Social Welfare - 2024-25 - Extras

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Policy notes
policy notes
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Demand No.45
Social Welfare and Women Empowerment
Department
Policy Note 2024–2025
CHAPTER-1
Introduction
“Strong Women
Aren’t simply born,
They are made
By the storms
They walk through”
is a famous saying. Women who are made stronger

by life storms, are made the strongest, when
provided with welfare measures. The Government,
whose foundation is based on social justice, social
equality and inclusiveness has made social welfare
the focus of its governance, especially the welfare
1
of women and children, thereby creating an
environment where women have equal rights,
opportunities access to resources and decision
making power; Social Welfare and Women
Empowerment Department embodies one of the
core functions of the Welfare of the State, by
reaching out the most vulnerable,
disadvantageous and marginalized sections of the
Society, especially women who are suppressed,
exploited, uneducated and children who need care,
protection and nurturing, senior citizens who
require healthcare, nutrition, protection and
rehabilitation and Transgenders who are in need
of empathy, social inclusiveness and economic
support are given special attention.
There are three Directorates working under

the control of the Department of Social Welfare and
Women Empowerment, namely the Directorate of
Social Welfare, the Directorate of Integrated Child
2
Development Services and the Directorate of
Children Welfare and Special Services.
Broadly, the Directorate of Social Welfare

looks after the implementation of various
schemes and programmes related to women
welfare and empowerment, transgender
community, senior citizens and Noon Meal
Programme.
The Directorate of Integrated Child

Development Services (ICDS) is responsible for
survival, growth and development of 0-6 years
Children. The ICDS was launched in 1975 as a
welfare scheme for Children between 0-6 years,
pregnant and lactating women and aims to
address the issue of malnutrition among children,
fulfil other needs for the complete development of
children and provide health care services to
pregnant women and lactating mothers.
3
The Directorate of Children Welfare and
Special Services looks after the ‘welfare and
development’ of children from the vantage point of
providing protection to ‘children in need of care
and protection’ and reformation and rehabilitation
of ‘children in conflict with law’ by providing
institutional and non-institutional services. The
Department also provides after-care services and
implement programmes for facilitating self-
sustainability for those leaving institutional care.
Directorate of Social Welfare
Social Welfare Department reflects the focus

of the Government in ensuring equal rights of
women in Education, Health, Economic, Political,
family etc., and a holistic empowerment of women
of Tamil Nadu, which is crucial for societal progress
and equality.
Women Empowerment is a process through
4
which women are assured of lives without fear of
oppression, exploitation, apprehension,
discrimination and perceived persecution. It also
implies acquiring of power for women to
understand her rights and perform her
responsibilities effectively. It fosters greater
autonomy in decision making by women, through
proper access to information and providing control
over factors affecting their performance. By
creating awareness and capacity building, women
could acquire various skills and capacities to
remove gender disparity and attain sociological,
psychological, political, familial and economic
empowerment of women, which would be reflected
in individual, group and community levels.
Constitutional Provisions for equal rights for

Women
The Constitution of India provides equal

opportunities and rights to Women. Some of the
5
significant Articles in the Constitutions are as
follows :-
❖ Equality before law [Article 14]
❖ No discrimination by State on grounds

only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of
birth or any of them [Article 15(i)]
❖ Special provision by State in favour of

Women and Children [Article 15(3)]
❖ Equality of opportunity in matters

relating to employment [Article 16]
❖ Securing adequate means of livelihood

for men and women equally [Article
39(a)]
❖ Equal pay for equal work [Article 39(d)
❖ Promoting Justice on the basis of equal

opportunity and to provide free legal aid
[Article 39(A)] and Renounce practices
derogatory to women [Article 51(A)(e)]
❖ 1/3rd reservation for women in
6
panchayats [Article 243(D)] and in
municipalities [Article 243(T)]
❖ Right to Property to Women [Article

300(a)]
Tamil Nadu Government is a forerunner in

implementing various women centric and path
breaking schemes such as “ Moovalur
Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Educational
Assurance Scheme-Pudhumai Penn Scheme”
in which so far 2.73 lakhs girls are benefited with
a direct transfer of Rs.1000/- per month to their
bank account throughout their under graduation,
ITI and Diploma courses. This scheme will enable
women to make strong decision about their higher
education and career options and also the age at
which they should marry, choice of life partners
without getting into the trap of child marriage,
early pregnancy, repeated abortions, etc. It will
ensure economic empowerment through
7
employment opportunities and entrepreneurship.
The free bus travel for Women and

transgenders ensures their mobility to the
Schools, Colleges, Study Centre and Work place
without depending on anyone, financially.
Tamil Nadu Working Women Hostel

Corporation Limited, branded “Thozhi”, has
been established to develop more working women
hostels for the safety and security of women. It
enables the working women to pursue the
employment opportunities and empower them
economically.
Six Service Homes are run for the needy,

marginalized women to enable them to continue
their education, skilling and employment trainings.
Various facilities such as Women Help Lines, One
Stop Centre and Shakti Sadan Homes are being
run to accommodate and support women
8
psychologically, physically, socially, legally and
economically, if they are victims of violence at
home, public spaces and in the community.
There are 99 (98 women + 1 Transgender)

Women Tailoring Co-operative Societies
supporting 84,400 members who get their
livelihood through stitching of free uniforms for the
school children.
Various legislations which protect women

rights, such as the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and
Rules 2004, Protection of Women from Domestic
Violence Act, 2005 and Rules, 2006, Sexual
Harassment of Women at Work Place (Prevention,
Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 Tamil Nadu
Hostels and Home for Women and Children
(Regulation) Act, 2014 and Rules, 2015 are being
implemented through the Department of Social
Welfare.
9
To safeguard the Girl Children from the evil of
infanticide, various schemes such as Cradle Baby
Scheme, Chief Ministers Girl Child Protection
Scheme and Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006
are being implemented by this Department.
Tamil Nadu is pioneer in bringing socio

economic welfare for the transgender through the
formation of Transgender Welfare Board and by
taking up various Welfare activities such as issuing
of Identity cards, pension scheme and providing
them financial assistance to start economic
activities for their livelihood.
Government of Tamil Nadu is committed to

the welfare of the elderly. Tamil Nadu is the
pioneer state which gave pension to the senior
citizens (OAP). As per the report in “Elderly in
India 2021” - released by Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation - Government of
India, the projected population in Tamil Nadu has
10
13.6% of Senior Citizens, second only to Kerala.
A statutory body, Tamil Nadu State

Commission for Woman was constituted in
2008 to deal with the cases related to crime
against women.
In 2022, the Widow and Destitute Women

Welfare Board was created to address the
issues related to Widows, Destitute Women and
unmarried Woman.
Directorate of Integrated Child Development

Services
Pediatric malnutrition has always been a

challenge to the Government, though various
preventive measures have been taken from time
to time. In 1974, a well-defined National Policy for
children has been adopted. In pursuance of this
policy, it was decided to start a holistic
multicentric programme with a package of
11
services. It led to the formulation of Integrated
Child Development Services (ICDS) – one of the
most prestigious and premier National Nutrition
Programmes of the Government of India. It was
launched on 2nd October, 1975 in 33 (4 rural,
18 urban, 11 tribal) Blocks. In subsequent years,
it was expanded progressively.
The Integrated Child Development Services

Scheme covers 28.67 lakh direct beneficiaries i.e.,
children availing Health services, weight
monitoring, counselling etc., antenatal, postnatal
mothers and adolescent girls through 54,439 Child
Centres (comprising 49,499 Main Anganwadi
Centres and 4,940 Mini Anganwadi Centres)
functioning in 434 Child Development Blocks.
Advantages and Impact of ICDS
➢ ICDS plays an important role in fighting

malnutrition across the State.
12
➢ Through ICDS every child gets access to
free preliminary education, which is
quite important for the complete
development of children.
The Government of Tamil Nadu thus ensures

holistic, psychological, cognitive and emotional
development of children under six years of age in
a child-friendly, environment. Greater emphasis is
laid on children under 3 years and promotion of
optimal early childhood care, development and
learning, including adolescent and maternal care.
Directorate of Children Welfare and Special

Services
The Government of Tamil Nadu has an

enviable history in taking proactive initiatives
towards the care, protection and rehabilitation of
children in difficult circumstances. The State has
built a strong structure along with necessary
implementation and monitoring system to fulfil the
mandates enshrined under the Juvenile Justice
13
(Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Though the State has created a conducive

environment in the child care institutions, for
every child to grow and develop,
institutionalization of children is considered as a
last resort and it is considered best to keep them
in families. Accordingly, the focus has been to
promote adoption, foster care and sponsorship
programmes, so that children could enjoy the
warmth of love, individual attention and affection
of a family. Action plan has been drawn up to
improve foster care in the State by identifying
suitable families for children when the biological
family is found incapacitated or unfit to keep the
children.
The Government has not only fulfilled the

commitment of the State towards welfare and
protection of its children, but is also well oriented
in evolving a suitable approach towards child
14
protection in consonance with the ground realities
and changing environment in the society, so that
every single child is protected and “no one is left
behind”.
*****
15
Chapter 2
Social Welfare
The department of Social Welfare implements

welfare schemes and enforces social legislations to
protect and safeguard the rights of marginalized
sections of the society i.e. women, children,
transgender and senior citizens.
2.1 Women Welfare
Investing in women's welfare fosters a more

inclusive and prosperous society, where everyone
can thrive. The Government of Tamil Nadu
envisions such a prosperous society by providing
necessary recognition, rights, power, safety and
protection, various social legislations and schemes
such as Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar
Pudhumai Penn Thittam, marriage assistance
schemes, working women hostels, women co-
operative societies and service homes facilities.
16
2.1.1 Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar
Higher Education Assurance Scheme
(Pudhumai Penn Scheme)
Education is a stepping stone of women's

empowerment, providing them with the
knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue their
aspirations. It enables women to make informed
choices about their lives, participate more actively
in the workforce, and engage in decision-making
processes. In a paradigm shift from focusing
on Women’s marriage, the Government of
Tamil Nadu is now focusing on empowerment
of women through education. Hence, Pudhumai
Penn scheme is being implemented to encourage
girl students, pursuing higher education by
providing them a financial assistance. This
programme envisages to achieve a behavioral
change leading to reduction in early marriages and
17
improving the enrolment in higher education, and
increasing retention of girl students in higher
education. The scheme targets the girl students
who have studied 6th to 12th standard in
Government schools.
The scheme has been extended to all girl

-
students pursuing higher education who have

studied in Government aided schools from 6th to
-
12th standard in Tamil medium from the academic

year 2024-2025.
Objectives of the Scheme
❖ To promote higher education of girl

students and instill motivation to pursue
higher education, giving them better
foundation to improve gender parity.
❖ To enable the creation and participation of
skilled women workforce.
18
❖ To prevent drop outs beyond higher
secondary and increase the retention ratio
in higher education.
❖ To enable girl students to get involved in
public spaces and enhance career
opportunities.
❖ To ensure Socio-Economic Empowerment of
women.
Benefit of the Scheme

An incentive of Rs.1,000/- per month per
beneficiary is credited directly to the bank account
of girl students to pursue higher education. The
stream wise details of girl students benefitted
under Pudhumai Penn Schemes is as follows:
Pudhumai Penn Scheme - Educational Category Wise
Beneficiary Details (March 2024)
Sl. No. of Beneficiaries

Educational Stream
No.
19
1. Agriculture 1467
2. Arts & Science 205045

Diploma in Elementary
3. 409
Education
4. Engineering 28958
5. Fisheries 62
6. Indian Medicine 539
7. ITI 2821
8. Law 794
9. Medical Science 24625
10. Music and Fine Arts 62
11. Polytechnic 7208

Public Health and
12. 1498
Preventive Medicine
Veterinary Science and
13. 108
Food Science
Grand Total 2,73,596
20
A sum of Rs.370.00 Crore has been
provided in the Budget Estimate for the
year 2024-2025.
2.1.2 Free Bus Travel for Women (Vidiyal

Payanam)
Commutation plays a crucial role in women's

empowerment by providing access to education,
employment, and healthcare. It enables women to
pursue opportunities outside their immediate
surroundings, breaking down geographical barriers
that may otherwise limit their options.
Provision of free bus travel scheme (Vidiyal

Payanam) has helped women to participate more
actively in economic and social spheres,
contributing to household incomes and decision-
21
making, pursue higher education, travelling to
their work places by themselves apart from
reduced dependence on others for their mobility.
This also enables women to use the amount thus
saved on other essential expenses like food,
clothing, education, etc.
From 12.07.2021 to 05.06.2024, about

482.34 crore trips were availed by women
including working women and girl students
pursuing higher education. So far 29.12 lakhs free
trips have also been availed by the transgender
persons.
2.1.3 Marriage Assistance Schemes
Marriage can impact women's empowerment

in various ways and it influences every woman’s
life. In order to prevent the scourge of child
marriage and teenage pregnancy, the Department
is implementing marriage assistance schemes. To
22
facilitate social transformation and promote social
justice, inter-caste marriages and widow
remarriages are encouraged through financial
assistance under these schemes.
2.1.3.1 Dr. 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.
Eligibility for Assistance
1. No income limit.
2. Bride should have completed 18

years. There is no upper age limit.
23
3. Category–I: One of the spouse from SC /
ST community and other from a different
community.
4. Category–II: One of the spouse from

forward community and the other from
BC / MBC.
Time limit for submitting applications
Applicant should apply within 2 years after

marriage.
2.1.3.2 Dr. Dharmambal Ammaiyar Ninaivu

Widow Remarriage Assistance
Scheme
This scheme was launched in the year 1975 to

encourage social reformation through remarriage
of poor young widows and to ensure dignity,
respect and their acceptance in the society.
1. Minimum age of bride is 20 years.

Maximum age limit for bridegroom shall
24
not be more than 40 years.
2. No income limit
3. The bride should produce the widow

certificate, invitation for re-marriage and
age certificate.
Applicant should apply within six months from

the date of remarriage.
2.1.3.3 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.
❖ Annual family income should not exceed

Rs.72,000/-.
25
❖ 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.
Application should be submitted 40 days

before the marriage date. In exceptional
circumstances, the application can be submitted
one day prior to the marriage date.
2.1.3.4 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.
❖ Beneficiary should be an orphan girl.

❖ No income limit.
❖ The bride should have completed 18 years.
There is no upper age limit.
26
❖ Copies of certificates showing that the
applicant is an orphan from M.P/MLA or the
death certificate of the father and mother.
Time limit for submitting application
Application should be submitted 40 days

before the marriage date. In exceptional
circumstances, the application can be submitted
one day prior to the marriage date.
For all the four kinds of marriage

assistance schemes, a sum of Rs.98.16 crore
has been provided in the Budget Estimate for
the year 2024-2025.
2.1.4 Sathiyavanimuthu Ammaiyar Cost Free

Supply Of Sewing Machines
Sathiyavani Muthu Ammaiyar Ninaivu cost

free sewing machine scheme is in existence for
decades in Social Welfare Department. This
27
scheme targets the beneficiaries between the age
of 20-40 years widows, destitute, deserted women,
socially affected women, women from economically
weaker sections, differently abled men and
women. This scheme paves the way for their
livelihood, by way of self employment.
Under this scheme, motorized free sewing

machines are provided to the beneficiaries. During
the year 2023 – 2024, Motorised Sewing Machines
and Modernised High-end sewing machines were
provided to 2412 beneficiaries at an expenditure of
Rs.2.08 Cr.
2.1.5 Women Industrial Cooperative Societies
Towards improving the economical activities

of women, 99 Women Industrial Tailoring
Cooperative Societies are functioning under the
control of Commissioner of Social Welfare, 25
Weaning Food Industrial Cooperative Societies are
28
run under the control of Director cum Mission
Director of ICDS.
Women in the age group of 18 to 40 years

with tailoring skill, who are below poverty line can
enroll and become members of the Women
Industrial Cooperative Societies.
Through the Women Industrial Tailoring

Cooperative Societies, 4 sets of uniforms are
stitched and provided to school children studying
in Government and Government Aided schools who
are benefitted under Nutritious Meal Programme.
In addition, the students studying in Adi Dravida
and Tribal Welfare, Backward Class and Most
Backward class school are also provided uniforms.
Details of Co-operative Societies and

members enrolled are as follows:
29
Sl. No. of No. of
No Type of Society Co-operative enrolled

Societies members
1. Women Tailoring
Industrial Co- 99 84400
operative
Societies.
2. Weaning food
Manufacturing
Women Industrial 25 625
Co-operative
Societies
Total 124 85,025
During the academic year 2023 – 2024,

41.22 lakh school children were provided with 4
sets of uniform. Stitching charges to the tune of
Rs.97.28 Cr. is sanctioned as wages by School
Education Department.
2.1.6 Working Women Hostels
The objective of the scheme is to promote

availability of safe and conveniently located
30
accommodation for working women in urban, semi
urban, or even rural areas where employment
opportunity for women exists. To meet this need,
the Government runs Working Women Hostels
throughout the State. 10 hostels run by
Department have been taken over by TNWWHCL
to upgrade and operate with modern amenities and
safety facilities for the benefit of Working Women.
Action is being taken to establish Working Women
Hostels in all districts to encourage more women
to take up employment and be economically
independent.
2.1.6.1 Tamil Nadu Working Women Hostels

Corporation Limited (TNWWHCL)
Tamil Nadu Working Women Hostels

Corporation Limited was established as a Special
Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under the Company Act,
2013 and registered as Public company. It has a
mandate to undertake infrastructure development,
31
management and maintenance of certain projects
such as Working Women Hostels, Creches, Senior
Citizen Homes, Child Care Institutions with modern
facilities. The objective of this project is to provide
hostel facilities as an alternate “home away from
home”, enabling secure and comfortable
accommodation at affordable prices.
In Phase 1, new working women hostels were

constructed at a cost of Rs. 31.07 Crore and is now
operational at three places in Trichirapalli,
Guduvanchery and Tambaram benefitting 687
working women. Working Women Hostels at 7
places have been retrofitted at a cost of Rs.4.21
crore to provide safe accommodation for 458
women. These hostels are functional since
13.07.2023 with upgraded facilities as Biometric
entry, CCTV surveillance, 24X7 security, Wifi, RO
water, online booking, geyser, housekeeping,
laundry, parking, etc… The entire maintenance is
32
done through facility management services and
food is provided to the residents through caterers.
In Phase 2, new working women hostels are
being constructed at a cost of Rs.35.86 Crore in 3
places namely Hosur, Tiruvannamalai and
St.Thomas Mount (Chengalpattu) to benefit 432
working women through TNWWHCL.
In the year 2024-25, new "Thozhi" hostels will

be constructed in important cities such as Chennai,
Coimbatore and Madurai, at a cost of Rs.26.00
crore to benefit 345 women.
2.1.7 Mission Shakti
“Mission Shakti” is a scheme aimed at

strengthening interventions for women safety,
security and empowerment. This is an integrated
umbrella scheme launched by Government of
India to spearhead a concerted effort to ensure
33
gender equality under 15th Finance Commission
grant.
Sub-Schemes of Mission Shakti:
Mission Shakti has two sub schemes, one for

women safety (Sambal) and other for women
empowerment (Samarthya).
One Stop Centre (OSC), Women Helpline-

