Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Tuesday (September 16, 2025) inaugurated the distribution of identity cards for Women Self-Help Group (SHG) members and distribution of loans to the SHGs to the tune of ₹3,500 crore in the State. Mr. Udhayanidhi participated in a government function on the Karuppur Engineering College premises in the district.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Udhayanidhi said that over five lakh SHGs are functioning in Tamil Nadu.

In a government function organised five months ago at Tiruvarur, women SHG members had asked for identity cards. This demand was taken to the attention of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and on March 8, the Chief Minister announced that ID cards will be distributed to the SHG members. Based on that, ID cards were issued to women SHG members on Tuesday in the district. Tamil Nadu was the first State to start Women SHG in 1989 and now it is the first to issue identity cards to them, Mr. Udhayanidhi said.

Explaining the benefits, Mr. Udhayanidhi said that using these ID cards, women SHG members can take their products 100 km in government buses for free. Likewise, in Aavin, Co-optex, and Mudhalvar Marunthagam, discounts will be provided.

Under the Magalir Vidiyal Payanam, women made 770 crore trips in the past four-and-a-half years. Under the Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme, 1.15 crore women beneficiaries receive ₹1,000 every month. The Chief Minister relaxed the norms and soon more eligible beneficiaries will receive the monthly assistance, Mr. Udhayanidhi added.

Indirectly criticising Opposition leaders for campaigning in buses, Mr. Udhayanidhi said that Opposition leaders have started their campaigns in buses. But in the end, “Pink bus” will overtake green and yellow buses (that are used by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami and TVK leader actor Vijay, respectively). In 2026, DMK will come to power again, Mr. Udhayanidhi added.

In the evening, Mr. Udhayanidhi participated in the review meeting conducted at the Salem Collectorate with Department officials and enquired about the development works taking place and instructed officials to complete the works at the stipulated time. He also enquired about the status of petitions received under the Ungaludan Stalin scheme. Later, he flagged off low-floor buses allocated for TNSTC, Salem Division.

Tourism Minister R. Rajendran, MLAs R. Arul and S. Sathasivam, and officials participated.