying period.
• There is also provision for fine, which is decided by the court.
• The Government of Tamil Nadu has created the “Tamil Nadu Child Victim Compensation Fund” under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 in order to provide financial assistance as a compensation for the rehabilitation of child victims of sexual offences.

The Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005

• The Tamil Nadu Commission for Protection of Child Rights has been constituted as per the section 17 (1) of Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 for monitoring the effective implementation of Child Welfare related Acts in force.
• The Commission has been established with a chairperson and six Members with effect from 18.01.2013.
• The main objective of this Commission is to monitor the implementation of child related legislations that are in force in order to ensure the protection and welfare of the children at the optimum level and to give suggestions to the Government.

The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956

• The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956 had been enacted to combat trafficking and sexual exploitation of women for commercial sexual purposes.
• The Act provides for institutional care facilities for short and long term rehabilitation of victims by providing education, training and skill development.

Ujjawala Scheme

• Trafficking of women and children for commercial sexual exploitation is a crime against human rights.
• To ensure safety and proper rehabilitation of victims, Ujjawala Scheme is being implemented with Centre and State assistance.
• It is a comprehensive scheme for Prevention of Trafficking, Rescue, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of victims of trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation.
• There are 3 Non-Governmental Organizations implementing this scheme in the State of Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu State Policy for Children

• The Government of Tamil Nadu has brought out “Tamil Nadu State Policy for Children – 2021” for ensuring care, protection, growth and development of children in an enjoyable environment.
• Key indicators had been developed for each parameters on par with International Standards.
• The Directorate of Social Defence has organized several regional level consultation programmes to chalk out draft action plan to effectively carry out and fulfill the mandates of the Government enshrined in the State Policy.

Rehabilitation Policy for children in street situations

• The Government have formulated “Rehabilitation Policy for Children in Street Situations, 2022”.
• The main objective of the policy is to take steps for identification and rescue of children in street situations and to recommend suitable measures for effective rehabilitation in accordance to their prevailing situation.
• It also provides a plan for reporting and monitoring of children in street situations and to establish an effective coordination of stakeholders in other States for further follow-up.

Social Justice Monitoring Committee

• On the occasion of the centenary day of the Social Justice, the Tamil Nadu government had announced that “Social Justice Monitoring Committee” will be formed.
• This committee will monitor as to whether the yardsticks of social justice have been fully followed in Education, Employment, Posts, Promotions and Appointments.
• It will also recommend the Government for taking appropriate action if these are not implemented properly.
• It has also been announced that the committee will include Government officials, academics and legal experts.

Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department

• The Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department was set up in 1988 after the bifurcation of Social Welfare Department with the objective of uplifting of the economic status and improving the standard of living of Adi Dravidar and Scheduled Tribes on par with the other sections of society.
• Adi Dravidar Welfare Schools Realizing the need to educate the younger generation belonging to the Adi Dravidar communities and in order to guide them towards the path of progress, 1,138 schools have been established by the Department in the areas where Adi Dravidar people are most populated.

Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes

• This educational assistance is being provided to enable students studying above class 10, to continue their education without financial constraints and to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of Adi Dravidar students in higher education.
• The expenditure incurred for the implementation of this scheme is shared by the Union and State Governments in the ratio of 60:40.
• To avail scholarship under this scheme, the annual income of the parent / guardian should not exceed Rs.2.50 lakh.

State Government’s Special Post Matric Scholarship Scheme

• In order to help the Adi Dravidar and Christian Adi Dravidar students who are not eligible to benefit due to the norms laid down under the Government of India Post matric scholarship scheme, the State Government is providing Special Post Matric scholarship.

State Government’s Higher Education Special Scholarship Scheme

• For the Adi Dravidar and Christian Adi Dravidar students pursuing higher studies in Government and Government aided educational institutions and staying in paid hostels other than Government hostels, the State Government is disbursing Special scholarship.

Overseas Scholarship to pursue Post Graduate and Research courses

• In order to encourage Adi Dravidar, Christian Adi Dravidar students to pursue postgraduate and doctoral research studies in educational institutions abroad, the scheme is implemented.
• The scholarship is awarded to students who are admitted to the top 1000 institutions ranked by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in the Global Ranking of Institutions.
• Further, only one person from a family can avail scholarship under this scheme.

Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme

• Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme for Scheduled Castes and others from the year 2021-2022, pre-matric scholarship for the students studying in IX and X standard and pre-matric scholarship for children of those parents engaged in unclean occupations and occupations involving cleaning and prone to health hazards are merged together and implemented as a single scheme.
• Further, the total expenditure incurred under the scheme is shared between the Union and State Governments in the ratio of 60:40 respectively.

