Actor-turned-politician Vijay, chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), on Saturday unveiled a range of welfare proposals focused largely on women if his party comes to power in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The announcements were made during an International Women's Day event organised by TVK in Mamallapuram. According to Mint, Vijay said that financial assistance and other welfare measures would be introduced once the party forms the government.
Monthly aid and wedding support for women
Among the key promises was a monthly financial assistance scheme for women. Vijay said eligible women would receive Rs 2,500 per month, with the benefit available up to the age of 60 years. Government employees would be excluded from the scheme.
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He also announced wedding support for young women, which would include a sovereign of gold along with a silk saree.
Another major proposal was the 'Annapurani Super Six Scheme', under which families would receive six free LPG cylinders every year.
Education and financial support initiatives
Vijay also outlined plans to address school dropout rates. Under the 'Kamarajar Kalvi Uruthi Thittam', mothers or guardians would receive Rs 15,000 annually to support children's education.
The 'Vetri Payanam' (victory journey) Scheme would allow women to travel free-of-cost on government buses.
To strengthen women-led businesses, the 'Singa Pengal' (empowered women) Development Scheme would provide interest-free funding of up to Rs 5 lakh to women-run Self-Help Groups (SHGs). SHGs that convert into registered MSMEs would also receive Rs 5 lakh annually as a grant.
Measures focused on women's safety
Vijay also announced several initiatives aimed at improving safety for women.
A Rani Velu Nachiyar Force, named after the historic queen, would be established to strengthen security measures. According to the proposal, women officers in plain clothes equipped with body cameras would be deployed, with around 500 teams operating across the state.
Additionally, Anjalai Ammal Fast-Track Courts for Women, named after freedom fighter Anjalai Ammal, would be created to ensure faster investigation and trial of crimes against women.
Other safety measures include smart panic buttons in public transport, improved lighting and CCTV coverage to eliminate "dark spots", and modern command centres to monitor these systems.
Health and welfare schemes
Vijay also said that "free sanitary pads will be distributed through public distribution points such as ration shops, schools, and colleges".
The Thaai Maaman Gold Ring Scheme would also be introduced. "Every newborn child will receive a gold ring as a blessing from the government," he said.
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He further announced that "A Baby Welcome Kit will also be provided containing: Nutritional supplements, Baby clothes, Baby soaps, Baby oil, Baby powder, Mosquito nets, Toys and Napkins and diapers."
Political context ahead of elections
The 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly is scheduled to go to polls in the first half of 2026.
The ruling alliance led by Chief Minister MK Stalin under the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) will attempt to retain power. It will face opposition from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
With Vijay entering politics through his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, the upcoming election is widely expected to see a three-cornered contest.