181(WHL), Save Girl child, Educate Girl child
(SGEG), and Women Courts (Nari Adalats) are
covered under Safety sub scheme. On the other
hand Short Stay Homes (Ujjawala and Swadhar
Greh), Construction of Working Women Hostel,
Maternity Benefit scheme (PMMVY), National
Creche Scheme, Gender Budgeting and Hub for
Empowerment of Women (Sankalp) are covered
under the Empowerment sub scheme.
Objectives of Mission Shakti:
34
• To provide immediate and comprehensive
continuum of care, support and assistance
to women affected by violence and for those
in distress.
• To provide quality mechanism for rescue,
protection and rehabilitation of women in
need.
• To make people aware of Government
schemes and programmes, as well as legal
provisions to fight social evils in the society.
• Capacity building and training of
functionaries on various schemes and
legislations.
• To prevent gender biased sex selective
elimination and thereby ensure survival,
protection, education and development of
girl children.
• Create awareness among masses for
including positive behavioral change
towards women and girls.
2.1.7.1 Save Girl Child, Educate Girl Child

Scheme (SGEG) Beti Bachao Beti
Padhao (BBBP)
35
Government of India launched this Scheme
to address declining Child Sex Ratio and to ensure
survival, protection and education of the girl
children. A declining child sex ratio reflects both
gender based pre-birth sex selection (foeticide)
and post-birth infanticide against girl children.
Implementation of the Scheme
In Tamil Nadu, the scheme is being

implemented in all districts. From 2022-2023,
the scope of the scheme also includes skill
Development, Career Counseling for better future,
identifying sporting talent among girls etc. under
“Mission Shakti”.
In order to create mass awareness among
the public about the scheme, awareness activities
36
are being carried out in all Panchayats, Blocks and
Districts.
Financial Allocation to Districts
• A sum of Rs. 40 lakhs per district per annum

is allocated to districts with sex ratio at birth
≤918 (less than National average)

≥918 and ≤952 (Natural SRB as per WHO)

SRB>952 (Less than international standard
for Natural SRB, as per WHO)
The following activities are being carried out

under this scheme,
• Orientation and Sensitization
• IEC materials
• Outreach Activities
37
• Capacity Building
• Skill Building
• Higher Education & Career guidance
• Safety & Security
• Monitoring & Documentation
State and District Task Force Committees:
The State Task Force Committee headed by

Chief Secretary will meet once a year and District
Task Force committees headed by District Collector
will meet every quarter to review and monitor the
implementation of Save Girl Child, Educate Girl
Child (SGEG) activities for strategic interventions
in convergence with stake holder departments such
as health, education, etc. to achieve its objectives.
A sum of Rs.10.97 crore has been
year 2024-2025.
38
2.1.7.2 One Stop Centre-(OSC)
One Stop Centers 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.
In Tamil Nadu 48 One Stop Centres (OSC)

are functioning; 38 OSCs in district and 10
additional OSCs in Chennai, Coimbatore, Dindigul,
Madurai Tirunelveli, Trichirapalli, Tuticorin, Salem,
Tirupur and Tiruvallur Corporations. All OSCs are
operational and provide services like temporary
shelter, medical assistance, Psycho-social support,
free legal aid, Police assistance and counseling
services to women affected by gender-based
harassment and domestic violence.
39
A sum of Rs.16.83 Cr have been
allocated for the financial year
2024-25.
2.1.7.3 Women Helpline -181 (WHL)
The Women Helpline provides 24x7 telecom

services through a single universal toll-free number
181, to women affected by violence seeking
support and information throughout the country
since 2018. It is integrated with the Emergency
Response Support System (ERSS), One Stop
Centres (OSCs) and other helplines to help the
women in need for emergency and non-emergency
purposes.
Women Helpline also provides information

about government schemes and appropriate
support services available to women. It refers
women in distress to various institutional and
40
schematic set ups for their psycho-social
counseling, legal aid and police support.
A sum of Rs.77.56 Lakh has been

provided in the Budget Estimate
for the year 2024-2025.
2.1.7.4 State and District Hub For

Empowerment Of Women (HEW)
Hub for Empowerment of women (HEW) aims

at facilitating inter-sectoral convergence of
schemes and programs meant for women at the
Central, State and District levels. The support
under the Hub would be guiding, linking and
hand holding women for their development.
HEW will act as Project Management Unit
(PMU) at state level for all components under
Mission Shakti. The District Hubs have been
formed in all the 38 districts and will work in
convergence with line departments to create
awareness about various women centric
41
schemes of Central and State Government.
allocated for the year 2024-2025.
2.1.7.5 Short Stay Home (Shakti Sadan)
Short stay home (Shakti Sadan) provides

shelter, food, clothing, counselling, primary
health facilities and other essential daily needs to
women in distress who require an institutional
support for more than 5 days.
Vocational training and social security

benefits including medical benefits are arranged
in convergence with relevant departments. The
nearby One Stop Centre provides other services
like psycho social counselling and legal aid.
Each short stay home (Shakti Sadan) run

by the Non-Governmental Organizations can
accommodate a maximum of 50 women per
home for upto 3 to 5 years.
42
The scheme is implemented through
Non- Governmental Organizations with a sharing
pattern of 60:40 between Union and State
Governments respectively. Presently 33 Short
Stay Homes (Shakti Sadan) run by NGOs
functioning in Tamil Nadu.

allocated for the year 2024-2025
2.1.8 Tamil Nadu State Policy For Women
The State aims to narrow down the gap

existing in the society by addressing the challenges
such as gender disparity, social stereotyping,
domestic violence, abuse, discrimination, etc.,
through an exclusive policy for women. The Tamil
Nadu State Policy for Women was released on
21.02.2024 by Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil
Nadu.
43
The Policy intends women to acquire power,
understand her rights and perform her
responsibilities effectively. It fosters greater
autonomy in decision making by women through
proper access to information and providing control
over factors affecting their performance.
2.1.9 Social Legislations for Women
Social legislations play a major role in

promoting the legal rights of women and in building
a society where every woman can experience
justice, liberty, equality, human dignity and
fraternity guaranteed by the Constitution of India.
Effective enforcement of the provisions of these
social legislations help women to develop
themselves and to realise their cherished goals and
aspirations as women and as citizens of the
country.
In order to protect women from violence
44
and exploitations and to promote their legal rights,
the Department implements the following Social
Legislations:
1. Dowry Prohibition Act,1961 and State

Rules, 2004
2. Protection of Women from Domestic

Violence Act, 2005 and Rules, 2006
3. The Sexual Harassment of Women at

Workplaces (Prevention, Prohibition and
Redressal) Act, 2013 and Rules, 2013
4. Tamil Nadu Hostels and Homes

(Regulation) Act, 2014 and State Rules,
2015
2.1.9.1 Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
Dowry Prohibition Act aims to prohibit

giving or taking dowry in marriage or before
solemnization or during continuance of the
marital relationship.
Dowry Prohibition Act was passed in 1961

to prohibit the practice of giving or receiving
45
dowry. It was amended in 1984 and 1986,
respectively with stringent enforcement and
enhancing the punishment to curb the evil
practice of dowry.
• District Social Welfare Officers have

been designated as the Dowry
Prohibition Officers as per Section
8(B)of the Dowry Prohibition Rules,
2004. Necessary training has been
imparted to the District Social Welfare
Officers for the effective
implementation of the Act.
• The Police Department/Court files the

dowry case after obtaining
genuineness report from the District
Social Welfare Officers.
• Offences under this Act are cognizable
offences, non-bailable and non-
compoundable.
Details of cases filed under Dowry
Prohibition Act, 1961
46
Jan–
2022 Jan–2023
S. No to to
Details
Dec- Dec-2023
2022
1. No. of cases 1454 1580

registered at
District Social
Welfare Office
No. of cases
2. 769 920
redressed
amicably
3. No. of case 327 521
reports
submitted to
Police
4. No. of cases 358 79
pending with
District Social
Welfare
Officer
2.1.9.2 Protection of Women From Domestic

Violence Act, 2005
Domestic violence is violence that takes

place in domestic settings such as marriage and
cohabitations and usually committed by intimate
partner and his relatives against the women in
multiple forms as physical, verbal, emotional,
47
economic, religious, reproductive, financial abuse
or sexual abuse.
Special Features under the Act
• Cases can be filed under the Act in

addition or even if other cases and
legal proceedings are pending between
parties.
• Though this Act has civil and criminal

provisions,it also enables a woman to
get immediate civil remedies within 60
days.
• Multiple Judgments can be obtained in
a single case under this Act.
• Relief can be obtained for verbal and
emotional abuse also.
• Both petitioner and respondent can
prefer Appeal to the Court of Sessions
within 30 days from the date on which
the order is made.
• The offences under this Act shall be
cognizable and non-bailable.
48
Protection Officers
Protection officer has been appointed in

each district to inform the aggrieved women
about her right to make an application and help
her to file petition/DIR for obtaining-
• A relief by way of a protection

order
• an order for monetary relief
• a custody order
• a residence order
• a compensation order or
• more than one such order and
• free legal services.
Service Providers
The NGOs notified under the Domestic

Violence Act 2005 function as Service Providers
and help aggrieved women in filing the
Domestic Incident Report (DIR), provide
accommodation in the short stay homes along
with the children, counsel them and help to get
49
medical treatment, if required. Based on the
need, they also impart vocational training to
secure employment for sustainable income.
Cases reported under the Protection of

Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
Jan–2022 Jan–2023
Sl.
Details to to
No.
Dec-2022 Dec-
2023
1. No. of Cases 6214 6125
reported
2. No. of 2846 2980
cases not
willing for
legal
proceedin
gs
3. No. of 2639 2934
cases DIR
filed in the
Court
4. No. of
cases 729 211
under
process
50
with
Protection
Officers
2.1.9.3 Tamil Nadu Hostels and Homes for

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

implemented with an aim to regulate hostels,
lodging houses, homes for women and children
and ensure safe and secured accommodation
for them.
Every person desiring to establish,

maintain or conduct hostel, lodging house or
home for women and children shall make an
application for licence to the Collector in
prescribed form accompanied by fee not
exceeding three thousand rupees. Since
01.07.2022, all hostels and homes are required
to get registered through an online registration
process at https://tnswp.com
51
Any person who fails to obtain a licence
under section 5 or 6 of the Act shall be
punishable with imprisonment which may
extend to two years and with fine which may
extend to fifty thousand rupees.
2.1.9.4 The Sexual Harassment of Women at

Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition
and Redressal) Act,2013.
Sexual harassment of women at work place

will affect their mental health, self-esteem and it
can hinder professional advancement of women.
The Act came into force since 2013. The
Government has notified the District Collectors as
District Officers under Section 5 of the Act.
Section 4 of the Act mandates for Internal

Complaints Committees to be constituted in all
workplaces which have more than 10 employees.
The District Social Welfare Officer is the Nodal
Officer at the District who monitors the
52
implementation of the Act. Notification have been
issued in Newspapers by the District Collector
directing all offices (both Government and Private)
to set up the Internal Complaints Committee in the
Districts. Any employer who fails to comply is liable
for the punishment with fine upto Rupees Fifty
Thousand. If not constituted, the Government or
local authority is empowered to cancel their license
or registration.
Local Complaints Committees have been

constituted at District Level by the District Collector
for safety of Women working in unorganized
sector, if the complaint is against the employer and
the workplace with less than 10 employees, as per
the section 6 of the Act. Local Complaints
Committee (LCC) have been formed in all the 38
Districts in the State.
The Concept of Complaint Box has been

introduced for women to open-up about their
53
problems. The Internal Committee inquiries into
these complaints.
2.1.10 Tamil Nadu State Commission for

Women
Government have constituted the

Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women to
safeguard the welfare of women in the year 1993.
Since then it has been reconstituted once in 3
Years. It is functioning headed by a Chairperson,
a member secretary and with 7 other members.
The present women commission established with
new members in the year 2022.
The mission mode working of the present

Commission and its efforts in partnership with both
the governmental and nongovernmental
structures, continue to progressively remove the
barriers to foster gender equality and ensure
empowerment of women.
54
The Commission has been pursuing
complaints tirelessly from aggrieved women,
concerning deprivation and denial of what is due to
them, offences against women, their harassment
at work place and other instances of violence
against them including problems faced in their day-
to-day life at home and at other places. Suo Moto
cognizance of a large number of incidents is also
being taken by the Commission which are invited
public attention for the rights of women.
It is also taking activities for enabling

dissemination of knowledge and information to all
stakeholders through a serious of seminars,
workshops, legal awareness programmes, gender
sensitization trainings etc., organised in
collaboration with various organisations.
An international conference was also

conducted by Commission on 11.12.2023 to create
a forum for national and international dialogue on
55
emerging trends in crimes against women such as
domestic violence, Cyber Crimes, Human
trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation,
labour and economic exploitation, Financial Abuse
and transnational crimes against women. United
for a common purpose, law enforcement officers,
professionals, practitioners, researchers, and
policy makers from more than 20 countries
partnered with the Tamil Nadu Government to
cohesively exchange expertise and best practices
on reducing crimes against women worldwide, in
the conference.
A sum of Rs. 60.82 lakh has been provided

to Tamil Nadu State Commission for
women in the Budget Estimate for the year
2024 – 2025.
2.1.11 Widows and Destitute Women Welfare

Board
To remove the various problems faced by

56
widows, women abandoned by their husband,
marginalized women, destitute women, spinsters
etc., in Tamil Nadu and to improve their livelihood.
‘Widows and Deserted Women Welfare Board’ was
formed in September 2022 to ensure their safe and
dignified life in the society.
As a measure to improve the livelihood of

widows, women abandoned by their husband,
marginalized women, destitute women and
spinsters, various welfare schemes are proposed to
be implemented to improve their lives through skill
training, self-employment and provide financial
assistance for their children’s education.
A sum of Rs. 106.43 lakh has been

provided in Budget Estimate for the year
2024-2025.
2.2 Child Welfare
57
Children are the future and asset of the
family as well as the State. Ensuring the safety,
education, physical and mental health and overall
well being of the children especially girl children is
the top most priority of the State. To safeguard the
interest of children, the Government has taken
various initiatives.
2.2.1 Chief Minister’s Girl Child Protection

Scheme
The Chief Minister’s Girl Child Protection

Scheme, is an innovative scheme which aims at
prevention of female infanticide, prohibition of
child marriage and promotion of girl child
education.
Objectives of the Scheme:
• To discourage the preference for male child

• To eradicate female infanticide
• To prevent child marriage
• To promote girl child education
• To promote small family norm
58
• To increase the Child Sex Ratio
Scheme Eligibility Criteria for both

Type schemes
Scheme-I: 1. Annual family income should
An amount of not exceed Rs.72,000/-
Rs.50,000 is 2. Either of the parents should
deposited in have undergone sterilization
the name of within 40 years of age.
the girl child
as Fixed 3. Family should have only
Deposit. one/two female children and
no male child. In future, no
The male child should be adopted.
application 4. The parents/ grand parents
should be should be a domicile of Tamil
submitted Nadu for a period of 10 years
before a girl at the time of submitting the
child application.
completes 3
years of age. 5. The scheme has been
extended to girl children of Sri
Scheme-II: Lankan Tamil Refugees in the
An amount of Refugee Camps.
Rs.25,000 6. On completion of 18 years of
each is age, the amount deposited
deposited in with accrued interest will be
the names of given to the girl child for her
two girl
59
children as higher education.
fixed
deposits.
The
application
should be
submitted
before the
second girl
child
completes 3
years of age.
Beneficiaries of the Scheme

Beneficiaries During the year Cumulative total till
2023-24 2023-24
Number Amount Number of Amount
of Girl (Rs. In Girl (Rs. In
Children Crores) Children Crores)
(up to
Mar -
2024)
New Deposits
36800 92.00 11,19,560 1887.95
Maturity
disbursements 72160 165.93 1,95,218 478.94
60
A sum of Rs.92.01 Crore has been provided
in the Budget Estimate for the year 2024-
2025.
2.2.2 Homes for Children with Special Need
Government of Tamil Nadu provides grant to

4 Homes for children with special needs run by
Non-Governmental Organizations.
The abandoned babies with disabilities are

taken care in these special homes. To protect
these children, Government provides grant. At
present, 129 children are taken care in these
Special Homes. A grant of Rs.120 per child per day
is given as a grant to Non-Governmental
Organizations for the maintenance of the Special
Need Children.
A sum of Rs.59.13 lakh has been
year 2024-2025.
61
2.2.3 Government Service Homes
The Government runs Service Homes in six

districts, viz. Chengalpattu (Tambaram),
Cuddalore, Salem, Thanjavur, Tirunelveli and
Sivagangai 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.
Girl children who have completed 12th

standard in Service Homes are encouraged to take
up higher studies for which, the Government
provides financial assistance of Rs.50,000 for
pursuing professional courses and Rs.30,000 for
Degree / Diploma courses. During the year 2023-
62
2024, 583 girl children benefitted under the
scheme.

year 2024-2025.
2.2.4 The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act-

2006
The Prohibition of child Marriage Act was

enacted in the year 2006 and the state rule has
been framed in 2009. As per the Act, any male
below the age of 21 and any female below the age
of 18 years contracting marriage is a cognizable
and non-bailable offence. It is also voidable and
can be annulled.
The State Government has designated District

Social Welfare Officers as child marriage
Prohibition Officers. They can file petition for
annulling the child marriage, to pay maintenance
63
to the female contracting party of the child
marriage till her marriage and can seek orders for
the custody and maintenance of the children of
child marriage.
A male adult above 18 years of age, contracting

a child marriage is liable for punishment with
rigorous imprisonment. Any person whoever
promotes, permits, performs, conducts,
negligently fails to prevent, or directs or abets any
child marriage are punishable with rigorous
imprisonment which may extend for 2 years or with
fine up to Rs.1.00 lakh.
Steps taken for creating awareness to prevent

Child Marriages
• Awareness posters about the ill effects of child

marriages with Child helpline numbers were
printed and issued to all field functionaries to
display them in public buildings, bus stands,
schools, colleges to create awareness and
eradicate child marriages.
64
• Awareness programmes are being conducted
through Block level field functionaries in child
marriage prone areas.
• On receipt of information about child marriages,
field functionaries immediately reach the spot
and prevent child marriages.
• Village Level Child Protection Committees have
been formed with various field officials and local
people who meets regularly and monitor the
children related issues in the village Panchayats.
• Various Welfare Schemes implemented by the
State Government are designed in such a way
to benefit the Girl Children who have completed
18 years of age in order to prohibit child
marriage and to encourage higher education for
girls.
• As part of Social Media, an exclusive Youtube
channel -“Tamil Magalir Kural-Department
of Social Welfare and Women
Empowerment” has been created and short
films are uploaded in the public domain.
65
1995 child marriages have been stopped
during the year 2023.
2.3 Senior Citizen Welfare
In India, any person who has attained the

age of 60 and above is legally termed as ‘Senior
Citizen’. Senior citizens are treasure troves of
knowledge and experience and thus form a
valuable and integral part of the society.
According to the report ‘Elderly in India 2021’
released by Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation, Government of India, the
elderly population of Tamil Nadu is projected to
increase to 18.20% in 2031. The Government is
committed to providing a protective and
conducive ecosystem for its senior citizens and is
constantly addressing the challenges towards
creating an enabling environment through
various schemes and initiatives. The State is fully
committed to fulfil the mandatory obligations
stipulated in the Maintenance and Welfare of
66
Parents and SeniorCitizens Act, 2007 towards all
senior citizens.
2.3.1 Tamil Nadu State Policy for Senior

