Chennai: The Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission’s latest impact assessment report on Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam (KMUT), under which Rs 1,000 is provided monthly to women-led households, has found that 43 percent of women are spending the money primarily for essentials including rice, groceries, milk and vegetables.
According to the survey report submitted to Chief Minister M.K.Stalin, about 49 percent of rural and 35 percent of urban beneficiaries have spent their KMUT money on food items, including rice, vegetables, groceries, and fruits.
“Earlier, I had to borrow money to buy groceries. But, now I am using the KMUT money to buy rice and vegetables every month,” Saroja, a beneficiary from Goundampatti, is quoted as saying to the State Planning Commission.
When it comes to groceries, 79 percent of the women in rural areas and 55 percent in urban areas are buying more vegetables, while 63 percent and 46 percent respectively are purchasing better quality rice.
The report points out that the financial assistance scheme has improved the household food security and reduced the dependence on petty shop borrowings by the individuals.
For many, the report shows that the Rs 1,000 grant has doubled their safety net during crises. Some of the beneficiaries quoted in the report concede that they buy medicines using the KMUT money.
“I use the KMUT money to buy my BP and diabetes medicines,” Devika Bhai from Perumalpalayam is quoted as saying.
There are about 1.15 crore beneficiaries of this scheme that was launched in 2023 on the birth anniversary of former chief minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) founder C.N. Annadurai.
About 39 percent of rural and 35 percent of urban women use the funds for medical expenses, and nearly one-fifth of all beneficiaries spend part of it on their children’s education including school fees, stationery, and tuition, the report says.
It further highlights how women are leveraging KMUT money to clear debts. According to the report, about 14 percent of rural and 7 percent of urban women use the money to repay Self-Help Group (SHG) loans.
A small number of women also use the grant for social and emotional fulfilment with 8 percent of them using it for festivals and family visits and 3 percent for family functions, and 4 percent for entertainment or travel.
The report notes that 99 percent of women receive entitlement regularly on the 15th of every month, which gives them mental peace during mid-month.
According to the report, two-fifths of the beneficiaries have shared that their self-confidence has improved and 28 percent of the women felt that they can now spend money without asking anyone and 14 percent feel their ability to spend for their children has grown.
(Edited by Tony Rai)