Special Incentive Scheme for Girl Students

• To encourage girls to continue their studies without dropping out and to ensure 100% enrollment of Adi Dravidar Girl children in Government / Government aided schools, this special incentive scheme for girl children is being implemented.
• Adi Dravidar and Christian Adi Dravidar students to continue their education without interruption, this department runs Adi Dravidar welfare hostels near their educational institutions.

Pradhan Mantri – Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana / PM-AJAY)

• The Pradhan Mantri – Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PMAJAY) is being implemented as a single scheme by merging the three existing schemes viz.,
• Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP) and Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY).
• Under the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana scheme, 1,123 villages have been selected.
• To ensure integrated development of selected villages in areas where Adi Dravidar population is more than 40 percent.
• According to 2011 Census, the population of 37 Scheduled Tribe communities living in Tamil Nadu is 8,41,558 constituting 1.17% of the total population of the State.

Eklavya Model Residential Schools:

• Eight Ekalavya Model Residential Higher Secondary Schools (English Medium) from 6th to 12th standard are functioning with the financial assistance from the State and Union Government.

Integrated Tribal Development Programme (ITDP)

• Ten hilly areas in seven districts namely Salem, Namakkal, Kallakurichi, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchirappalli, Dharmapuri and Tirupattur where the tribal population is 50% or more of the total revenue division population, have been classified as ITDP areas.

Pradhan Mandri Aadi Adharsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY)

• Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to meet the infrastructure requirement within 5 years (2021-2022 to 2025-2026) in 167 villages in Tamil Nadu where the tribal population exceeds 50% of total population or more than 500 Scheduled Tribes living in the selected village.

Minimum support for Minor Forest Produces: –

• Most of the Scheduled Tribe people who are living in forest areas depend on minor forest produce for their livelihood.
• According to the Forest Rights Act 2006, bamboo, honey, wax, lac, herbs, tubers are classified as Minor Forest Products.
• To ensure fair price, value addition and marketing opportunities for such minor forest produce, the scheme of “Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce” is implemented by the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED).

Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006

• In order to recognize the forest-related rights of Scheduled Tribes and other traditional dwellers who are depending on forests legally, for their livelihood, residence, socio-cultural and other needs, “Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006” was enacted and come into force since 29.12.2006.
• According to this Act, Scheduled Tribes who are living on the forest on or before 13.12.2005 and Other Forest Dwellers (OTFD) who are living in the forest for three generations (75 years) are eligible for award of title and confirming their rights.

Tribal Research Centre:

• The Tribal Research Centre was established in 1985 at M.Palada in the Nilgiris to study the lifestyle, culture, language, socioeconomic and educational status of the Scheduled Tribes living in Tamil Nadu.
• An open air museum has been set up in this centre with tribal artefacts and Photographs are preserved and displayed.

Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation Limited (TAHDCO)

• The Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing and Development Corporation (TAHDCO) was started in 1974 as a government agency to build houses for the homeless Adi Dravidar people.
• It has now grown as an organization that implements various entrepreneurship and skill development programmes of the Government for the economic upliftment of the Adi Dravidar and Scheduled Tribe people.

Activities of TAHDCO

• Implementing Economic Development Programmes.
• Providing Skill Development Training.
• Undertaking construction activities of Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department.
• National Corporation for Scheduled Castes Finance and Development
• National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation
• National Corporation for Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development

Tamil Nadu State Commission for Adi Dravidar and Scheduled Tribes

• “The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Adi Dravidar and Scheduled Tribes” has been established as an autonomous body to protect the legal rights of Adi Dravidar and Scheduled Tribes at the State Level and to address their issues is functioning from 13.10.2021.
• The Commission functions under the Chairmanship of former Justice of Madras High Court.
• A Vice Chairman and four members have also been nominated to this Commission.
• The term of office of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and members is three years.
• The Managing Director, TAHDCO acts as the Member-Secretary to the Commission.

State Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee

• The State Level Vigilance and Monitoring Committee has been established to review the implementation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 1989 and Amendment Act 2015, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities (POA) Act) Rules 2016 cases registered under the Act, compensation and other relief measures provided to the victims of atrocities and the role of the officers / organizations related to the implementation of this Act.
• This Committee has been reconstituted under the Chairmanship of Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Ministers, Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly belonging to Adi Dravidar and Scheduled Tribe communities as Members.
• Tribal Advisory Council As envisaged in Rule 4(1) of the 5th schedule in the Constitution of India, Tribal Advisory Council was constituted during the year 1961 to render advice for the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes in Tamil Nadu.
• The Hon’ble Minster for Adi Dravidar Welfare is the Chairperson and the Director, Tribal Welfare is the Member – Secretary of this Committee.
• A total number of 20 members comprising 3 official members, 15 Non official Members and 2 Non-scheduled Tribe are members of the council.