Citizens-2023
To serve the senior citizens of the State

in a holistic manner thus enabling them to lead
a safe,healthy, active and dignified life to
promote an age friendly society through public
and private partnerships. Through this policy
the State will ensure timely access to health,
nutrition, shelter, safety, security, financial
stability and protection from abuse which would
enhance the quality of life of every senior
citizen.
2.3.2 The Maintenance and Welfare of

Parents and Senior Citizens Act,
2007
The Act provides statutory protection for

the maintenance and welfare of parents and
67
senior citizens. In order to implement the Act
the State has framed rules in 2009.
As per the Act, the children and legal heirs

have the bounden duty to take care of their
parents. 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.
Salient features of the Act

• This Act includes senior citizens and
biological, adoptive, step father, step
mother as parents.
• Any senior citizen who is aggrieved for
not being maintained by their
children/legal heirs, can file a petition
before the Maintenance Tribunal
constituted under this Act at the revenue
68
divisional level for receiving a maintenance
allowance upto a maximum of Rs.10,000/-
month. A petition filed under this Act for
maintenance allowance shall be disposed
off within 90 days
• If the person responsible for the care and
protection of senior citizen abandons him,
such person is liable for punishment with
imprisonment for three months or fine up
to Rs.5,000/- or with both
• If any senior citizen who after the
commencement of this Act, i.e. 31.12.2009
has transferred by way of gift his property
to his children or legal heirs, subject to the
condition that the transferee shall look
after them and such transferee fails to do
so, then the parent or senior citizen shall
give a petition to cancel the gift deed.
Grievance Redressal under the Act

Maintenance Tribunal
Revenue Divisional Officers (RDO) are

appointed as Maintenance Tribunal by the
Government under section 7 of the Act for the
69
purpose of adjudicating, deciding and issuing
orders for maintenance application under
section 5 of the Act. There are 94 such
Tribunals functioning in the State. The tribunals
have been vested with the powers of a Civil
Court.
Conciliation and Maintenance Officer
District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) is

notified as the Conciliation and Maintenance
Officer under this Act. If an aggrieved senior
citizen and the opposite party agree to
compromise, then the tribunal shall refer the
case to DSWO or appoint such person
acceptable to both parties by forwarding the
related documents to work out a settlement
agreeable to both parties within 30 days.
Under Section 18(1) of the Act,

Government has nominated the DSWO as
70
Maintenance Officer who shall represent a
parent, if the parent so desires, during the
proceedings of the Tribunal or Appellate
Tribunal, as the case may be.
Appellate Tribunal
The State Government has designated

the District Collector as Appellate Tribunal, who
will hear the appeal petition against the orders
passed by the Maintenance Tribunal. An appeal
can be made within 60 days by the appellant
against the orders of the Tribunal.
State and District Committee for the

welfare of Senior Citizens
Government has constituted a High-Level

Advisory Committee, viz., State Council for
Senior Citizen, under the Chairmanship of
Chief Secretary at the State level and District
Committee under the Chairmanship of District
71
Collector of the respective district for the
effective implementation of the Maintenance
and welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act,
2007.
2.3.3 Old Age Homes Run By The Ngos

With State Grants
In order to safeguard the life of destitute

elders above 60 years of age who are
abandoned by their families, the State
Government isproviding maintenance grant for
the old age homes run by the Non-
Governmental Organisations at the sharing
pattern of 5:1 between the State and NGO.
Food, shelter, clothing, health care,
recreational facilities, expenses on final rites
etc are provided in these homes. In each home,
40 inmates can be accommodated and Rs.
1,200/- as feeding grants per month per person
is sanctioned.
72
In the financial year 2023-2024, 812
elders have been benefited from 23 Old Age
Homes.

year 2024-2025.
2.3.4 Integrated Complexes for Senior

Citizen and Destitute Children
Integrated Complex of Special Homes for

Senior Citizens and Destitute Children are run
with the financial support from the State
Government in a sharing ratio 75:25 between
State and NGO. In each Integrated Complex,
25 elders and 25 children are accommodated.
Rs.1200/- per month per elder and Rs.900/-
per month per child is given as feeding grants.
In Tamil Nadu for the financial year

2023-2024, 44 Integrated Complexes were
73
provided grants in which 882 children and 1033
Senior citizens were benefitted.

year 2024-2025.
2.3.5 Integrated Programme for Senior

Citizens (IPSrC)
The Union Government with

recommendation from State Government
provides grants directly to NGOs for
implementing 66 old age homes, 1 continuous
care home, physiotherapy clinics, 3 Mobile
Medicare Units and 1 Regional Resource
Training Centre projects grants released at the
ratio of 90:10 (GoI: NGO).
2.3.6 Senior Citizen Helpline (14567)
The toll free senior citizen helpline

number ‘14567’ is being operated since
74
28.04.2021. It is functional from 8 a.m. to 8
p.m. on all days.
The following services are provided

through elder helpline:
❖ Rescue services
❖ Information on Old Age Homes
❖ Information on senior citizen welfare

schemes
❖ Psycho Social Counseling
❖ Legal guidance on the provision of

the Maintenance and Welfare of
Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007
From 17th May 2021 up to March 2024,
around 1,77,826 calls were received in this
helpline.
2.4 Transgender Welfare
Government of Tamil Nadu has assiduously

been striving towards achieving inclusiveness of
transgender and mainstreaming them in the
75
society. 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". The Board
implements various welfare programmes for the
transgenders.
2.4.1 Tamil Nadu Transgender Welfare Board

The Transgender Welfare Board was formulated in
15.04.2008 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.
❖ Provision of Identity card
❖ Financial assistance to Higher Education
❖ Individual and business oriented and
integrated skill development training
76
❖ Provision of cash assistance upto Rs.
50,000/- per person to promote self-
employment initiative for transgender.
Ration card, house site pattas, housing

tenements and sewing machines are provided to
transgenders in convergence with various line
departments. To ensure the livelihood of
Transgenders, Self-Help Group are formed to
promote income generating activities by providing
credit linkages through banking sector.
2.4.2 Monthly Pension Scheme for

Transgender
From March 2023 onwards, transgender

monthly pension has been enhanced from Rs.1000
to Rs.1500 to the destitute transgenders above the
age of 40 years. 1482 transgender persons are
benefitted during the year 2023-2024.
77
2.4.3 Education Dream Project for
Transgenders
Tamil Nadu is a pioneer in the country in
successfully implementing various innovative
schemes for the welfare of transgenders. Higher
education is essential to ensure the socio-economic
development of transgender people and their
success in life. However, currently only a very small
number of transgenders are pursuing higher
education in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, the
Government of Tamil Nadu has introduced the
Educational Dream Scheme to provide all
educational expenses including tuition fees and
hostel fees to transgenders who wish to pursue
higher education.
year 2024-2025.
78
2.4.4 Transgender Persons (Protection of
Rights) Act, 2019
Transgender individuals face numerous

challenges in society, including discrimination and
violence. Prejudice and stigma often lead to social
exclusion and economic marginalization, hindering
their educational and employment opportunities.
To address these issues, Transgender Persons
(Protection of Rights) Act was passed in 2019 by
Government of India and The Tamil Nadu
Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules
were framed in December, 2022.
Salient Features of the Act
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
79
private office and access to and use of public
services and benefits.
It provides right to self-perceived gender
identity and casts an obligation on the district
magistrate to issue a ‘certificate of identity’ as a
transgender person without a requirement of any
medical or physical examination.
2.5 Awards
2.5.1 State Award for Girl Child

Empowerment (January 24th)
To recognize and encourage the abilities of

a girl child and to appreciate her efforts in
opposing the injustice faced by girl children the
State Government has initiated a state award
since 2018. This award is given to a girl child
under the age of 18 years who extraordinarily
performed to prevent child labour, child marriage
and other social evils. A cash prize of Rs.1.00 lakh
as cheque along with an appreciation certificate is
80
given to the awardee on the National Girl Child
Day every year.
2.5.2 Best District Award
(February 24th)
The District Collectors who initiate innovative

actions to increase sex ratio at birth and to reduce
teenage pregnancy, infant mortality rate, abortion
rate, higher order birth are recognized by the
Government of Tamil Nadu every year. Gold, silver
and bronze medals and Certificates are given to
top performing three District Collectors to
recognize their efforts on the above indicators.
2.5.3 Avvaiyar Award (March 8th)
The Avvaiyar Award is given to an

eminent woman who has rendered excellent
service in any of the fields such as social reform,
women development, communal harmony,
service for language, service in various
81
disciplines in art, science, culture, press,
administration, etc., on International Women’s
Day, which is being celebrated on March 8th every
year. The recipient of the Avvaiyar Award is
honoured with cash award of Rs.1.50 lakh as
cheque and a citation.
2.5.4 Transgender Award (April 15th)

In order to encourage the transgenders who have
done eminent work towards the welfare of
transgender and who had built their career through
their own efforts, a State Level Award has been
instituted from the year 2020. This award carries
Rs.1.00 lakh cheque and citation.
2.5.5 Best Institution And Best Social

Worker Award (August 15th)
In order to encourage the best services

done by the institutions and individuals for the
welfare of women, every year on Independence
82
Day, awards are given. Best Social Worker
award consists of Rs.50,000 cheque along with
certificate and Best Institutionaward consists of
Rs.1.00 lakh cheque and a certificate.
83
CHAPTER -3
NUTRITIOUS MEAL PROGRAMME
“ப ப் ணி ம த் வன் இல் லம்
அணித்ேதா ேசய் த்ேதா ன் எமக்ேக”

(Purananuru 173)
Purananuru exalts a King who fed the hungry and

cured the ailments caused by hunger.
3(a) Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme
Tamil Nadu is a pioneer State in the Country

in launching the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme
with an objective to increase the enrolment in
schools and also empower women by providing
employment opportunities. The Chief Minister's
Breakfast scheme was successfully launched as a
pilot basis on 15.09.2022 by Hon'ble Chief Minister
of Tamil Nadu. Subsequently the Chief Minister’s
Breakfast Scheme (CMBFS) was expanded to all
84
Government Primary Schools covering15,75,900
students in 31,008 Government Schools across the
State with effect from 25.08.2023.
An announcement has also been made by the

Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu in the floor of
assembly on 19.02.2024, that the Chief Minister’s
Breakfast Scheme (CMBFS) will be expanded to
2,56,705 students studying in primary classes in
4154 Government Aided Schools in rural areas
during 2024-2025.
Objectives.
• To ensure that the children attend

schools without hunger
• To ensure that the children do not suffer

from malnutrition.
• To enhance the Nutritional status of the

children, particularly in preventing
Anemia.
• To increase the attendance / learning
85
skills of the children in the schools
• To decrease the burden of the working

mothers.
Coverage
Implementing Schools Students

Agencies
Greater Chennai 358 65030

Corporation
Other Corporations 2257 248007

Except Chennai and All
Municipalities & Town
Panchayats (adjacent to
Corporation/Municipality)
All Village Panchayats & 28380 1540558

Town Panchayats
(adjacent to Village
panchayat)
Total 30995 1853595
86
Menu for the Breakfast:
The following types of menu are provided in the

breakfast:
Mondays & Uppuma Rava / semiya / Rice /

Thursdays variety Wheat Rava
Rava + Vegetable / Semiya

Tuesdays & Kitchadi
+ Vegetable / Wheat Rava +
Friday variety
Vegetable
Pongal
Wednesday Rice / Rava
variety
• Vegetable Sambar will be provided on all days
• Millet based Breakfast shall be provided at

least for two days in a week depending upon
the local availability.
Method of Implementation:
• Greater Chennai Corporation implements the
scheme in Chennai.
• In other Corporations and Municipalities, the
scheme is being implemented by the Municipal
Administration through cluster/common kitchen
respectively.
• In Rural areas the scheme is being implemented
by the Managing Director, Tamil Nadu
87
Corporation for Development of Women.
• In Urban areas cooking is done in common
kitchens and in Rural areas by Self Help Groups
in the respective schools.
Monitoring Mechanism
I. CMBFS App:-
An exclusive mobile Application and web

based dashboard has been developed for real time
monitoring. The cooking start time (Urban &
Rural), cooking end time (Urban & Rural), Loading
time (Urban), Delivering time (Urban), Serving
time (urban & Rural) entries are made in the App
in all the centres by SHGs (Rural) and in charge
person (Urban).
II. Formation of Committees
Government order has been issued to form

the Monitoring Committees at various levels vide
G.O Ms. No. 60,SW & WE (SW -4 – 1), dt.
88
11.9.2023. Based on the above, State level
Steering Committee, State level Monitoring
Committee, District level Monitoring Committee,
Greater Chennai Corporation Monitoring
Committee, Corporation Monitoring Committee
(except Greater Chennai Corporation), Municipal
Level Monitoring Committee, Block level Monitoring
Committee and School level Monitoring Committee
have been formed at various levels to monitor the
programme.
A sum of Rs.600 crore has been earmarked

in the budget speech for the year 2024 - 25
for the implementation of Chief Minister
Breakfast Scheme in all Government
primary school and Government aided
primary schools in rural areas.
89
3(b) 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 subsequently. The
evolutionary growth of the scheme is s given
below:
Evolutionary Growth
Nutritious Meal Programme

Year
Growth
1925 Started in Municipal Corporation

Chennai
1962 Started Mid Day Meal Programme all

over Tamil Nadu.
90
1982 Started Purachi Thalaivar M.G.R
Nutritious Meal Programme
1984 Extended the Programme to 6th std to

10th std children
1989 Introduced one Egg fortnightly.
1998 Introduced one Egg per Week for 2-15

Year children
2004 Introduced again one Egg per Week for

2-15 year children
2006 Introduced two Eggs per Week for 2-15

Year children
Initiated three eggs per Week for 2-15
2007
year children and launched one egg per
week for 1-2 year children
2010 Introduced Five Eggs per Week for 5-

15 year children on all working days.
91
2014 Introduced Variety Meal with Masala
Eggs.
Hot cooked Nutritious variety meal along

with Masala Eggs is being provided to the children
in Primary and Upper Primary classes upto 10th Std.
in all Government and Government aided schools.
Aims and Objectives:
1. Motivate children to attend school regularly.

2. Maximise enrolment and reduce dropout rate
in schools.
3. Universalization of the primary education.
4. Improving the nutritional status of children
and enhancing the
literacy rate of the children
5. By providing more employment opportunities
to women under
Nutritious Meal scheme and empower them
economically.
92
Salient Features of the Scheme:
i. Primary school children in the age group of

5-9 years and Upper Primary school children
in the age group of 10-15 years are provided
with hot cooked nutritious variety meals
along with masala eggs for 220 school
working days.
ii. Food Entitlement Norms: Primary school
children (1st Std. to 5th Std.) are provided 100
gm per child/per day of rice and upper
primary children (6th Std. to 10th Std.) are
provided 150 gm/per day/per child.
Details of Mid-Day Meal Beneficiaries:
S.No Type of No. of No. of

School Centres Students
1 Primary 27,003 20,74,039
2 Upper Primary 15,06,081
3 9th and 10th
16,128 6,91,833
Standard
Total 43,131 42,71,953
93
Components of Nutritious Meal Programme
Variety Menu
As a special Nutritional intervention Variety Menu

with 5 kinds of egg masala is being provided as of
now:-
First & Second &

Days Third Fourth
Week Week
Sambar
Vegetable Sadham
Biriyani (Bisibelabath
Monday
with ) with Onion
Pepper Egg Tomato
Masala Egg.
Black
Bengal Mixed Meal
Gram Maker with
Tuesday Pulav with Vegetable
Tomato Rice and
Masala Pepper Egg
Egg.
Tamarind
Tomato
Rice with
Wednesday Rice with
Tomato
Pepper Egg
Masala Egg
Rice,
Lemon Rice,
Sambar
Thursday Sundal and
and Boiled
Tomato Egg
Egg
94
Curry Leaf
Rice /
Keerai Rice,
Sadham Sambar and
Friday with Boiled Egg
Masala Egg with Fried
and Chilly Potato.
Fried
Potato.
Additional Nutrition
Food Provided Quantity
Black
Bengal
gram / 20g (Weekly once)
Green
Gram
Potato 20gram (Weekly once)
“A” agmark graded weighing

Egg 46g - 52g (on all school
working days)
100g (to the non egg

Banana eaters.)
95
Double Fortified Salt Double Fortified Salt with
iodine and iron are used for cooking.
Double Fortified Oil:

Double fortified oil with vitamin “A” and “D” is being
used daily in the Nutritious Meal Programme.
Nutritional Norms per child per Day under MDM
State Government
GOI Norms *
Provision
S.
Stage
No Calories Protein Calories Protein
(In Kcl) (In gms) (In Kcl) (In gms)
1. Primary 450 12 557 18.92
Upper
2. 700 20 735 22.77
Primary
3. IX & X --- --- 735 22.77
Prime Ministers Nutrition Programme

(PM POSHAN):
Government of India started the National
Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary
Education (NP – NSPE) on 15th August 1995 and
96
implemented from 1997-1998. Then it was
extended to upper primary from October 2007. As
per the Letter. No.1-3 /2021- Desk (MDM), the
Government of India, Ministry of Education, Dept.
of School Education & Literacy dt.6.10.2021
conveyed the approval of centrally Sponsored
Scheme “Pradhan Mantri POSHAN Shakti Nirman
(PM POSHAN)” for providing hot cooked meal in
Government and Government aided school
erstwhile National Programme for Mid-Day Meal
scheme
The Government of India assists the scheme
in the components of Cooking Cost and Honorarium
to Cook cum Helpers at a fixed norm in the sharing
pattern between Government of India and
Government of Tamil Nadu in the ratio of 60:40.
Moreover, 100% funding by Government of India
is given for the Cost of Food grains (Rice),
97
Transportation of Food grains and Management,
Monitoring and Evaluation (MME) .
Food Supply Management
As per the requirement of Nutritious Meal

centre, TNCSC supplies rice, dhal, fortified cooking
oil, fortified salt, Black Bengal Gram and Green
Gram at its doorstep. Once in three months,
vegetables & condiments advance is credited to
bank account of the Noon Meal Organizers for
onward payments.
Egg weighing between 46 to 52 gram is

supplied by the successful tenderer twice a week
to the Nutritious Meal Centre. To prevent pilferages
prescribed colored seal for every week is marked
on the eggs.
98
Cooking cost (Material Cost) GOI Norms
(Per Child per Day Cost in Rs.)
Additional
MDM
Centre State State
Class Norms Total
(60%) (40%) Contributi
(60:40)
on
Primary
(1 to 5 5.45 3.27 2.18 4.80 10.25
Std.)
Upper
Primary
8.17 4.90 3.27 2.40 10.57
(6 to 8
Std.)
9th &
100% State Government Contribution 15.51
10th Std.
Enhancement of Feeding Charges:
The feeding charges for Primary Children
have been increased from Rs.1.51/- to 1.79/- per
day per child for Vegetables and Condiments and
fuel charges from Rs. 0.60/- to Rs. 1.25/- per day
per child.
Likewise, the feeding charges have been
increased from Rs.1.65/- to 2.11/- per day per
child for Vegetables and Condiments and for fuel
99
charges from Rs. 0.60/- to Rs. 1.25/- per day per
child.
Monitoring Mechanism of NMP Centre
➢ Three tier mointoring system is ensured
(State/District/Block).
➢ As per the prescribed menu and operative
procedures, NMP functionaries at field level
mointor the quality and quantity of food.
➢ Before serving the Noon meal, the taste of the
food is checked by the Headmasters and
Teachers at school level.
➢ Tamil Nadu is the pioneer state in ISO

certification of Noon Meal centre. So far 100
Nutritious Meal centres are certified under
International Organisation for Standardization
(ISO).
➢ Tamil Nadu is the only state which has

registered all the Nutritious Meal centres under
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI) Act and being renewed every year.
100
➢ The accounts of NMP centres are placed in
Special Grama Sabha conducted in Village
Panchayats for ensuring transperancy and
➢ Supply of Hygiene Kit, commodity
weighing scale & Registers
➢ In order to cook the meals hygienically, all the
Nutritious meal cook /cook assistants have
been provided hygiene kit to Noon Meal
centres with 2 aprons, 1 head cap, 1 nail
cutter, 5 hand towels, 6 anti septic soaps.
➢ Commodity weighing scales has been supplied
to Noon Meal Centres and Integrated Registers
have been supplied to all Noon Meal Centres
Supply of Kitchen Devices
➢ New Kitchen devices are being provided to the

