• Tamil Nadu has become the first state in India to issue official identity cards for Women Self-Help Group (SHG) members, a landmark initiative to empower women at the grassroots level. The scheme was launched by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, at Karuppur in Salem district, where he also distributed ₹3,500 crore in loans to SHGs.
• The move provides institutional recognition to more than five lakh SHGs operating in the state and enhances their access to government welfare schemes, financial support, and social benefits. The idea emerged from a government function held five months ago in Tiruvarur, when SHG members requested ID cards for easier access to schemes. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin later announced the initiative on March 8, 2025, International Women’s Day.
• The ID cards come with tangible benefits, including free travel up to 100 km on government buses for SHG members transporting goods, discounts on products from Aavin, Co-optex, and Mudhalvar Marunthagam stores, and simplified access to state welfare programmes and marketplaces.
• This initiative complements women-centric schemes such as Magalir Vidiyal Payanam, which has enabled over 770 crore free bus rides, and the Magalir Urimai Thogai Scheme, which provides monthly financial assistance to 1.15 crore women.
• Tamil Nadu, which pioneered the SHG movement in 1989, has once again set a precedent by integrating SHG members into the mainstream of economic and social development.