Chennai, 9 December. With the assembly elections approaching, the Tamil Nadu government has activated its administrative machinery. Priority is being given to implementing key welfare schemes and filling long-vacant positions in various departments.

The government plans to resume free laptop distribution among students and expand the Kalagnar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme. Recruitment processes at the grassroots level are also being accelerated.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will formally launch the expanded Kalagnar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme on 12 December. Under this scheme, women receive a monthly financial aid of Rs 1,000. The objective is to provide economic support to widows, single women, domestic workers, women heading families, and transgender individuals.

Officials stated that the Chief Minister will also inaugurate a new phase of free laptop distribution for college students. Approximately 10 lakh students from arts and science colleges, engineering institutes, agricultural universities, and medical colleges are expected to benefit in this first phase.

The second phase is likely to include another 10 lakh students. A substantial budget of Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated for this scheme in the 2025-26 state budget.

Sources from the Higher Education Department revealed that most of the procurement work is completed, with final quality checks underway.

An expert committee, including faculty members from Anna University and IIT Madras along with officials from the National Informatics Centre, is overseeing the implementation process.

Heads of government colleges have been instructed to identify eligible beneficiaries and submit details promptly without delay.

After relaxing some eligibility criteria, the government expects to include more women under this scheme. Out of 28 lakh new applications received, 15 lakh women will be added as new beneficiaries, taking the total coverage to about 1.3 crore women across the state.

The opposition had previously criticized the pace of implementation of this welfare scheme. Alongside welfare initiatives, the government is also speeding up recruitments for vacant positions. Apart from recruitments through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission, district administrations have been assigned to fill lower-level posts like watchmen and office assistants through direct recruitment.

According to revenue administration officials, nearly 1,500 village administrative officer posts will be filled by the end of this month, with call letters already uploaded on the government portal. Other district-level appointments are expected to be completed within the next 20 days, signaling a significant administrative move before the election code of conduct comes into effect.

–

Udaipur Kiran

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