Noon Meal Centres
at a total cost of Rs.25.41 Cr during 2022-2023.
Capacity Building and Training
➢ Training programmes were conducted at all
levels for improving the knowledge and skill
of the Frontline functionaries in delivering
their services,
➢ Food Safety Training and Certification
[FoSTaC] training was imparted to Noon
Meal Organizers, Cook & Cook Assistant by
101
empanelled training partners registered
under FSSAI and were given certificates.
Social Audit
• During 2021-2022, Social Audit has been
completed by the Social Audit Society of
Tamil Nadu (SASTA) in 5 Noon Meal centres
among 5 districts in the month of November
2021.
• As per revised guidelines 2 % or 20 no of
centres at each district has to be covered.
Based on the said norms 954 centres will be
covered.
Setting up of School Nutrition Garden
School Nutrition Garden has been set up to

address the issue of malnutrition and micro
nutrient deficiencies among children by providing
freshly grown vegetables,
➢ 28870 School Nutrition Gardens have
been setup through special initiative and
Government of India funds. During 2024-
25, it has been planned to set up kitchen
102
gardening in 7020 Noon Meal Centres @
Rs.5,000/- centre.
Human Resources:
Each noon meal center is sanctioned with 3 Posts

viz 1 noon meal Organizer, 1 cook and 1 cook
assistant.
Scale of Pay
These employees are classified as ‘Part Time

Permanent Employees’ and are being paid under
the following Special Time Scale of pay:-
Sl. GoI Share

Post Scale of Pay
No. (consolidated
))
1. Noon Meal `7,700- `600
Organiser 24,200
2. Cook `4,100-12,500 `600
3. Cook Assistant `3000 – `600
9,000
103
Festival Advance
All Noon Meal Employees are sanctioned with

festival advance of Rs.10,000 every year. The
advance amount will be deducted from their salary
in 10 equal installments.
Pongal Bonus
Rs.1,000 is being given to all Noon Meal
employees every year as Bonus at the time of
Pongal Festival (i.e.) during January.
Hill Allowance and Winter Allowance
Hill Allowance and winter allowance are

provided to all the Noon Meal Employees working
in hill areas. 20% of Basic Pay is being given as
hill allowance throughout the year. Winter
allowance is being given at the rate of 5% of basic
pay for 4 months in a year.
104
Casual Leave
All Noon Meal Employees are provided with

12 days of casual leave every year.
Maternity Leave to Noon Meal Employees
The paid absence on Maternity Leave to

married women Noon Meal Employees has been
enhanced from 90 days to 180 days with effect
from May 2015.
Compassionate Ground Appointment
Powers have been delegated to the District

Collectors for providing compassionate ground
appointments to the female family members of the
deceased Noon Meal Employees. Orders of the
Government are being obtained and communicated
for relaxation of rules if any required by forwarding
necessary proposals duly obtained from the District
Collectors.
105
New Health Insurance Scheme:
Under New Health Insurance Scheme upto Rs

5.00 lakhs is admissible for Speciality Medical
Treatment in a Block of 4 Years
Family benefit Fund:
Family Benefit Fund of Rs.5.00 lakhs is being

given to the family of deceased noon meal
employees
Retirement benefits:
➢ Cook and Cook Assistant retirement age has

been increased from 58 to 60 years.
➢ The Noon meal worker Cook, cook Assistant

are eligible for lump sum grant at the time of
retirement, Rs.1,00,000/- is being paid to
noon meal organiser and Rs.50,000/- is
being paid to Cook and cook Assistant with
effect from 01.10.2017, noon meal employee
are paid monthly special pension Rs.2,000/-
with effect from 01.10.2017
106
➢ Special General Provident Fund Scheme is
being implemented for noon meal employees
since 2015.
➢ On medical grounds, the noon meal

employees are permitted to go on Voluntary
Retirement with all retirement benefits.
Budget Provision
A sum of Rs. 2834 Crore has been allotted

in the Budget Estimate of the year 2024-
2025 for implementing the Nutritious
Meal programme.
*****
107
Chapter – 4
INTEGRATED CHILD DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES
Introduction
Tamil Nadu has a long history of providing
organized child care services with emphasis on
nutrition to children outside the home under
institutionalized care, with an aim to overcome
malnutrition, which has a severe consequence on a
child's physical growth, immune system and
cognitive development, which ultimately affects
the child’s health and productivity. In order to
improve the nutritional and health status of
children in the age group of 0-6 years, the
Integrated Child Development Services Scheme
(ICDS) was launched in Tamil Nadu in the year
1975.

(ICDS) scheme
108
stands as a holistic community-based
flagship program. It encompasses vital
components such as supplementary nutrition,
immunization and preschool education, which
makes it one of the world’s largest initiatives aimed
at holistic development of children. This program is
a resolute testament to the nation’s dedication to
its young and nursing mothers, addressing the dual
challenge of breaking the cycle of malnutrition and
offering non-formal preschool education.
The Anganwadi services scheme now

operates under the umbrella of Saksham
Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 (referred to hereafter
as Poshan 2.0). It is meticulously crafted to tackle
the aforementioned challenges by emphasizing
transparency, accountability, dietary diversity,
enhanced grassroot level participation and efficient
last-mile service delivery through 54,449
Anganwadi centres which includes 10 newly
109
opened Anganwadi centres in Particularly
Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) habitations. The
integration of the Supplementary Nutrition
Programme within Anganwadi Services, the
Scheme for Adolescent Girls, and Poshan Abhiyaan
under Poshan 2.0 signifies a comprehensive
approach for providing integrated nutritional
support.
4.1 Vision
Poshan 2.0 targets malnutrition in children

(up to the age of 6 years), pregnant/lactating
mothers, and adolescent girls (14-18 years). Its
main vision aligns with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and
SDG 4 (Quality Education) to make a meaningful
impact. Poshan 2.0 prioritizes nutrition, early
childhood care, and education for holistic
development and healthier future generations.
110
4.2 Objectives
• To contribute to the country's human capital
development.
• To tackle the challenges of malnutrition
head-on.
• To promote nutrition awareness and foster
healthy eating habits for sustainable health
and well-being.
• To address nutritional deficiencies through
targeted strategies.
4.3 Anganwadi Services Scheme
The Anganwadi services scheme offers an

integrated package of six services to eligible 1
nutrition
➢ Pre-school non-formal education

➢ Nutrition and health education
➢ Health check-ups
➢ Immunization
➢ Referral services
111
Out of these six services, three services
namely immunization, health check-ups and
referral services are delivered through the National
Health Mission and Public Health Infrastructure
under the Health and Family Welfare 1
The main beneficiaries of the scheme are

children and women, specifically, children under
the age of 6 years, Antenatal and Postnatal
mothers, girls and women aged 14 to 49 years,
who are the primary recipients of benefits including
supplementary nutrition, growth monitoring
immunization, health checkups, referral services,
nutrition & health education and early childhood
care and education. The selection of beneficiaries
is carried out through a comprehensive family
survey in the area, ensuring that every eligible
individual can access the services without
exclusion.
112
4.5 Project Beneficiaries
Category of Service Offered Number of

beneficiaries beneficiaries
(as on
31.03.2024)
6 months to 1• Supplementary
year Nutrition, 3,98,324
children • Immunization,
• Health Checkups
1 – 2 years • Referral Services 7,09,597
children
2 - 3 years • Supplementary 4,03,818
children Nutrition,
3-6 years • Immunization,
children • Health Checkups
• Referral Services 6,99,775
• Preschool Non–
Formal Education
Antenatal • Supplementary 3,26,532
Mothers Nutrition,
Postnatal • Immunization,
Mothers • Health Checkups
• Referral Services 2,84,034
• Nutrition and
Health Education
Adolescent • Supplementary
Girls Nutrition
in the age group of• Life Skill 45,065
14 – 18 year in Education
two
aspirational
districts
Total beneficiaries 28,67,145
113
4.6 Project Cost / Budget Estimate for 2024 –
2025
The project cost for the year 2024-2025 is as
follows: (Rs. in crore)
Total State
Exclusive
Gross total GoI State Share
State
project cost Share Share
Share
(3+4)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
3269.91 758.10 636.30 1875.51 2511.81
The expenditure incurred is shared by the

Government of India and State Government in the
fund-sharing pattern of 50:50 in respect of
Supplementary Nutrition, 60: 40 in respect of
Anganwadi Services (General).
4.7 Supplementary Nutrition Programme
Supplementary Nutrition, one of the six

components under Anganwadi services is provided
to the beneficiaries viz., children, pregnant woman,
114
lactating mothers, and adolescent girls in the age
group of 14 – 18 years in two aspirational districts
of Tamil Nadu through the 54,449 Anganwadi
centres across Tamil Nadu. The provision of
Supplementary Nutrition for beneficiaries aims to
narrow the existing gap between the
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) and the
Average Daily Intake (ADI) of the beneficiaries.
The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013
mandates the provision of Supplementary Nutrition
to every pregnant woman and lactating mother up
to 6 months after childbirth and every child in the
age group of 6 months to 6 years (including those
suffering from malnutrition).
The Supplementary Nutrition Programme has
two major components:
1. Sathu Mavu
2. Hot cooked meal
115
Supplementary Nutrition is to be provided for
300 days a year to beneficiaries as mandated
under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Approved GoI cost norms and nutritive
values are detailed below
Nutritional norms per
Financial
beneficiary per day
norms per
Category
beneficiary
Protein Energy
per day (Rs.)
(gms) (kcal)
Children 6
months to 6 12-15 500 8.00
years
Children 6
months to 6
20-25 800 12.00
years
(Malnourished)
Antenatal &
Postnatal 18-20 600 9.50
Mothers
14-18 Years
18-20 600 9.50
Adolescent Girls
116
4.7.1 Sathu Mavu
An Expert Committee was formed by the

Government of Tamil Nadu to suggest suitable
formulation/composition of Sathu Mavu to enhance
the standard of Sathu Mavu being provided to ICDS
beneficiaries.
ICDS Food Supplement (Sathu Mavu) is

provided to the beneficiaries based on the
recommendation of an expert committee formed
by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Sathu Mavu in
two different compositions are provided to ICDS
beneficiaries. One is for 6 months to 6 years
children and the other one is for adolescent girls
and antenatal woman and postnatal mothers. The
ICDS Food Supplement (Sathu Mavu) is provided
to children adhering to BIS Standards
11536:2022 from January 2023.
117
Composition of ICDS Food Supplement (Sathu
Mavu) for children
SI. Ingredients Percentage

No
1. Roasted Wheat flour 45.50
2. Malted Ragi Flour 5.00
3. Full Fat Soya Flour 16.50
4. Jaggery 24.00
5. Roasted Ground Nut Kernel 8.00

flour
6. Vitamins and Minerals 1.00

Premix
Total 100.00
100 Grams of ICDS Food Supplement (Sathu

Mavu) for children contains minimum 400
Kcal of Energy and 15 grams of Protein.
118
Composition of ICDS Food Supplement (Sathu
Mavu) for Adolescent Girls and Antenatal
(AN) / Postnatal (PN) mothers
SI.No Ingredients Percentage
1. Roasted Wheat flour 45.50
2. Roasted Bengal Gram 10.00

flour
3. Roasted urad dal 5.00
4. Roasted peanut flour 4.00
5. Fortified Refined 5.00

Vegetable oil
6. Malted Ragi flour 5.00
7. Full fat soya bean flour 10.00
8. Jaggery 14.00
9. Vitamins and Minerals 1.50

premix
Total 100.00
119
100 Grams of ICDS Food Supplement
(SathuMavu) for Adolescent Girls, AN/PN
mothers contains a minimum of 400 Kcal of
Energy and 14 grams of Protein.
To meet the additional nutritional requirement

of Severely Malnourished Children in the age group
of 6 months to 6 years, in addition to Sathu Mavu,
Fortified Biscuits are provided as Take Home Ration
(THR) from June 2023 onwards.
Composition of Fortified Biscuit for Severely

malnourished children
SI.No Ingredients Percentage

1. Wheat flour 30.00
2. Maida 10.00
3. Peanut Grit 4.00
4. Ragi flour 7.00
5. Refined Vegetable Oil 24.74
6 Sugar 23.00
7 Vitamins and Minerals 1.00
8 Baking Powder 0.26
Total 100.00
120
100 Grams of Fortified Biscuits contain a
minimum of 500 Kcal of Energy and 6 grams
of Protein.
4.7.2 Procurement of Sathu Mavu

Children in the age group of 6 months to 2
years are provided ICDS Food supplement (Sathu
Mavu) which is procured by Tamil Nadu
Transparency in Tenders Act 1998 & Rules, 2000
by floating open tender. Further, 65% of ICDS Food
Supplement (Sathu Mavu) is provided to children
in the age group of 2 to 6 years, and
Antenatal/Postnatal mothers are procured from 25
Women Co-operative Societies functioning under
the Department of ICDS and the balance 35% is
procured by floating open tender.
4.7.3 Quality Testing
A two-tier quality check is being carried out
to ensure the quality of Sathu Mavu being provided
to ICDS beneficiaries. It is sent for testing to
Government, government-recognized labs by the
121
manufacturers themselves before being supplied to
Anganwadi Centres. Furthermore, random samples
are collected from Anganwadi Centres by the
District Project Officers, ICDS and sent for quality
checking to the State Food Analysis Laboratory.
122
Per day ration of Supplementary Nutrition to
ICDS beneficiaries
Age Food provided
6 months - 125 gms/day of Sathu Mavu are

1-year provided to all Children enrolled
children with Anganwadi centres. In
addition to Sathu Mavu, 60
grams of fortified biscuits per day
is provided to Severely
Malnourished children.
1-2 years 125 gms/day of Sathu Mavu and

children three eggs per week are provided
to all Children enrolled with
Anganwadi centres. In addition
to Sathu Mavu and eggs, 60
grams of fortified biscuits per day
is provided to Severely
Malnourished Children.
2- 6 years 50 gms/day of Sathu Mavu, a Hot

children Cooked Nutritious Variety meal
for 6 days a week along with
eggs for 3 days a week (Monday,
Wednesday, and Thursday),
123
Black Bengal gram /Green gram
on Tuesday and Boiled Potato on
Friday are being provided to
children attending preschool in
Anganwadi centres.
Further, Rice and Dhal are given

as a dry Ration on Sunday. In
addition to the above, 30 grams
of fortified biscuits per day is
provided to Severely
Malnourished children.
AN/PN 150 gms /day of Sathu Mavu are

mothers and provided to beneficiaries
Adolescent
Girls in the
age group of
14 – 18
years in two
aspirational
districts
124
4.7.4 Hot Cooked Meal
Well-nourished and healthy children would
make a stronger India. As per the National Food
Security Act 2013, children in the age group of 3-6
years should be provided with 500 Kcal of energy
and 12 -15 grams of protein every day. Since a
child in this age group is not capable of consuming
a meal of 500 calories in one sitting, the Act
prescribed the provision of morning, and evening
snacks and a Hot Cooked Meal.
In Tamil Nadu, children in the age group of 2
to 6 years enrolled for preschool education in
Anganwadi centres are provided with the following:
I. 25 grams of Sathu Mavu
(Kozhukattai), as morning and evening
snacks.
II. Considering the digestive capacity of
these young children, a special variety
of meals has been designed to offer 80
grams of rice per child per day in the
form of hot-cooked meals.
125
III. To increase the protein content of
children, the provision of eggs was
introduced in 1989. Children in the
age group of 1 – 6 years are provided
with 3 eggs per week.
IV. On all Tuesdays, 20 grams of boiled
Black Bengal gram/Green gram are
provided. Similarly, on all Fridays to
supplement carbohydrates, 20 grams
of boiled potatoes are provided along
with Hot Cooked Meals.
V. For non–egg–eating beneficiaries,
banana is provided as an alternative.
Day wise menu is as follows
Days Menu
Monday Tomato Rice + Boiled Egg
Tuesday Mixed Rice + Boiled Black

Bengal gram / Green gram
Wednesday Vegetable Pulav Rice + Boiled

Egg
Thursday Lemon Rice + Boiled Egg
Friday Dhal Rice + Boiled Potato
Saturday Mixed Rice
Sunday Dry Ration as Take Home Ration

(Rice and Dhal)
126
The feeding cost towards cost of vegetables,
condiments, salt and fuel has been enhanced from
an average amount of Rs.1.24 per day per
beneficiary to Rs.2.39 per day per beneficiary from
23.01.2024.
127
Details about the average quantum of
nutrition per day being provided to
beneficiaries
Nutrition Nutritio
Nutrition details in details in n
SathuMavu Hot cooked details Total Nutrition
meal* in
Biscuits
Category
sathumavu (gms)
Average Protein
Average Protein
Average Energy
Average Energy
Quantum of
per day
Protein
Protein
Energy
Energy
(gms)
(Kcal)
(gms)
(Kcal)
(gms)
(Kcal)
(gms)
(Kcal)
18.7
500
Children 5
18
125 .7 500 - - - - (GOI
6 months -1 (GOI
5 -
year -12-
500)
15)
Children
300 22.3
800
6 months -1 3.60 5
18
year (in
125 .7 500 - - (GOI
(in 60 (GOI
5 -
(severely 60gms) gms -20-
800)
malnourishe ) 25)
d)
21.7
536
3.00 36 5
Children 18
125 .7 500 - - (GOI
(3 (3 (GOI
1-2 years 5 -
egg egg -12-
500)
per per 15)
128
wee week
k) )
Children 3.00 36
300 25.3
836
3.60 5
1-2 years 18 (3 (3
(in
125 .7 500 egg egg (GOI
(in 60 60 (GOI
(severely 5 per per -
gms) gms -20-
malnourishe wee week 800)
) 25)
d) k) )
20.7 668.
7 79
Children
7. 13.2 468.
50 200 - -
50 7 79 (GOI (GOI
2-3 years
-12- -
15) 500)
Children
150 22.5 818.
1.80 7 79
2-3 years
7. 13.2 468. (in
50 200
50 7 79 (in 30 30 (GOI (GOI
(severely
gms) gms -20- -
malnourishe
) 25) 800)
d)
20.7 668.
7 79
Children
7. 13.2 468.
50 200 - -
50 7 79 (GOI (GOI
3-6 years
-12- -
15) 500)
Children
150 22.5 818.
1.80 7 79
3-6 years
7. 13.2 468. (in
50 200
50 7 79 (in 30 30 (GOI (GOI
(severely
gms) gms -20- -
malnourishe
) 25) 800)
d)
129
Pregnant
Women,
21.0
Nursing 600
0
Mothers and 21
Adolescent 150 .0 600 - - - - (GOI
(GOI
Girls in the 0 -
-18-
age group 600)
20)
of 14 – 18
years
*Hot cooked Variety Meal, 3 Eggs per week,

