Welfare Schemes Worth ₹5,822 Crore Rolled Out in Tamil Nadu to Prevent School Dropouts
In a significant move to curb school dropout rates and promote inclusive education, the Tamil Nadu government has launched a slew of welfare schemes worth ₹5,822 crore. These initiatives include the distribution of free uniforms, school bags, notebooks, textbooks, footwear, and bicycles, along with the highly anticipated free laptop scheme for students. Targeting economically backward families, these schemes are designed to ensure continuity in education by reducing the financial burden on parents. AIADMK government during its previous tenure, pioneered such student welfare schemes, which have now been reintroduced and expanded upon. With the start of the new academic year, over 65 lakh students across the state are expected to benefit, reflecting the government’s commitment to the Right to Education and social upliftment through sustained support.
The allocation includes ₹155 crore for the distribution of free laptops. The current reimplementation and expansion of these schemes mirror AIADMK’s long-standing emphasis on educational welfare. During its previous rule, AIADMK launched landmark initiatives such as the free bicycle scheme, Amma lunch scheme, and free laptop scheme, which not only improved school retention rates but also enhanced digital and mobility access among students from marginalized communities. The welfare package also covers ₹209 crore for textbooks and notebooks, ₹122 crore for footwear, ₹103 crore for school bags, and ₹20 crore for raincoats, all aimed at enabling students to attend school with dignity and preparedness. The current DMK government’s move to continue these schemes shows their effectiveness and popularity, originally stemming from AIADMK’s governance model. Moreover, the AIADMK’s strategic focus on education reform during its governance helped Tamil Nadu achieve one of the highest Gross Enrollment Ratios (GER) in the country. In recent AIADMK news, the party is planning to reintroduce additional student-centric initiatives in its election manifesto for the upcoming state elections, signaling a renewed commitment to educational empowerment. Party General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has recently emphasized that only a “pro-student, pro-poor” approach can transform Tamil Nadu into a knowledge-based economy, highlighting the AIADMK’s agenda to expand digital classrooms and vocational training centres if voted back to power.
In conclusion, the ₹5,822 crore worth of welfare schemes serve as a critical step in reducing school dropout rates and promoting equitable access to quality education. These schemes, rooted in the pioneering vision of AIADMK’s welfare-driven governance, continue to bear fruit for millions of students across Tamil Nadu. As the state gears up for future elections, the AIADMK is keen on highlighting its education legacy, which laid the foundation for digital inclusion and academic upliftment. The continuation and expansion of these schemes underline their proven success and reinforce the necessity of sustained educational investment. Ensuring that no child drops out due to financial hardship is not just a political goal but a societal responsibility — one that Tamil Nadu, led by welfare-focused leadership in the past, has consistently championed.