Puthirai Vannar Welfare Board

• The “Puthirai Vannar Welfare Board” was established during the year 2009 under the Chairpersonship of Hon’ble Minister for Adi Dravidar Welfare, for the educational, socioeconomic development of the Puthirai Vannar community.
• There are 12 official members and 13 non official members nominated to this Board.
• The Director of Adi Dravidar Welfare is the Member Secretary of this Board.

Minorities welfare

The State Minorities Commission

• Commission was set-up in 1989. “Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes Welfare Department” was changed as “Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare Department” in the year 1999.
• A separate reservation of 3.5% has been provided to Backward Class Muslims out of the 30% reservation earmarked for Backward Classes in the year 2007 after considering the representation of Minority Communities for separate reservation.
• The Government has ordered to follow the carry forward procedure in filling up of posts earmarked for Backward Class Muslims in direct recruitments.

Pre-matric Scholarship Scheme

• This scheme was introduced by Government of India in the year 2008-2009 and sanctioned to the minority students studying from 1^st standard to 10th standard till 2021-2022.

Post-matric Scholarship

• Post-matric scholarship was introduced by Government of India in the year 2007-2008.
• This is sanctioned to the minority students pursuing higher secondary education, technical and vocational courses including Polytechnic, Diploma in teacher training, UG and PG level courses, M.Phil and Ph.D., etc.,

Merit-Cum-Means Based Scholarship Scheme

• Merit-cum-Means based scholarship scheme is implemented with a view to encourage the Minority students who have secured higher marks and study Professional/ Technical courses.
• This scholarship is sanctioned to the students belonging to religious minorities notified by Government of India i.e., Muslims, Christians, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi and Jain communities in the recognized State and Central Government Institutions.
• This scheme is implemented from the year 2007-2008.

Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship for Girl Students

• The “Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship Scheme” was introduced by the Union Government and is being implemented through the Maulana Azad Educational Trust of the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
• The meritorious students of Minority community are encouraged to pursue higher education under this scheme.

Minority Hostels

• In order to facilitate poor Minority students to continue their education, this Government is running 18 minority hostels with free boarding and lodging facilities.

Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme

• To ensure a equitable share and extended the benefits to Minorities in proportion to their population under various schemes, Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme is being implemented in Tamil Nadu.
• The important objectives of this schemes are providing facilities to education, access to credit, housing facilities, employment generation and maintain communal harmony.

Prime Minister’s New 15 Point Programme

• Equitable availability of ICDS Services;
• Improving access to School Education;
• Greater resources for teaching Urdu
• Modernizing Madarsa Education;
• Scholarship for meritorious students from minority communities;
• Improving educational infrastructure through Maulana Azad Education Foundation;
• Self-employment and wage employment for the poor;
• Upgradation of skills through technical training;
• Enhanced credit support for Economic activities;
• Recruitment to State and Central services;
• Equitable share in rural housing scheme;
• Improvement in condition of slums inhabited by minority communities;
• Prevention of communal incidents;
• Prosecution for communal offences; and,
• Rehabilitation of victims of communal riots

Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK)

• The Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) aims to improve socio-economic conditions of the communities living in the areas through community infrastructure development to support Minorities by providing basic amenities to them for improving the quality of life of the people and reducing imbalances and development deficit in the identified Minority Concentrated Areas.
• Projects under the scheme are related to creation of infrastructure mainly in the sectors of education, health and skill development.
• Earlier, the scheme is implemented in the Minority concentrated areas (25% of Minority Population in the area) which have been identified by the Ministry of Minority Affairs based on census 2011.

Tamil Nadu State Minorities Commission

• The Tamil Nadu State Minorities Commission is a statutory body, constituted for safeguarding the rights and interests of religious and linguistic minorities.
• The commission is undertaking the functions like examination and monitoring the working of various safeguards provided in the constitution of India and the laws enacted by the State Government for the protection of minorities, making appropriate suggestions to the State Government regarding proposed legislations and welfare schemes to be undertaken in respect of minorities and also making recommendations for ensuring, maintaining and promoting communal harmony in the State The Commission has been reconstituted for a period of 3 years with effect from 28.06.2021.