Black Bengal gram / Green gram on Tuesday
and Potato on Friday.
Per day average cost for providing

Supplementary Nutrition
(Sathu Mavu +Fortified Biscuits+ Hot
cooked Meal + Egg)
(in Rs.)
Sl. Category GOI cost per Centra State Addit
No Financi day on l Share ional
al suppleme Share cost
Norms ntary to
nutrition State
per day Govt
per
benefici
ary
130
1 6 months to 1 8.00 8.67 4.00 4.00 0.67
years children
2 Severely 12.00 15.87 6.00 6.00 3.87

malnourished
6 months to 1
years children
3 1 year to 2 8.00 11.58 4.00 4.00 3.58

years children
4 Severely 12.00 18.77 6.00 6.00 6.77

malnourished
1 year to 2
years children
5 2 years to 6 8.00 10.39 4.00 4.00 2.39

years children
6 Severely 12.00 13.98 6.00 6.00 1.98

malnourished
2 years to 6
years children
7 AN/PN 9.50 10.47 4.75 4.75 0.97

mothers
8 Adolescent 9.50 10.47 4.75 4.75 0.97

Girls in the
age group of
14 – 18 years
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4.7.5 Usage of Fortified Food Ingredients
The deficiency of micronutrient among the

Children, Antenatal women, Lactating mothers and
Adolescent girls is combated by providing following
fortified food through Integrated Child
Development Services: -
1. Salt is double fortified with Iron and

Iodine which is used in the preparation
of hot cooked meal.
2. Palmolein oil used in the preparation of
Hot Cooked Meal is fortified with
Vitamin A and Vitamin D
3. ICDS Food Supplement (Sathu Mavu)
and fortified biscuits provided to
beneficiaries are fortified with Vitamins
and Minerals.
4. Rice used in preparation of Hot Cooked
Meal is fortified with Iron, Folic acid,
and Vitamin-B12.
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4.8 Supply of Medicine Kit and Hygiene Kit
To address minor ailments like fever,

diarrhoea, dressing of wounds, skin infections, etc,
Anganwadi Centres are provided with Medicine
Kits. Hygiene Kits are also being provided to
promote hygienic practices among children and to
keep them clean and tidy at the Anganwadi
centres. The Medicine Kit consists of Paracetamol
syrup, Paracetamol Tablets, ORS Powder, Povidone
Iodine Ointment, Iron and Folic Acid Syrup, and
Multivitamin Drops. Hygiene Kit consists of Floor
cleaner, Toilet soap, and Antiseptic Liquid.

provided in the Budget Estimate for the year
2024-2025.
4.9 Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG)
Under Poshan 2.0, the guidelines for the

Scheme for Adolescent Girls have been revised for
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2024-2025. The revamped scheme aims at
providing nutritional support to adolescent girls in
the age group of 14 – 18 years in the identified
areas of the State to improve their health and
nutritional status under the nutrition component
and providing them with IFA supplementation,
Health Check-ups, Referral Services, Nutrition &
Health Education Life Skills, etc. under the non-
nutrition component of the scheme. All
beneficiaries shall require an Aadhaar number to
avail benefits under the scheme. In Tamil Nadu,
the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) is
implemented in two aspirational districts of
Ramanathapuram and Virudhunagar.

2024 – 2025.
134
4.9.1 Nutrition Component:
Under nutrition components, supplementary

nutrition containing 600 Kilocalories, 18-20 grams
of protein, and micronutrients is being provided to
adolescent girls in the age group of 14 – 18 years
in the form of Take-Home Ration (THR). In Tamil
Nadu, 150 grams of Sathu Mavu which contains 21
grams of proteins and 600 kilo calories per day is
provided to the beneficiaries under Scheme for
Adolescent Girls (SAG).
4.9.2 Non–Nutrition Component:
Under Non-nutrition component, the Health

and Family Welfare, Education, Youth Welfare and
Sports Development Departments and Skill
Development Corporation are involved in giving life
skill education to adolescent girls.
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4.10 Supply of two sets of uniforms to Pre-
School Children:
To encourage parents in the community to
send their children to Anganwadi centres and to
increase enrolment of children in Anganwadi
centres, every year two sets of ready–made
uniforms @ Rs.300/- per beneficiary are given to
the children attending pre-school education in
Anganwadi centres. The uniforms help to prepare
children for future schooling, as they become
accustomed to dressing in the uniform. The
programme is being implemented exclusively from
State funds.

2024-2025.
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4.11 Infrastructure Development at
Anganwadi Centres
a) Construction of Anganwadi Centres
The construction of Anganwadi centres is
being carried out in convergence with Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
(MGNREGA) Scheme under Rural Development and
Panchayat Raj Department and ICDS from the year
2016 onwards. The construction of new building for
7,696 Anganwadi centres has been taken from the
year 2016.
b) Upgrading Anganwadi Centres

Anganwadi centres are being strengthened,
upgraded and rejuvenated as Saksham
Anganwadis in a phased manner, for improving
nutrition delivery including Poshan Vatikas for
stimulating the creative, social, emotional,
cognitive and intellectual development of children
under 6 years of age, in convergence with
education development programmes,
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providing/adding more services with better
infrastructure including internet / Wi-Fi
connectivity, LED screens, water
purifier/installation of RO machine and Early
Childhood Care and Education with smart learning
aids, audio-visual aids, child-friendly learning
equipment and art work (educational painting,
practices board for children, information board),
etc.
2024-2025 for construction of Anganwadi
buildings and upgradation of Anganwadi
centres into Saksham Anganwadi.
c) Annual Maintenance Grant to Anganwadi
centre buildings
An amount of Rs.3000/- is provided annually
to each Anganwadi centres functioning in
Government owned buildings to carry out minor
138
repair works which are in dire need of repair and
maintenance.
2024-2025.
4.12 National Creche Scheme (PALNA)
Under Mission Shakthi guidelines, creches

component (PALNA) envisaged to address the
urgent need for quality creche care facilities. It will
provide a safe and secure environment for
Nutritional, Health and Cognitive development of
the children of working women and encourage
women to pursue their employment opportunities.
The creches run by Non-Governmental

Organisations were provided financial assistance
with fund Sharing pattern of 60:30:10 (Central:
State: NGO) under the National Creche Scheme.
As per Mission Poshan 2.0, Anganwadi cum
creches under PALNA have been introduced by the
139
Government of India. Anganwadi cum creches aim
to increase women's workforce participation in the
economy. Accordingly, 100 Anganwadi centres will
be upgraded as Anganwadi cum creches with
sufficient budgetary provision for the holistic
development of the child.
4.13 PM-JANMAN
Aimed at uplifting Particularly Vulnerable

Tribal Groups (PVTGs), to address their unique
challenges by providing the essential infrastructure
for a brighter future and to enhance their socio-
economic conditions, the Government of India
introduced the scheme named “PM-JANMAN”.
The objective is to provide essential amenities such
as secure housing, clean drinking water, sanitation,
improved accessible education, health, nutrition,
etc., to PVTG households and habitats.
140
Under this scheme, 10 New Anganawadi
Centres have been opened in Chengalpet (1
centre), Dharmapuri (3 centres), Kallakurichi (2
centres), Salem (1centre), Thiruvallur (2 centres)
and Thiruppathur (1 centre) Districts. All these
Anganwadi centres have started functioning from
15th January, 2024 onwards.
4.14 POSHAN ABHIYAAN (Poshan2.0 and

Saksham Anganwadi)
To address various gaps and deficiencies in the

ongoing nutrition program and to enhance
implementation, while accelerating improvements
in nutrition and child development outcomes, the
existing scheme components have been
reorganized under Poshan 2.0 as follows:
➢ The Supplementary Nutrition Programme

now covers children aged 6 months to 6
years, pregnant and lactating mothers, and
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adolescent girls aged 14-18 years in
aspirational districts.
➢ Early stimulation programs are tailored for
children aged 0-3 years, while early
childhood care and education initiatives are
targeted at children aged 3-6 years.
➢ Enhancements of Anganwadi infrastructure
include the introduction of modernized and
upgraded Saksham Anganwadi centres,
along with the implementation of the Poshan
Abhiyaan.
4.14.1 POSHAN Tracker
In 2021, the Poshan Tracker Mobile Phone

Application was launched to offer a comprehensive
overview of service delivery at Anganwadi centres.
It enables data entry and real-time monitoring of
providing supplementary nutrition to beneficiaries,
growth monitoring of children, and other essential
aspects. All 54,449 Anganwadi centres are
registered in this mobile phone application,
ensuring thorough coverage and tracking.
142
POSHAN
NFHS-5 Tracker
NFHS -4
(2019-21) (Feb
Indicator 2024) Progress
All All
State State State
India India
Stunting
38.4 27.1 35.5 25 15.8 Improved
(%)
Wasting
21 19.7 19.3 14.6 3.98 Improved
(%)
Underweight
35.8 23.8 32.1 22 7.06 Improved
(%)
Additionally, State-specific components of
the scheme are captured through another mobile
application called TN-ICDS. This application
focuses on specific elements related to the
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) in
Tamil Nadu, providing tailored support and
monitoring capabilities within the broader POSHAN
Abhiyaan .lication has enabled digital data
transformation between line departments like
Education Department, Health Department, etc
through integration of data from EMIS portal,
PICME and TN-ICDS.
143
After TNICDS, the PICME child beneficiaries
are passed on to the Education Department and
preschool completed children with updated data.
Through this integration process, the Departments
can access these portals and obtain the necessary
data.
144
4.14.2 Jan Andolan (People’s Mass
Movement)
The Jan Andolan initiative aims to foster a
people's movement for promoting Social and
behavioral change towards adopting good
nutritional practices. It involves various strategies
implemented in collaboration with both the
government and private sectors.
Jan Andolan activities encompass a range of

initiatives, including Samudhaya Valaigappu
(community baby shower), Breastfeeding
awareness campaigns, Traditional Food Festivals,
Exhibitions, Adolescent Girls programs, distribution
of Information, Education and Communication
(IEC) materials such as posters and pamphlets, as
well as Community-Based Events (CBE).
Furthermore, National Nutrition Month is

celebrated annually in September, serving as a
145
dedicated period to highlight and promote
nutritional awareness and health practices.
Nutritional Month (Poshan Maah) 2024 was

celebrated throughout the State by conducting
5,91,59,310 activities, and Nutritional Week
(Poshan Pakhwada (Fortnight Nutrition
Celebration)) for March 2024, was celebrated
across Tamil Nadu with total activities of
1,52,63,918 as part of the Jan Andolan activity.
These activities were aimed at disseminating
nutrition and health messages, showcasing a
concentrated effort to reach out to a substantial
portion of the population. This demonstrates a
strong commitment to promote awareness and
encouraging positive health practices among the
people of Tamil Nadu.
146
4.14.3 Supply of Growth Monitoring Devices &
Smartphones:
Growth monitoring is an integral part of ICDS

services. The weight and height of all beneficiaries,
i.e., pregnant women, lactating mothers, newborn
babies, and children up to 6 years are recorded
regularly using the growth monitoring devices and
smartphones provided to all Anganwadi centres.
A total of 18,573 AWCs have been replaced
with four types of growth monitoring devices such
as digital weighing scales, stadiometers,
infantometers and infant weighing scales have
been replaced for Rs. 13.37 crore. Further, 18,573
smartphones would be replaced, as per the
replacement policy.
These efforts are essential for accurate and

reliable monitoring of growth and health of
beneficiaries, ensuring that they receive necessary
147
care and interventions based on precise
measurement and data.
4.14.4 “Uttachathai Uruthi Sei” (Ensure

Nutrition)
To reduce malnutrition among children, the

Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu made an
announcement on the floor of the Legislative
Assembly on 07.05.2022 that, “medical assistance
will be provided to children less than 6 years of age
in need of medical attention and a special nutrition
program will be provided for children in need of
nutrition”.
The scheme aims to reduce malnutrition by

giving nutritional intervention to
• Mothers of 0-6 Month malnourished

children
• Severely malnourished Children
between 6 months to 6 years.
148
“Ensuring Nutrition to children
(Uttachathai Uruthi Sei)” scheme is being
implemented in three phases:
Phase I : Initial screening to identify
malnourished children by Anganwadi
workers (AWWs).
Phase : The screening of identified

II malnourished children by National
Child Health Care Program (Rashtriya
Bal Swasthiya Karyakram (RBSK))
Doctor’s team to assess severity and
determine interventions.
Phase : Detailed medical evaluations of

III referred children at District Early
Intervention Centres (DEIC) or
Special Newborn Care Units (SNCU)
and treatment. Nutritional
intervention advised for
malnourished children.
For children requiring only nutritional

interventions, 92,015 severely malnourished
149
children in the age group of 6 months to 6 years
were administered ‘Ready to use Therapeutic Food’
(RUTF) at a cost of Rs. 18.68 crores and Nutri-kits
were provided for mothers of 14,901 malnourished
children below 6 months of age at a cost of Rs. 8.68
crores. Ready to Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) is a
UNICEF recommended nutritional supplement for
children with Severe Acute Malnutrition. It is a
smooth, homogeneous, thick paste containing
ground peanuts, sugar, oil, milk powder and
vitamin and mineral premix. RUTF sachets were
provided daily for 8 weeks to children in the age
group of 6 months to 6 years.
The Nutri Kit is provided to mothers of
malnourished children in the age group of 0-6
months which contains Mother’s Health mix
powder, Iron and folic acid syrup, Ghee, Seedless
dates and Albendazole tablets for deworming.
150
Out of severely malnourished children in the
age group of 0 to 6 months whose mothers were
given nutri-kits, 71% of children have improved to
normal. The scheme showed a positive response
and there was a drastic improvement in the
nutrition status of children up to 0-6 months.
The impact of the scheme was evaluated by
Madras Medical College (MMC). The study indicated
that there was a significant increase in both height
and weight of children who consumed RUTF. About
74% of severely malnourished children have shown
improvement in their nutritional status and have
progressed to normal levels.
Good Nutrition begins before birth. A
mother’s diet and her nutrient stores are the only
sources of nutrition for a baby. The first 1000 days,
from conception to the age of two years, are the
most crucial for the development of a baby’s body,
brain, metabolism, and immune system. Through
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/
community-based activities, awareness about
Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices (IYCF) is
being conducted. This helps in saving the lives of
the most vulnerable young children and plays a key
role in preventing malnutrition and micronutrient
deficiencies.
Overall exercise sheds light on the
importance of the first 1000 days of a child’s
growth- GOLDEN 1000 DAYS, the period when the
brain, body and immune system of the child grows
significantly, offering a crucial window of
opportunity to create brighter, healthier futures.
Therefore, the scheme has been extended for the
years 2024-2025 by providing Nutri kits to the
mothers of severely and moderately malnourished
children.
152
4.15 Early Childhood Care and Education
(ECCE)
Adequate healthcare, nutrition, security,
safety, responsive care giving and opportunities for
early child learning are essential for children to
achieve their full human potential. Therefore,
among the services of ICDS, Non-Formal Pre-
School Education of children is an integral
component. To enforce this, Early Child Care and
Education (ECCE) is being conducted in all
Anganwadi centres for four hours on all working
days.
• The State is implementing a special
curriculum named “Aadi Paadi Vilaiyadu
Pappa” (APVP) based on the National Early
Childhood Care and Education Policy, 2013.
Under this developmental age-appropriate
annual Contextualized curriculum, preschool
activities are conducted in all the Anganwadi
centres with 11 child-friendly, theme-based
activities for 11 months with an emphasis on
153
↑
the holistic development of the children and
the 12th month being reserved for revision of
the syllabus.
• ECCE curriculum books for Anganwadi
workers, assessment cards and activity
books for 2-3, 3-4 & 4-5 years, Pre-school
completion certificates and Pre-school kits
are supplied to all the Anganwadi centres.
• Training of Trainers (ToT) to District Level
Master Trainers (DLMTs) is being conducted
at State and District Level. During the
training, “Do-It-Yourself” kit sessions are
handled to teach the trainees to make non-
toxic Indigenous Toys by themselves and to
create an eco friendly atmosphere.
• The Master Trainers will be training the
Anganwadi Workers on ECCE at Sector Level
in three stages in a cascade manner for the
effective rollout of ECCE. The training
includes sessions on Do-It-Yourself for kits
also.
• Under Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi, training for
State Level Master Trainers, is being given by
National Institute of Public Cooperation and
154
/
Child Development (NIPCCD), Bangalore.
The State Level Trainers in turn are involved
in training the Anganwadi workers with the
support of NIPCCD.
A sum of Rs.289.00 lakhs has been
allocated for training to Anganwadi
workers for the year 2024-2025.
4.15.1 Pre School Assessment module
To assess the development of the child

in various domains such as Physical
development, Cognitive development,
Language development, Social and
Emotional development, Creativity,
assessment cards are provided to each
centre for the children in the age group of 2-
5 years and distributed to the workers.
The assessment is being carried out

quarterly to find out if the child is able to
155
/
perform the tasks on his own, or if the child
requires support.
Based on the assessment, parents also

being informed on the performance of the
child and the Anganwadi worker also takes
care of the child to bring further
improvement in the performance of the child.
Pre-school assessment is being made

online from 2024-2025. An online module in
TNICDS application has been developed with
the domains of development for the children
in the age group of 2-3 years, 3-4 years, and
3-5 years. The assessment of the children
will be on quarterly basis. Based on the
assessment, further interventions will be
done in coordination with the line
departments. Monitoring will be done at the
District and the State level. Key Performance
Indicators have been developed for the
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/
ranking the centres based on the assessment
of the children. This process will help in
identifying the children with developmental
delays and address their needs in an
effective manner.
4.16 Training
• Tamil Nadu ICDS has the unique feature of
having a State Training Institute (STI)
exclusively for ICDS, which imparts training
to Block Level and District Level Officers of
ICDS and line departments. From 2003
onwards, Government of India has
authorized the State Training Institute to
conduct Job Training Course (JTC) to Child
Development Project Officers (CDPO) and
Instructors of Anganwadi Worker Training
Centres (Supervisors Grade-I) of the State.
• Tamil Nadu follows a decentralised pattern of
training. In Tamil Nadu residential training
programmes are conducted in respect of Job
training for Child Development Project
Officers and Supervisors at State Training
157
/
Institute, Taramani which is attached hostel
facilities.
• Smart Class Rooms are available within the
campus for effective training.
• The Block Training Team comprising of Child
Development Project Officers, Supervisors
Grade-I and representatives from Health and
Family Welfare as well as School Education
Departments are involved in conducting job
training for the Anganwadi workers and
orientation training to Anganwadi helpers in
the sector level.
• Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF)
practices and first golden 1000 days are
included as the most crucial components in
the training programme of field functionaries
to equip their knowledge on importance of
nutrition and health from the day of
conception to two years of a child and on
feeding practices for children.
• In coordination with UNICEF, training on
Social Behaviour and Communication Change
has been given to officials at district and
block level to identify Master level trainers.
158
/
• The Master level trainers are involved in the
training of field functionaries to enable them
to bring about desired results through Social
Behaviour and Communication Change
among the targeted beneficiaries.
• Orientation training is conducted at regular
intervals for workers, supervisors and
officials which helps them to update their
knowledge as per the current requirements.
• Training to field functionaries on growth
monitoring and to sort out technical issues is
also being carried out on a routine basis.
4.17 Aadhaar Enrolment in ICDS
As per the Government of India guidelines, the

Government have notified the Director cum
Mission Director, Integrated Child Development
Services as Registrar under Unique
Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) for
Aadhaar enrolment towards enrolment of
adhaar for the children in the age group of 0-5+
years and 434 Child Development Project
159
/
Offices in Tamil Nadu are notified as Aadhaar
enrolment agencies for the enrolment of
Aadhaar for the children in the age group of 0-
5+ years in the line with the norms of
Information Technology Department. Aadhaar
enrolment kits (child & Adult kits) have been
distributed to all the 434 Child Development
Project Offices to enable the enrolment activities
of children and mother beneficiaries. 98.08% of
child beneficiaries in Poshan Tracker have been
enrolled with Aadhaar numbers. 4,32,791 Child
beneficiaries have been enrolled during the year
2023 - 2024.
4.18 Welfare of Anganwadi Employees
4.18.1 Salary Details
The Anganwadi employees working in
54,449 Anganwadi centres are provided with
special time scale of pay as detailed below as per
7th Pay Commission recommendations:-
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/
S. Desig Scale of Total GoI State Additio Total
Pay Salary Share Share nal State
N - State Share
O nation Share
1 Anganw Rs.7,700-
adi 24,200 13,510 2,700 1,800 9,010 10,810
Worker
2 Mini
Anganw Rs.5,700- 10,510 2,100 1,400 7,010 8,410
adi 18,000
Worker
3 Anganw Rs.4,100-
adi 12,500 8,110 1,350 900 5,860 6,760
Helper
4.18.2 Other Allowances details with salary
Allowances like Dearness Allowance, House

Rent Allowance, City Compensatory Allowance,
Medical Allowance, Hill Allowance and Winter
Allowance are provided to Anganwadi employees
along with annual increment.
4.18.3 Summer holidays for Anganwadi

Employees
Summer holidays are being granted to

Anganwadi centres from 2023.
161
(
4.18.4 Retirement Benefits for Anganwadi
Employees
➢ Anganwadi helper retirement age has been

increased from 58 to 60 years.
➢ The Anganwadi worker and Anganwadi
helper are eligible for lump sum grant at the
time of retirement, Rs.1,00,000/- is being
paid to Anganwadi worker and Rs.50,000/- is
being paid to Anganwadi helper with effect
from 01.10.2017, Anganwadi employee are
paid monthly special pension Rs.2,000/- with
effect from 01.10.2017
➢ Family Benefit Fund of Rs.5.00 lakhs is being
given to the family of deceased Anganwadi
employees.
➢ Special General Provident Fund Scheme is
being implemented for Anganwadi employee
since 2015.
➢ On medical grounds, the Anganwadi
employees are permitted to go on Voluntary
Retirement with all retirement benefits.
4.18.5 Appointment on Compassionate

grounds
Women legal heir of Anganwadi employees
who died while in service are appointed in
162
&
Anganwadi centres on compassionate grounds
based on their eligibility.
4.18.6 Promotion
➢ Mini Anganwadi workers who have completed
5 years of service are promoted as Main
Anganwadi worker
➢ Anganwadi helpers who have completed 10
years of service are promoted as Main
Anganwadi worker.
➢ Main Anganwadi Worker is further promoted
based on their seniority to Supervisor Grade
II / Women Welfare Officer (W).
4.18.7 Other Benefits for Anganwadi

Employees
➢ Anganwadi Employees are granted 180 days

of maternity leave for up to two live births.
➢ Monthly conveyance allowance of Rs.2000/-
or Rs. 2500/- is being granted to the
Differently abled Anganwadi Employees.
➢ Every year, all Anganwadi Employees are
provided with two sets of uniform sarees
along with waist coat.
➢ Anganwadi Employees are enrolled in
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
insurance schemes to assist their families in
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case of unexpected accidents or loss of life
due to accidents. The annual premium
amount is transferred to their salary
accounts.
Conclusion
Integrated Child Development Services

Programme is one of the most ambitious and
comprehensive child development schemes for
enhancing health, nutrition and learning
opportunities for children under 6 years and their
mothers, by simultaneously providing all the
requisite services at the village level.
Programme has shown tremendous impact in not
only providing nutrition for children, and
promoting preschool non-formal education but also
breaking the vicious cycle of malnutrition,
morbidity, reduced learning capacity, and
mortality. The department is working to achieve
the Government of Tamil Nadu's aspiration to make
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Anganwadis the best platform for the promotion of
healthy nutrition practices and preschool education
to achieve a “Malnutrition-free Tamil Nadu”.
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CHAPTER – 5
/
CHILDREN WELFARE AND SPECIAL SERVICES
The Department of Children Welfare and Special

Services has taken proactive initiatives towards the
care, protection and rehabilitation of children. The
State has constructed a framework that requisites
implementation and monitoring mechanisms to
adhere to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection
of Children) Act, 2015. Though the Institutions
have child friendly environment within child care
institutions to facilitate the holistic growth and
development of every child, the major objective is
to ensure that children remain with the family or
family based alternative care. The
institutionalization of children is deemed as the last
resort. Various action plans have been developed
and implemented to address child related issues.
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With the establishment of reformative school
as early as 1887, the state is a pioneer in activities
for the protection and development of children.
The Madras Children Act was enacted in 1920. The
Department was separated from the Prison
Department in 1947 and renamed as Department
of Approved Schools and Vigilance Service.
The nomenclature of the Department has changed

over the years as:
Department of Approved Schools and Vigilance

1958
Service
1975 Department of Correctional Administration
Department of Approved Schools and Vigilance

1981
Service
1990 Department of Social Defence
Department of Children Welfare and Special

2024
Services
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The Department has developed and implemented
follow up programs and after care services for
facilitating self-sustainability for children leaving
Institutional Care.
The Department of Children Welfare and

Special Services implements the following laws and
programs to fulfill the statutory obligations of
children and women for their overall growth and
development.
Legislations:-
i. The Juvenile Justice (Care and
Protection of Children) Act, 2015
ii. The Protection of Children from Sexual
Offences Act, 2012
iii. The Commissions for Protection of
Child Rights Act, 2005
iv. The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act,
1956
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Schemes/Programmes: -
i. Mission Vatsalya Scheme (Child
Protection Services Scheme)
ii. Ujjawala Scheme
iii. Child Helpline Services (1098)
iv. Financial Assistance through Juvenile
Justice Fund
v. Formal and Non-formal education
vi. Vocational Training and Skill-
development Programmes
vii. Children Educational Tour Scheme
viii. Psycho-Social support for children
ix. De-Addiction Programme
5.1 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
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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 has
framed the Tamil Nadu Juvenile Justice (Care and
Protection of Children) Rules, 2017 under the
above Act and lastly amended in 2024.
5.1.1 Children in Need of Care and Protection

(CNCP)
Children in need of care and protection

generally means children without any home or
settled place of abode or mentally ill or physically
challenged or children having no one to look after,
children whose parents are unfit /incapacitated
abandoned, missing, runaway, street children,
working children, abused or children who are
vulnerable for drug addiction or sexual abuse or
victims of natural calamities and as mentioned in
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section 2 (14) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and
Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
5.1.1.1 Child Welfare Committees
Child Welfare Committees are constituted

under the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care
and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 to take
cognizance of matters relating to the care,
protection, treatment and development of children
in need of care and protection. The Child Welfare
Committee consists of a chairperson and four other
members (of whom atleast one shall be a woman).
The Child Welfare Committee adopts a child-
friendly procedure and ensure the best interest of
children in all its proceedings. The Committee
functions as a Bench with the powers conferred on
a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate
of the First Class as per the Code of Criminal
Procedure, 1973.
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The Government has constituted 36 Child
Welfare Committees. The District Collector
addresses all grievances of the Child Welfare
Committee. 22,751 cases have been handled by
these Committees during the year 2023-2024.
2025.
5.1.1.2 Children Homes
Children homes have been established in the

State and registered as per the provisions of the
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children)
Act, 2015. Children who enter the Juvenile Justice
System, as children in need of care and protection
by the Child Welfare Committees and found after
due enquiry to require institutional care and
protection, are placed in Children homes for short
term as well as long term care, treatment,
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education, training, development and
rehabilitation.
As on 31.03.2024, there are 817 Children

homes functioning in the State and monitored by
the Children Welfare and Special Services
Department. 36 Children homes are directly run
by the Government, 143 Children homes are
functioning under Non-Governmental
Organizations with financial assistance from
Government including 6 homes for differently abled
children. A maintenance grant of Rs.3,000/- per
child per month is provided to the above grant
receiving 143 Non-Governmental Organizations,
besides expenses towards rent, water, electricity,
transportation and contingencies under Mission
Vatsalya Scheme. The children in the Child Care
Institutions are provided with food, cloth, shelter,
counselling, medical assistance, education,
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vocational training, etc., for their overall
development.
Grants Self-
Governme HR & CE
receiving financing
S. nt Run Run
Children NGO run
No. Children Children
Homes run Children
Homes Homes
by NGO Homes
1 36 10 167 594

year 2024-2025.
5.1.1.3 Open Shelters for children in need of

care and protection in urban and semi
urban areas
Open Shelters are established in urban and

semi-urban areas to temporarily accommodate
children in need of care and protection especially
begging children, street children, rag pickers, small
vendors, street performers, orphaned, deserted,
trafficked and run-away children, children of
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migrant population and any other vulnerable group
of children. The scheme essentially targets the
homeless and street children and ensures safety
and protection. At present, 13 open shelters are
functioning in the State, of which 11 are receiving
grants from the Government. The maintenance
grant of Rs.2,500/- per child per month is provided
to the Non-Governmental Organizations, besides
expenses towards rent, water, electricity,
transportation and contingencies under Mission
Vatsalya Scheme. The sanctioned strength of
these homes is 348.

2025.
5.1.1.4 Child Adoption

“Adoption” is an opportunity for orphan,
abandoned and surrendered children to find a
family based care and to grow in the warmth of
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parents. “Adoption” is a process through which the
adopted child is permanently separated from his
biological parents and becomes the legitimate child
of his adoptive parents, with all the rights,
privileges and responsibilities that are attached to
the relationship.
A child is to be placed in institutional care as

a step of last resort, only when could not be placed
in family care. The ultimate aim of adoption is to
find suitable families for children and not children
for families.
The Adoption of Children is governed by

Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), an
autonomous body under the Ministry of Women
and Child Development, Government of India. The
procedures of adoption are made online and it is
uniform throughout the country.
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The State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA)
is facilitating adoption by serving as a bridge
between the Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs),
Specialized Adoption Agencies (SAA) and Central
Adoption Resource Authority. A “Hand Book on
Child Adoption” has been published by the SARA
for easy understanding and display boards have
been placed in all District Collectorates, District
Child Protection Units, Specialized Adoption
Agencies, Civil Society Groups and Public Places to
create greater awareness and dissemination of
information among public. Awareness
programmes are being conducted among various
stakeholders including health professionals to
prevent illegal adoption. Periodical monitoring of
Specialized Adoption Agencies and Grievance
Redressal of Prospective Adoptive Parents by
liaising with CARA are the important initiatives of
SARA.
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5.1.1.5 Specialized Adoption Agency (SAA)
In Tamil Nadu, there are 26 Specialized

Adoption Agencies (SAAs) functioning to promote
in-country and inter-country adoption. At present,
21 SAAs are receiving grants from the
Government. These SAAs are situated in Chennai-
4, Madurai-2, Salem-2 and one each in the districts
of Ariyalur, Chengalpattu, Coimbatore, Cuddalore,
Dharmapuri, Dindigul, Erode, Kannyakumari,
Krishnagiri, Namakkal, Thoothukudi,
Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Tirupathur,
Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Sivagangai and
Perambalur.
The children placed in “adoption” from 1993

to March 2024 are given below: -
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No. of Children Placed in
Sl. Nature of Adoption Total
No. Adoption
Male Female
1 In-Country 1,987 4,824 6,811
2 Inter-
155 445 600
Country
Total 2,142 5,269 7,411
The children placed in “adoption” during the

year 2023-2024 (April 2023 to March 2024) are as
follows: -
No. of
Sl. Nature of Children in
Adoption Total
No. Adoption
Male Female
1 In-Country 162 187 349
2 Inter-Country 16 18 34
Total 178 205 383
In 1992, the Government of Tamil Nadu has

implemented “Cradle baby scheme”. From 1992 till
March 2024, a total of 6083 children have been
provided care and support.
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5.1.1.6 Financial Assistance through Juvenile
Justice Fund
The Government have created “The Tamil

Nadu Juvenile Justice Fund” with a corpus of
Rs.25.00 lakh for undertaking welfare and
rehabilitative activities for children as mandated
under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of
Children) Act, 2015. The fund facilitates to
implement activities which are of urgent need, as
well as programmes that are not covered under
any regular Government schemes. The funds
have been applied to facilitate education, health,
training, sports, raw material or capital
requirement for income generating activities.
5.1.1.7 Assistance to the children of

incarcerated parents
The Government provides care and

protection to the children of incarcerated parents
also. The children of this category receive
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assistance such as sponsorship, education, foster
care. In some cases, they are being provided with
accommodation in the Child Care Institutions run
by Government. A total number of 20 children
have received sponsorship in the year 2022–2023
and 41 children in the year 2023-2024. 3 children
have been benefitted under foster care. 23
children are accommodated in various child care
institutions across the State.
5.1.1.8 Sponsorship
To enable a child to remain in the family and

continue his/her education by enjoying the love
and affection of parents, financial assistance of
Rs.4,000/- per month is provided under the
sponsorship assistance programme. Every child
selected for assistance under this programme is
eligible to avail the benefit upto 18 years of age.
4,849 children in the State are currently benefitting
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under Centre-State sponsorship programme for
the year 2023-2024.

year 2024-2025
5.1.2 Children in Conflict with Law
A Child who is alleged or found to have

committed an offence and who has not completed
eighteenth year of age as on the date of
commission of such offence, is classified as a child
in conflict with law.
5.1.2.1 Juvenile Justice Boards
The Juvenile Justice Boards are statutory

bodies constituted under the provisions of the
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children)
Act, 2015, for exercising the powers and to
discharge their duties conferred on them in relation
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to children in conflict with law. The Juvenile Justice
Board consists of a Metropolitan Magistrate or a
Judicial Magistrate of the First Class with two Social
Worker Members (of whom at least one shall be a
woman). All proceedings of the Juvenile Justice
Boards (JJBs) are conducted in a child friendly
manner to ensure best interest of the children. The
Government has constituted 33 Juvenile Justice
Boards covering 38 Districts. 4,470 cases have
been handled during the year 2023-2024.

2024-2025.
5.1.2.2 Observation Homes
The Juvenile Justice System postulates

establishment of Observation Homes which
provides temporary reception of children in conflict
with law, while their cases are pending before the
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Juvenile Justice Board. In TamilNadu, there are 8
Observation Homes run by the Government. The
children residing in the Observation Homes are
provided with basic amenities like shelter, food,
clothing, bedding and also other services like non-
formal education, vocational training, medical
facility and counselling as a part of their short-term
rehabilitation. Surveillance and security cameras
have been installed in all the Observation Homes
for the enhanced safety of children. Children
admitted in the Observation Homes are monitored
by the Probation Officers after they are discharged
from Homes. As on 31.03.2024, a total of 140
children have been placed in 8 Observation Home.

provided in the Budget Estimate for
the year 2024-2025.
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5.1.2.3 Special Homes
Special Homes provide long term

rehabilitation for children who are committed to
such homes by the Juvenile Justice Board, after
due process of law. These children are
accommodated in these homes for not more than
3 years and long-term rehabilitation programs are
provided. Special Homes provide services like
education, vocational training, counselling and
facilities for co-curricular activities. There are two
Government Special Homes, one at Chennai for
girls and the other at Chengalpattu for boys.
Children having potential skills and interested in
self-employment are assisted with financial
support under the Juvenile Justice Fund for
procuring tools and equipment for establishing self-
employment and to attain self-sustainability. As on
31.03.2024, a total of 24 children have been placed
in Special Homes.
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5.1.2.4 Place of Safety

Place of Safety is meant for children in
conflict with law between the age of 16 and 18
years and are accused of or convicted for
committing a heinous offence. A person above the
age of 18 years but had committed an offence
before attaining the age of 18 years is also
admitted in these homes. These children / persons
are placed in “Place of Safety” by the Juvenile
Justice Board or the Children’s Court upto the
maximum age of 21 years. In Tamil Nadu, Place
of safety is established at Vellore and Chengalpattu
for boys. These children / persons are provided
with reformatory services including education,
counselling, behaviour modification etc., during
their stay in the Place of Safety. The Government
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have also issued orders recognizing a portion of
Government Observation Home for Boys and Girls
at Madurai as a Place of Safety exclusively for girls.
As on 31.03.2024, a total of 35 children have been
placed in Place of Safety.
A sum of Rs.74.32 Lakh has been

5.1.3 Registration of all Child Care Institutions

under the Juvenile Justice (Care and
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of

Children) Act, 2015 mandates the registration of all
Child Care Institutions under the Act. The Child
Care Institutions functioning without registration
are liable for legal punishment. The registration to
Child Care Institutions is accorded based on the
minimum standards prescribed under the Tamil
Nadu Juvenile Justice Rules, 2017, such as space
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for dormitory, building stability, building license,
fire safety, sanitation etc. As on 31.03.2024, 859
Child Care Institutions have been registered,
[Homes for Children in Need of Care and
Protection-846 (Children Homes-807, Open
Shelters-13 & Specialized Adoption Agencies-26)
and Homes for Children in Conflict with Law–13
(Observation Homes-8, Special Homes-2, Places of
Safety-3)] and around 27,007 children are
accommodated in these registered Child Care
Institutions. All registration process is completely
online and is being done through CPIMMS Portal of
the Department.
5.1.4 Inspection and Monitoring of Child Care

Institution
The Government have constituted State

Level Inspection Committee (SLIC) and District
Level Inspection Committees (DLICs) to effectively
monitor the functioning of all Child Care
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Institutions and to ensure prescribed standards of
care and protection, in addition to the already
existing inspection bodies such as Juvenile Justice
Boards, Child Welfare Committees and District
Child Protection Units. The State Level
Inspection Committee has been constituted
under the chairpersonship of the Director of
Children Welfare and Special Services / Secretary,
State Child Protection Society. The District Level
Inspection Committees have been constituted
under the chairpersonship of District Collectors
with District Child Protection Officer as Member
Secretary and four members from among Child
Welfare Committee / Juvenile Justice Board,
Medical Officer, Psychologist and a representative
of Non-Governmental Organization.
5.1.5 After Care Organizations
After Care services are provided to children

having no family or any other care taker while
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leaving institutional care on attaining 18 years of
age, so as to sustain themselves during the
transition from institutional care to independent
life. The Government is running After Care
Institution for Boys at Athur (Chengalpattu) and
Madurai and for Girls at Vellore with total of 9
beneficiaries. The Government provides Rs.
4,000/- per month per child to the NGO’s who are
providing after care services. A Non-Governmental
Organization in Mayiladuthurai District is supported
under Mission Vatsalya Scheme for maintaining
differently abled young adults and 40 beneficiaries
are housed here.
the year 2024-2025.
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5.1.6 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 Department of Children Welfare
and Special Services has also developed
performance and management indicators to
monitor the implementation of Child Protection
Services at district level.
The Government have established adequate