Tamil Nadu Minorities Economic Development Corporation (TAMCO)

• The Tamil Nadu Minorities Economic Development Corporation (TAMCO) was established in 1999 under the Companies Act 1956.
• This Corporation provides loan for the benefit of Minorities viz., Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains in Tamil Nadu at a lower rate of interest to start viable trade / business.
• This Corporation is acting as State Channelising Agency of National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), Delhi.
• TAMCO is lending Term Loan, Micro Credit Loan and Education Loan for economic advancement of Minorities.
• Tamil Nadu Minorities Economic Development Corporation Ltd sanctions and disburses loans to beneficiaries through Central Co-operative Banks/Urban Co-operative banks/ Primary Agricultural Co-operative Credit Societies

Tamil Nadu Linguistic Minorities Social and Economic Development Corporation (TALMEDCO)

• In order to ensure better access to various schemes and promote their economic and social interests of Linguistic Minorities in Tamil Nadu, the Government have formed Tamil Nadu Linguistic Minorities Social and Economic Development Corporation (TALMEDCO).
• It established under Tamil Nadu State Minorities Commission Act 2010 (Tamil Nadu Act 21 of 2010).
• Government has notified that the persons belonging to the Minority communities who are natives of Tamil Nadu and having viz Telugu, Urdu, Kannada, Malayalam Sourastra and Marathi as their mother tongue as “Linguistic Minorities”.

Tamil Nadu Waqf Board

• In accordance with Central Waqf Act 1954, the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board was constituted on 18.01.1958 to maintain waqf properties and to administer the works relating to waqf.
• The Board is constituted once in 5 years as per Waqf Act, 1995 (Central Act 43/1995) and the present Board is functioning with 9 members.
• The Tamil Nadu Waqf Board having its head office at Chennai is functioning with 11 Zonal offices.
• Main function of the Waqf Board is Protection, Retrieval and Monitoring and development of Waqf institution under the provision of the Waqf Act, 1995.

National Waqf Development Corporation (NAWADCO)

• National Waqf Development Corporation has been setup by the Ministry of Minority Affairs along with Central Waqf Council for development of waqf properties.

Tamil Nadu State Haj Committee

• The State Government constitutes the Tamil Nadu State Haj Committee for a period of three years to look after the welfare of the haj pilgrims and also for making necessary arrangements for the successful performance of haj pilgrimage visiting Makkah/ Madinah at Saudi Arabia with the guidance of Haj Committee of India and Ministry of Minority Affairs, New Delhi.

Backward Class Welfare

• The Directorate of Backward Classes Welfare in 1969 and the Directorate of Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities Welfare in 1989 were formed by this Government for effective implementation of the Welfare Schemes for these communities.
• In order to provide better opportunities to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities to enhance their position in the fields of education, employment and profession and with an aim of elevating them on par with other sections of the society, the reservation policy, a unique policy of Tamil Nadu, is followed with zeal since 1921.

Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission

• The Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Commission has been constituted as a permanent body under Article 16(4) read with Article 340 of the Constitution of India, pursuant to the directions of the Supreme Court of India in Indra Sawhney & Ors. Vs. Union of India and others case.
• The Commission functions from 15.03.1993 onwards.
• Denotified Communities Welfare Board in the year 2007.

Tamil Nadu Narikoravar Welfare Board

• “Tamil Nadu Narikoravar Welfare Board’’ has been formed by the Government in the year 2008.
• Members enrolled in the board are sanctioned various welfare assistances such as, accident relief, educational assistance, marriage assistance, maternity assistance and old age pension as in the case of members of the welfare boards for unorganized labourers, functioning under the administrative control of Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department.

Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Economic Development Corporation

• The Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Economic Development Corporation sanctions loan assistance at lower rates of interest to individuals, Groups belonging to Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes and Denotified Communities for establishing viable trade or business for their economic upliftment.
• The Corporation was established in the year 1982.
• The Corporation has been acting as the State channelizing agency of the National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation and obtains loan from the latter upon the guarantee given by the Tamil Nadu Government for funding various loan schemes.
• The Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Economic Development Corporation is sanctioning loan to individuals and Self Help Groups.
• Tamil Nadu Backward Classes Economic Development Corporation sanctions and disburses loans to beneficiaries through District Central Co-operative Banks Urban Co-operative banks / Primary Agricultural Co-operative Credit Societies.

Micro Credit for Women (Mahila Samridhi Yojana)

• Under this scheme, micro finance is provided to Women Self Help Groups to start small trade / business either individually or as a group. Maximum number of members in a self help group is 20.