State and District level structures required under
the ‘Child Protection Services’ – “Mission Vatsalya”
a Centre-State shared programme. The scheme
envisages care, protection, development and
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rehabilitation of children by providing best possible
opportunities in a comfortable environment. The
effective implementation of the programme is
achieved through Government, Non-Governmental
and community participation by maintaining
openness and transparency. Quality service
delivery for children in institutions, intervention
programmes for children in difficult circumstances,
enhancing the safety and security of children,
family-based care as an alternative to
institutionalization, finding families for children,
website for Child Information System and tracing
out the missing children are the major components
of the scheme.
5.1.6.1 Service Delivery Structures under

Mission Vatsalya Scheme
The Government have established the
following structures for effective implementation of
Mission Vatsalya Scheme: -
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● State Child Protection Society (SCPS)
● District Child Protection Units (DCPUs)
● State Adoption Resource Agency (SARA)
Training of stakeholders at various levels,
integrated services by liaising with various sectors
including health, education, judiciary, police and
labour and skill development have been done to
cater to the multiple needs of children.
2024-2025.
5.1.6.2 Monitoring of Child Protection

Services
The Government of Tamil Nadu has formed

new Child Protection Committees in rural as well as
in urban areas to prevent incidents of Child rights
violation and ensure Child Protection.
A. Child Protection Committees in rural areas
1. Village Level Child Protection Committee

2. Block Level Child Protection Committee
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3. District Level Child Protection Committee
B. Child Protection Committees in urban
areas
1. Child Protection Committee at Town

Panchayat Level
2. Child Protection Committee at Municipality
Level
3. Child Protection Committee at Zonal Level in
Municipal Corporation
These committees render child protection
services by creating awareness on child marriage,
child labour, migration of children for child labour,
exploitation, illegal child adoption, child protection
and prevent children from sexual offences,
increase of child sex ratio by reducing female
foeticide and infanticide etc.
To reduce and combat the incidences of child

rights violation and to professionally conduct the
meetings at village level, the State Child Protection
Society in collaboration with UNICEF has brought
out a hand book setting out the guiding principles
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to be adhered and devised a format for
documenting the discussions and decisions taken
during the meeting. Capacity building programmes
had been organized for the Child Protection
Committees (CPCs) to handle child protection
issues at rural and urban areas.
At present CPCs have been constituted and 13,518
meetings have been conducted. During this year,
• District Child Protection Units (DCPUs)
have intervened 9,777 child related cases.
• 10 trainings conducted at the State level
in which 718 stakeholders have been
trained.
• 105 trainings conducted at the District
level for 10,330 child protection
functionaries and stakeholders.
• Thousands of awareness programmes
were conducted to reach children.
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5.2 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 Protection of Children from Sexual

Offences Act, 2012 envisages compensation to
victims of sexual offences as a measure of
addressing their rehabilitation needs.
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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. So far, 2,445 Children have been
benefitted under this scheme at a cost of Rs.44.99
crore.

allotted in Budget Estimate for the
year 2024-2025.
5.3 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
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implementation of Child Welfare related Acts in
force. The Commission has been functioning with
a Chairperson and six Members with effect from
18.01.2013.
The Main objective of this Commission is
monitoring 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.
Activities of the Commission are

⮚ To monitor / supervise the active
implementation of Child related legislations.
⮚ To get relevant documents relating to the
violation of child rights issues from police and
other Departments.
⮚ To recommend to the competent authority to
take necessary and immediate remedial
steps towards violation of child rights after
making necessary enquiries.
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⮚ To create awareness to the General Public
about child rights.
⮚ To take necessary action against child rights
violations based on complaints received from
general public, media, NGO and suo-motu
cognizance of the cases.
⮚ To conduct Training / Convening programme
to Government / Non-Governmental bodies
with respect to child rights.
This Commission has dealt 4,865 cases
under the following child rights related acts from
18.01.2013 to 31.03.2024.
1 The Juvenile Justice (Care and 1786

2 The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 458
2006
3 The Right of Children to Free and 928
Compulsory Education Act, 2009
4 The Protection of Children from Sexual 1513

Offences Act, 2012
5 The Child Labour (Prohibition and 180
Regulation) Act, 1986
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A sum of Rs. 87.80 lakh has been provided
2025.
5.4 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.
5.4.1 Vigilance/Protective Homes
Vigilance / Protective homes provide

residential care facilities for women in moral
danger. Women victims are being admitted in
these homes as per the orders issued by the courts
under the provisions of Immoral Traffic
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(Prevention) Act, 1956. In these homes, services
like residential care, medical treatment,
counselling and vocational training are provided to
inmates as part of their rehabilitation. A financial
assistance of Rs.10,000/- is provided to the victims
under “Victim Relief Fund”.
The State Government is maintaining five

Government Vigilance / Protective Homes each in
Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Coimbatore and Trichy
for the rehabilitation of women victims of
trafficking under Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act,
1956. Free legal assistance has been extended to
women victims admitted in these institutions.
A sum of Rs. 5.26 Crore has been

the year 2024-2025.
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5.4.2 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.
year 2024-2025
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5.5 Financial assistance under Chief
Minister’s Public Relief Fund (CMPRF)
and various welfare measures for
Children who had lost their parents due
to COVID-19.
i. The Government of Tamil Nadu firmly believes
that the growth of a country depends on the
development and welfare of its children. In
extra-ordinary circumstances and times of
natural calamities and pandemic, it always
evolves a system of hand holding to keep them
safe. As such, 382 children who had lost both
their parents due to COVID-19 have been
provided with a sum of Rs.5.00 lakh per child
and the same has been deposited in the name
of child at a total expenditure of Rs.19.10 crore.
A maintenance grant of Rs.3,000/- per month
for these children at a total cost of Rs.234.87
lakh has been provided to grow in family
circumstances until attain the 18 years of age.
Further, as immediate relief a sum of Rs.3 lakh
per child has been given to the 13,682 children
who had lost one of their parent due to COVID-
19 at a total cost of Rs.410.46 crore from the
Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund. Action has
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been taken to give priority for these children in
all Government welfare schemes and to bear
the cost of their education so as to ensure their
continued education.
ii. Preference shall be given for admission in
Government / Government aided Homes and
Hostels for children who had lost both the
parents.
iii. All the expenditure including educational fees
and hostel fees shall be borne by the
Government up to their graduation for children
who had lost both the parents.
iv. Priority shall be given in all the Government
schemes, to all these children as well as to the
husband or wife who had lost their spouse due
to COVID-19 and living with their children.
District Level Committees have been

constituted to monitor the financial assistance
provided to each child, their progress in education,
care, protection and development.
The Government have also extended these

benefits to the Srilankan refugees.
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5.6 Special Initiatives taken by the
Government for Children and Women
(a)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
in consultation with the line departments for each
parameter.
(b) 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
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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.
(c) Integrated Training Centre for Social

Empowerment (ITCSE)
The Government of Tamil Nadu has

established a training centre to serve as a model to
advance equity and inclusivity by creating women
and child protection system through workforce
development, evidence-based research, enhance
multi sectoral convergence and establish
partnerships with public and private sectors. In
addition, the services are extended to other
Directorates under the Department of Social
Welfare and Women Empowerment in the areas of
Child and Women welfare, protection, rights and
development. An Integrated Training Centre for
206
Social Empowerment building is being established
at a cost of Rs.27.00 crore in Chengalpattu District.
A total of 1,128 stakeholders working in the

area of Child Protection in the State of Tamil Nadu
have been trained through ITCSE in 2023- 2024.
(d) Career Guidance Centre
-
Children admitted in Child Care Institutions
usually hail from socially and economically
disadvantaged back ground. The poor educational
background of parents, unhealthy living conditions
and poverty does not enable children to get a
helping hand from the family at times of distress.
Hence for providing necessary assistance for their
employment and economic development, "Career
Guidance Centre” is functioning in six districts of
the state.
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provided in Budget Estimate for the
year 2024-2025.
(e) Conducting a State Level Annual

Sports and Cultural Meet
To identify the potentials of children and
encourage children to have skills and talent, the
Government is conducting a State Level Annual
Sports and Cultural Meet at a cost of Rs.25.00 lakh
for the children in 36 Government Children Homes
as well as Children Homes receiving financial
assistance from Government under the
Services every year since 2017.

provided in Budget Estimate for the
year 2024-2025.
A sum of Rs.2.75 lakh has been provided in

Budget Estimate for the year 2024-2025 to procure
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/
sports materials for children in the child care
institutions to have regular sports activities.
5.7 Other Schemes

5.7.1 Formal and Non-Formal Education
In Government Child Care Institutions,

Schools are functioning within the campus to
provide formal education recognized by the
Department of School Education. In Child Care
Institutions, where schools are not available,
children are sent to nearby schools. In Observation
Homes and Reception Units, children are provided
with non-formal education and vocational training,
since their stay in these homes are temporary.
An Aptitude based need and career

assessment for children from 33 Government run
Child care institutions for Children in need of care
and protection was done, 6where 642 children
were assessed based on their aptitude, career
aspiration and mental wellbeing. Individual career
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/
profiles were generated for these children which
included likely career options based on the
assessment.
5.7.2 Vocational Training and Skill

Development Programmes
In order to improve the skills of children,

modernized vocational trainings are imparted in
tailoring, dress making, AC mechanic, fast food
preparation, plumbing, water purifier servicing,
basic computer application, bakery etc., as short
term courses. 45 ex-inmates of Government
Children Home are admitted in Auxiliary Nurse and
Midwife (ANM) Training Conducted by Public Health
and Preventive Medicine Department.
The Department of Children Welfare and

Special Services has developed a Basic Training
Module for positively engaging children and
improving their potentials while they are in the
Institutions. This training module which consists of
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sessions on health and hygiene, life skills, sex
education, awareness on ill effects of addiction,
social values and conflict resolution,
communication skills, basic computer skills,
theatre, music, singing, dancing, theatre,
photography, apart from sports activities has been
introduced in Government Observation Homes,
Special Homes and Place of Safety. Volunteer
organizations and individuals having experience in
working with children are identified as resource
person for implementation of Basic Training
Module.

5.7.3 Children Educational Tour Scheme
The Government of Tamil Nadu

implemented the Educational Tour Scheme to
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/
provide opportunities to gain educational
knowledge from outside of institutions to the
Children of 36 Government Child Care Institutions
of the Department of Children Welfare and Special
Services every year.

2024-2025.
5.7.4 Psycho-Social support for Children
The causative factors for children committing

crimes are complex. The childhood psychological
traumas, peer influence, hatred towards
community are some of the mentionable factors.
On the other hand, children admitted into children
homes often suffer from lack of parental care and
helplessness. These factors subject them to
emotional and psychological problems. In order to
overcome the psychological issues and to have a
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positive approach, the Government has provided
counseling services to both children in conflict with
law as well as children in need of care and
protection in Government Child Care Institutions
through professional counselors. 3,781 children
have benefitted under this programme during the
year 2023-2024.
the year 2024-2025.
5.8 Child Help Line (CHL) Services (1098)
CHILD HELP LINE (1098) is a 24x7 toll free

emergency number for children who need care and
protection. Any person who comes across the
children in crisis and need immediate help or
children themselves can call 1098 for immediate
rescue or guidance. The CHILD HELP LINE services
have been functioning since 1st August 2023 under
Tamil Nadu Government. Currently, Child Help
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Line services are functional across the State in all
the 38 Districts and in addition, Child Help Desk
(CHD) is functional at 14 major railway stations
and 1 bus station to rescue children who come in
contact with railways and bus station in Tamil
Nadu. 21,354 interventional telephone calls were
assisted under the service from 01.08.2023 to
31.03.2024.

2024-2025
5.9 Child Protection Information

Management and Monitoring System
(CPIMMS)
Government have issued orders for the

development of new portal namely "Child
Protection Information Management and
Monitoring System" at a cost of Rs.65.00 lakh to
214
have a reliable data on the protection and
development of children, sharing of information
among various service providers, strengthen and
monitor child care services and understand the real
time implementation of programmes under the
Juvenile Justice System. The website for Child
Protection Information Management and
Monitoring System is functioning with effect from
10.09.2022 (https://dsdcpimms.tn.gov.in).
The online system is user friendly and helps to
monitor the progress of children at every stage.
The data is being maintained electronically for easy
access and management.
&
5.10 Individual Care Plan
The Individual Care plan is developed for all

the children who are staying in Child Care
Institutions, in order to assess the progress, design
intervention strategies in institutions and to plan
effectively for the rehabilitation, restoration with
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family and reintegration of children into society.
Periodical training has been given to the staff of
Child Care Institutions functioning in the State for
preparing quality Individual Care Plan. The
department in collaboration with UNICEF has
brought out an animation video and a booklet to
train the functionaries to professionally draw an
Individual Care Plan, so as to effectively utilize the
available resources.
5.11 De-addiction Centre for children
De-addiction Centre for children addresses

the problem of addiction to drugs and substances
among children especially those in conflict with
law. The Government of Tamil Nadu had
established de-addiction centres exclusively for
children and implemented through Non-
Governmental Organizations in Chengalpattu,
Madurai, Namakkal, Tirunelveli, Tiruchirapalli and
2 in Chennai. In these centers, steps are taken to
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/
rehabilitate the children who are addicted to
various drugs by providing free treatment and
counseling. 427 children had benefitted under
this programme during the year 2023-2024. Five
more centres have been sanctioned at
Coimbatore, Tanjore, Vellore, Salem and
Cuddalore districts.
the year 2024-2025.
5.12 Deaddiction centres
There are 24 Integrated Rehabilitation

Centres (IRCAS) functioning in the State to provide
in patient and out patient treatment to addicts of
alcohol and substances. These centres spread over
in 21 district and run by NGOs with financial
assistance from Government of India. 19 centres
have 15 bedded facility and the rest 2 centres are
equipped with 30 beds.
217
5.12.1 Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
Awareness programmes on ill effects of
alcohol and substances have been organized
especially among school/college students, Lorry
/Truck drivers, Construction laboures, self help
groups etc., 20 Non Governmental Organisations
have been identified to takeup the programme in
20 districts at a cost of Rs.10.00 lakh per districts
under Nash Mukt Bharat Abhiyan Programme of the
Government of India.
/
5.12.2 Training of Teachers on Drug Abuse
Prevention
Preventive Education Awareness Generation

in on ill effects of alcohol and drugs among children
in Government run Child Care Institutions, and
capacity building of teaching staff in early
identification of children addicted to alcohol and
substances is being taken up at a cost of Rs.61.15
lakh under National Action Plan on Drug Demand
Reduction Programme of the Government of India.
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/
5.13 Probation System
Probation is an effective tool under the
Juvenile Justice System for early rehabilitation
and restoration with the participation of children
at every stage. The Probation Officers are
assigned with preparation of Social Investigation
Reports to assist the Child Welfare Committees as
well as Juvenile Justice Boards.
The reports throw light on the personal and

family history of children and help the Child
Welfare Committee and Juvenile Justice Board in
arriving at proper disposition of cases brought
before them. Follow-up of children in conflict with
law in specific cases and after care of children who
are discharged from children homes are regularly
done by Probation Officers. The Department of
Children Welfare and Special Services has one
Probation Officer each in 32 Districts. In Chennai,
3 Probation Officers are additionally appointed
219
/
due to high volume of cases. Periodic review
meetings are held by the Department of Children
Welfare and Special Services to ensure that
proper rehabilitation measures are provided to the
children at the earliest.
5.14 Convergence with other Departments for
Child Protection
Child protection is the task that requires

coordination between various departments. The
Services coordinates the implementation of
multidisciplinary services for children in various
sectors. It ensures the care and protection of all
the children with the effective co-ordination with
line Departments such as Social Welfare, Education
Department, Labour Welfare, Samagra Shiksha
Abhiyan, National Child Labour Project, Railway
Police, Revenue Department, Integrated Child
Development Services, Rural Development,
Municipal Administration, Medical and Health,
220
/
Police, Judiciary, Department for the Welfare of
Differently Abled, Tamil Nadu Skill Development
Corporation etc.,
At District Level, District Child Protection

Committee meetings are conducted periodically
under the Chairmanship of District Collector to plan
and address the issues related to child protection.
Appropriate actions are taken for the rescue

and rehabilitation in cases of sexual abuse, child
marriage, child trafficking, child begging, physical
and mental abuses and child labour. Awareness
campaigns are conducted on regular basis at
District Level.
221
/
CHAPTER -6
6.1 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

aim to achieve sustainable development across
economic, social, and environmental dimensions in
a balanced and integrated manner. To monitor
progress towards these goals, 17 aspirational goals
with 169 targets have been established.
NITI Aayog has been tasked with

coordinating with states for SDG localization,
including developing indicator frameworks at the
state, district, and panchayat levels, as well as
implementing review mechanisms and capacity-
building initiatives.
An attached office of NITI Aayog has been
mandated to actively monitor and evaluate scheme
implementation through an Output Outcome
222
/
Monitoring Framework to enhance effectiveness
and ensure proper outreach.
Eight thematic working groups have been
established to review and monitor progress
towards the set targets. These groups regularly
convene meetings with relevant stakeholders to
brainstorm and implement suitable measures for
achieving targets at the panchayat, district, and
state levels.
Oversight of SDG implementation in Tamil
Nadu is entrusted to a High-Power Committee
chaired by the Chief Secretary to the Government.
Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower

all women and girls
Targets for Goal 5
5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all
women and girls everywhere.
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5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all
women and girls in the public and private
spheres, including trafficking and sexual
and other types of exploitation.
5.3: Eliminate all harmful practices, such as
child, early and forced marriage and
female genital mutilation.
5.4: Recognize and value unpaid care and
domestic work through the provision of
public services, infrastructure and social
protection policies and promotion of
shared responsibility within the
household and the family as nationally
appropriate.
5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective
participation and equal opportunities for
leadership at all levels of decision-making
in political, economic and public life.
224
/
5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and
reproductive health and reproductive
rights as agreed in accordance with the
Programme of Action of the International
Conference on Population and
Development and the Beijing Platform for
Action and the outcome documents of
their review conference.
Gender equality and the empowerment of

women and girls should commence from birth and
continue throughout their entire life cycle.
Societies must strive to guarantee their survival,
protection, and empowerment. Goal 5 of the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to
eliminate all forms of discrimination against women
and girls and ensure their equal access to health
and education, equal opportunities for
225
/
employment, and equal rights to economic
resources.
In Tamil Nadu, the Social Welfare and
Women Empowerment Department serves as the
Nodal Department for Goal 5 on Gender Equality.
The state government implements various
schemes to achieve this goal, focusing on ensuring
the rights and well-being of women and girls. The
following schemes are designed to address the nine
targets and fourteen indicators outlined under Goal
5 of the SDGs.
Children Welfare Schemes:
I. Cradle Baby Scheme
II. The Chief Minister’s Girl Child Protection
Scheme
III. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme
IV. Child Help Line (1098).
V. Juvenile Justice Act, 2015
VI. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006
226
/
VII. Prevention of Children from Sexual Offence
Act, 2013
VIII. State level awards for best services
towards Children
IX. Regular and periodical Health checkups for
children and Adolescents
X. Chief Minister’s Breakfast scheme
XI. Nutritious Meal Programme
XII. Integrated Child Development Schemes
Services
Women Welfare Schemes:
I. All Women Police Stations (AWPS)
II. Women Help Line (181), Cyber Crime Help
Line (1930)
III. Mobile Applications Such as Kavalan App,
Kaval Udhavi App by Police Department
IV. 48 One Stop Centers
V. Seven Service Homes
VI. 33 SwadharGreh
227
VII. Free travel facilities
VIII. The Working Women Hostels
/
IX. Women Tailoring Industrial Cooperative
Societies
X. The State has reserved 50% seats for
women in local bodies and 33%
reservation for women in employment.
XI. State level awards for best services
towards Women
XII. Nutritious Health kit, continuous health
checkups during pregnancy, Maternity
Benefit scheme to pregnant women
XIII. Equal rights to daughters on parental
properties
XIV. To facilitate higher education among girl
children who studied in
Government/Government aided Tamil
medium School, Rs.1000 per month is
provided through Pudumai Penn Scheme
228
/
XV. Effective implementation of Social
Legislations
1. Dowry Prohibition Act 1961
2. Protection of Women from Domestic
Violence Act 2005
3. Tamil Nadu Hostels and Homes for
Women and Children Act 2014
4. The Sexual Harassment of Women at
Workplace Act, 2013
XVI. Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women
XVII. Widow and Destitute Women Welfare
Board
XVIII. State Policy for Women
XIX. Social Security Pension Schemes
XX. Gender Budget Cells
Senior Citizen Welfare Schemes and Policies:

I. Old age Pension
II. Old age homes / Integrated Complexes
229
/
III. Old Age Policy
IV. Mobile Medicare units
V. Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and
Senior Citizen Act, 2007
VI. State Policy for Senior Citizens
VII. Social Security Pension Schemes
Transgender Welfare Activities:
I. Transgender Pension Rs.1500/- (per month)
II. Free travel facility
III. Rs.50,000/- as grant for economic activities
IV. Mobile App for registration
V. Identity card, Health card, Ration card
VI. House site patta
VII. Transgender Tailoring Society
VIII. Transgender (Right / Protection) Act, 2019
IX. Transgender Education Dream Project
X. Best Transgender Award
The department's welfare programs are

dedicated to advancing Goal 5 of the Sustainable
230
/
Development Goals, with a particular focus on
promoting gender equality and empowering
women and girls. In formulating future schemes,
paramount importance will be placed on aligning
with Goal 5 targets, thereby contributing
significantly to the realization of a more equitable
and inclusive society.
231
/
Sustainable Development Goals- ICDS
The Department of Integrated Child

Development Services is one of the departments
that address Goals 2 and 4. ICDS runs AWCs to
fulfil the nutritional needs of children in the age
group of 6 months to 6 years Pregnant and
Lactating mothers adolescent girls in the age group
of 14 – 18 in two aspirational districts. ICDS has
taken several efforts through policy
implementation & schematic interventions to
achieve SDG targets by 2030.
Goal No.2 aims to end hunger, achieve food

security, improved nutrition and promote
sustainable growth. The Department strives to
tackle all forms of malnutrition and its effects such
as stunting and wasting in children under 6 years
of age and address the nutritional needs of
adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women
and women in the age group of 14 – 49 years.
• Around 28.52 lakhs beneficiaries are covered

under Supplementary Nutrition Programme
(SNP). Roughly about 1000 crores
expenditure is incurred every year.
232
/
• Around 42,000 adolescent girls in the age
group of 14- 18 years in two aspirational
districts namely Ramanathapuram and
Virudhunagar are covered under Scheme for
Adolescent Girls (SAG) by which they are
provided with supplementary nutrition.
• Introduction of Fortified foods, BIS standard
Sathu Mavu, Fortified Biscuit to Severely
Malnourished children, Hot Cooked Meal
along with Eggs etc, have brought down the
prevalence of under nutrition and
micronutrient deficiency in children and
women and is lower than the national
average.
National Family Health Survey

NFHS-4 NFHS-5
(2016) (2019-21)
Indicator
All Tamil All Tamil
India Nadu India Nadu
Stunting (%) 38.4 27.1 35.5 25
Wasting (%) 21 19.7 19.3 14.6
Underweight (%) 35.7 23.8 32.1 22
Children age 6-59 months
who are Anaemic (%)
58.6 50.7 67.1 57.4
233
/
• Under the introduction of “Uttasatthai uruthi
sei” programme, RUTF and Nutri kits were
provided to severely malnourished children
and to their mothers as a special Nutrition
Intervention Programme. Dueto this
initiative around 74% of the children have
been brought out of malnutrition status.
• Tracking of Low Birth Weight Children from

PICME application, monitoring the growth of
children and entering the data in Poshan
Tracker application for real time monitoring
have improved the nutritional status of the
children on the whole.
Goal No.4 aims to provide quality education to

children. Department aims to provide early
childhood care and education for the physical,
language, cognitive and socio-emotional
development of the children attending Anganwadi
Centres. This helps in preparing the children for
school readiness. Tamil Nadu has invested a lot in
improving the quality of children’s early
234
educational,s so that high quality preschool
learning makes a child school ready, with greater
chances of academic success, faster adjustment to
school and reduced behavioural problems.
/
• Around 12 lakh children in the age
group of 2 to 6 years are enrolled in
anganwadi centres for preschool
education.
• Aadi Paadi Vilaiyadu Pappa (APVP), a
age appropriate curriculum developed
by the State Government is being
conducted in all anganwadi centres
daily for 4 hours.
• Age wise activity books, preschool kit
materials, uniform to children,
assessment card, School Leaving
Certificate are some of the special
initiatives.
• Anganwadi Workers have been trained
on Early Childhood Care and Education
(ECCE)
235
~
The Department focuses on formulation and
implementation of welfare schemes towards
achieving holistic development and upliftment of
women and achieving SDG Targets and Indicators.
236
(
CHAPTER-7
Social Security Pension Schemes
7.1. Social Security Schemes:
The Government of Tamil Nadu is

implementing Social Security Pension Schemes to
protect the vulnerable sections of the society. i.e.,
old aged persons, differently abled persons,
widows, agricultural labourers, farmers, destitute /
deserted wives and unmarried, poor, incapacitated
women of age of 50 years and above, who are
destitute and poor. From 01.01.2023, an amount
of Rs.1,500/- is being paid to all the eligible
differently abled beneficiaries.
The monthly pension for the beneficiaries

under other pension schemes (excluding disability
pension schemes) has been increased to Rs.1,200/-
from August-2023. The allocation has been
increased substantially up to Rs.5337.18 crore in
237
/
2023-24. As on 31.03.2024, 34,90,969
beneficiaries were included under various schemes
as detailed below:-
No. of
beneficiaries as
Sl. Name of the Schemes on 31.03.2024
No.
1 Indira Gandhi National 14,18,073

Old Age Pension
Scheme
2 Indira Gandhi National 62,109

Disability Pension
Scheme
3 Indira Gandhi National 5,08,042

Widow Pension Scheme
4 Differently Abled 4,39,178

Pension Scheme
5 Destitute Widow Pension 6,67,036

Scheme
6 Chief Minister's Uzhavar 2,48,262

Patukappu Thittam
7 Destitute / Deserted 1,18,407

Wives Pension Scheme
238
/
8 Un-married Women 25,542
Pension Scheme
9 Srilankan Pension 4,320

Schemes
Total 34,90,969
Table-7.12
Funding Pattern–Union and State share
S. Union State
No Name of the Government Government
Scheme Contribution Contribution
1. Indira Gandhi
National Old Age Rs.200/- Rs.1000/-
Pension Scheme
(IGNOAPS)
Rs.500/- Rs.700/-
2. Indira Gandhi
National Disability
Rs.300/- Rs.1200/-
Pension Scheme
(IGNDPS)
3. Indira Gandhi
National Widow
Rs.300/- Rs.900/-
Pension Scheme
(IGNWPS)
239
/
4. Differently Abled
Pension Scheme - Rs.1500/-
(DAPS)
5. Destitute Widow
Pension Scheme - Rs.1200/-
(DWPS)
6. Chief Minister’s
UzhavarPadhukappu - Rs.1200/-
Thittam (CMUPT)
7 Destitute / Deserted
Wives Pension - Rs.1200/-
Scheme (DDWPS)
8 Pension to Poor
Unmarried Women of Rs.1200/
-
age 50 years and
above (UWP)
9 Pension to Srilankan
Refugees (OAP, - Rs.1200/
DWP, DDWP)
10 Pension to Srilankan -
Refugees Rs.1500/-
(DAPS)
7.2 Online web application for applying
for Social Security Pensions Scheme :
Revenue Department has implemented a

simple one - page format that can be submitted
online by those who seek pension under any Social
security scheme. The applications are forwarded to
240
(
the concerned revenue authorities by the system
for verification. After verification, the eligible cases
are forwarded to the Tahsildar (SSS), for scrutiny
and sanction of pension. Pension is sanctioned by
Tahsildar (SSS) for the eligible petitioner.
Other benefits to the Pensioners:
One saree per female pensioner/one dhoti
per male pensioner is distributed twice a year i.e.
on Pongal and Deepavali festivals.
The beneficiaries are also permitted to draw
fine variety rice free of cost as per the following
norms:-
(i) 4 Kg of fine variety rice per

month for those who do not
take meals at the Anganwadi
centres.
(ii) 2 Kg of the fine variety rice
per month for those who take
meals at the Anganwadi
centres.
Further, 5 Kgs of rice are distributed to the
241
beneficiaries under Social Security Schemes as per
Food Security Act, 2013.
242
Chapter -8
Social Reforms Department
Creation of Department - An Introduction
For improving Communal harmony and

enhance Social amity, Social Reforms Department
was created in 1999 based on the decision taken
in the meeting of all party leaders convened under
the Chairmanship of the Hon’ble Chief Minister
Muthamizh Arignar Dr. Kalaignar on October
1998. This department was merged with Adi
Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department in the
year 2002, and as per the announcement of the
then Hon’ble Chief Minister Muthamizh Arignar Dr.
Kalaignar, this department was being revived and
functioning since 2006.
Constitution of Social Justice Monitoring

Committee
The Hon’ble Chief Minister had announced

during the occasion of the centenary day of the
243
Social Justice that “Social Justice Monitoring
Committee” will be constituted. For implementing
the announcement made by the Hon'ble Chief
Minister, "Social Justice Monitoring
Committee" was constituted in the year 2021
comprising of Chairman and seven members.
=Suba . Veera pandian
Extension of tenure of the Committee
Considering the performance of the Social

Justice Monitoring Committee for the past two
years and in order to achieve the objectives of the
Committee, the term of office comprising of
present Chairman and members has been
extended for further period of 2 years as per
G.O.(Ms) No. 07, Social Reforms Department,
dated 27.11.2023.
Objectives of Social Justice Monitoring

Committee
244
The Social Justice Monitoring Committee will
monitor as to whether the yardsticks of social
justice have been fully followed in Education,
Employment, Posts, Promotions and
Appointments. The Committee will also
recommend the Government for taking appropriate
action if these are not implemented properly.
Creation of Posts
In order to fulfil the objectives of the Social

Justice Monitoring Committee, 9 posts were
created to carry out the works of the Committee
and fund sanction was made for recurring and non-
recurring expenditure.
The office of the Committee is functioning in

2nd floor of Devaneya Pavanar Library Building,
Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.
245
Meetings of the Committee
So far, 11 Meetings have been conducted by
the Social Justice Monitoring Committee.
Activities performed by the Committee for

the past two years
1. Inspections
(a) Visit to Universities
The Social Justice Monitoring Committee

conducted inspections in Periyar University,
Bharathiyar University, Tamil Nadu Agricultural
University, Dr. MGR Medical University during the
year 2022 and University of Madras, Tamil Nadu
Physical Education and Sports University, Tamil
Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Anna
University and Tamil Nadu Veterinary Science
University during the year 2023 and submitted its
reports and recommendations to Government.
246
Further, the Social Justice Monitoring
Committee conducted inspections in Bharathidasan
University and Tamil University, Thanjavur in the
current year.
(b) Visit to Public Sector Undertakings
As per the resolution passed in the meeting

of Social Justice Monitoring Committee regarding
conducting inspections in Public Sector
Undertakings, the Committee has conducted the
inspection in Tamil Nadu Water Supply and
Drainage Board.
Spot Inspection on the incident of Iraiyur

Venkaivayal Village
Regarding the incident of unidentified

miscreants mixed faeces into the overhead tank
situated in Adi Dravidar habitation at Iraiyur
Vengaivayal village, Kulathur Taluk in Pudukkottai
District, the Social Justice Monitoring Committee
has conducted spot inspection on 13.01.2023 and
247
submitted its report and recommendations to the
Government on 20.01.2023.
3. Spot Inspection on the incident of

Chennimalai, Erode District
In Chennimalai area at Erode district, at a

pastor named John Peter and his family were
attacked by the 30 people during the prayer on
17.09.2023. On receiving the message regarding
this incident, the Chairman of the Social Justice
Monitoring Committee visited on 25.09.2023 and
met the victims personally. Cases have been filed
by the Police department in connection with the
above incident and necessary follow up action is
being taken.
Centenary Celebration of Kalaignar
As per the resolution passed in the Social

Justice Monitoring Committee meeting, it was
decided to conduct Centenary celebration of
Kalaignar joined with Local library authority,
248
Chennai. A sum of Rs.3.00 Lakh has been
sanctioned for conducting the programme of
centenary celebration of Kalaignar upto June
2024. Accordingly, inaugural function of
centenary celebration of Kalaignar was held in
Devaneya Pavanar Meeting Hall at Anna Salai,
Chennai-2 on 02.09.2023.
Based on that, Centenary celebration of

Kalaignar was conducted at Anna Centenary
Library, Kotturpuram, Presidency College, Chennai
on 27.11.2023 and 09.01.2024 respectively and
also in Tamil University, Thanjavur, Bharathi
Women’s College on 27.02.2024 and 09.03.2024
respectively.
249
ANNEXURE -I
IMPORTANT DAYS
Sl.No Day Date
1. National Girl Child Day - January 24th
2. State Girl Child - February 24th

Protection Day
3. International Women’s - March 8th
Day
4. Thirunangaiyar Day - April 15th
5. Mother’s Day - May Second

Sunday
6. Anti Child Labour Day - June 12th
7. Elders Abuse Awareness - June 15th

Day
8. International Day of - October 1st
Older Persons
9. International Girl Child - October 11th
Day
10. Children’s Day - November
14th
11. International day for - November
Elimination of Violence 25th
against women
12. Dowry Prohibition Day - November 26th
13. Human Rights Day - December

10th
250
ANNEXURE – II
BUDGET ESTIMATE – 2024-2025
DEMAND No.45
SOCIAL WELFARE AND WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
DEPARTMENT
TOTAL BUDGET ESTIMATE FOR 2024-2025
Rs. 7,829.93 crore
BUDET ESTIMATE FOR THE YEAR
2024-2025
HEAD OF ACCOUNT (Rs. in lakh)
REVENUE SECTION Allocation
2059 Public Works 280.38
2225 Directorate of Social Welfare 0.42
2235 Directorate of Social Defence 25,872.56
2235 Directorate of Social Welfare 90,283.48

Directorate of Integrated
2235 Child Development Services 15,130.65
Scheme
2236 Secretariat 38.68
2236 Directorate of Social Welfare 3,36,952.39
Directorate of Integrated
2236 Child Development Services 3,06,679.52
Scheme
2251 Secretariat 1,007.14
2551 Directorate of Social Welfare ----
REVENUE SECTION TOTAL 7,76,245.22

CAPITAL SECTION
251
4235 Directorate of Social Defence 1,137.32

Directorate of Integrated Child 5,160.00
4236
Development Services Scheme
CAPITAL SECTION TOTAL 6,657.36
LOAN SECTION
Loans to Government Servants 90.00
7610
etc.,
LOAN SECTION TOTAL 90.00
Grand Total 7,82,992.58
GROSS TOTAL
(Rs in Lakh)
Revenue Section : 7,76,245.22
Capital Section : 6,657.36
Loan Section : 90.00
TOTAL : 7,82,992.58
(or)
Rs. 7,829.93 Crore
A sum of Rs.5337.18 Crore has also been
provided in the Budget Estimate for the year 2024-
2025 under the Demand No.41 Revenue
Department for the implementation of Social
Pension Schemes.
252
SERVICES
Women Helpline
181
(Website:https://tn181whl.org/)
(https://www.facebook.com/181Tamilnadu/)
(https://twitter.com/whl181)
(https://www.youtube.com/channel/)
(UCQ7_mJrhmhZNa4YfDXRrYfQ)
(www.instagram.com/whl181tn/)
******
253
Child Helpline
1098
******
Student and Exam Helpline
14417
******
Senior Citizen Helpline
14567
******
Cyber Crime Helpline
1930
******
Kavalan Udhavi App
(For Children, Women and Senior Citizens
Emergency)
******
254
255

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which

I Read this only after reading 2013 e

Policy Note 2024–2025

is a famous saying. Women who are made stronger

There are three Directorates working under

Broadly, the Directorate of Social Welfare

The Directorate of Integrated Child

Directorate of Social Welfare

Social Welfare Department reflects the focus

Women Empowerment is a process through

Constitutional Provisions for equal rights for

The Constitution of India provides equal

❖ Equality before law [Article 14]

❖ No discrimination by State on grounds

❖ Special provision by State in favour of

❖ Equality of opportunity in matters

❖ Securing adequate means of livelihood

❖ Equal pay for equal work [Article 39(d)

❖ Promoting Justice on the basis of equal

❖ 1/3rd reservation for women in

❖ Right to Property to Women [Article

Tamil Nadu Government is a forerunner in

The free bus travel for Women and

Tamil Nadu Working Women Hostel

Six Service Homes are run for the needy,

There are 99 (98 women + 1 Transgender)

Various legislations which protect women

Tamil Nadu is pioneer in bringing socio

Government of Tamil Nadu is committed to

A statutory body, Tamil Nadu State

In 2022, the Widow and Destitute Women

Directorate of Integrated Child Development

Pediatric malnutrition has always been a

The Integrated Child Development Services

Advantages and Impact of ICDS

➢ ICDS plays an important role in fighting

The Government of Tamil Nadu thus ensures

Directorate of Children Welfare and Special

The Government of Tamil Nadu has an

Though the State has created a conducive

The Government has not only fulfilled the

The department of Social Welfare implements

2.1 Women Welfare

Investing in women's welfare fosters a more

Education is a stepping stone of women's

The scheme has been extended to all girl

students pursuing higher education who have

12th standard in Tamil medium from the academic

Objectives of the Scheme

❖ To promote higher education of girl

Benefit of the Scheme

Sl. No. of Beneficiaries

2. Arts & Science 205045

6. Indian Medicine 539

9. Medical Science 24625

10. Music and Fine Arts 62

11. Polytechnic 7208

2.1.2 Free Bus Travel for Women (Vidiyal

Commutation plays a crucial role in women's