Team Clarion
CHENNAI – In a significant move aimed at empowering minority communities, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has declared the reinstatement of financial assistance for Muslim girl students under the pre-matric scholarship scheme. This initiative, facilitated through the Waqf board, aims to support economically weaker sections within the minority community.
The decision comes in response to the cessation of financial aid to minority students studying from first to eighth standard by the Union government in 2022-23. Addressing concerns over the discontinuation of this crucial support, Chief Minister Stalin affirmed the state government’s commitment to fill the gap, ensuring that Muslim girl students in the aforementioned standards studying in government and government-aided schools receive the necessary financial aid.
Stalin emphasized that the revival of the scheme would benefit approximately 1.26 lakh Muslim girl students across Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the Tamil Nadu Minorities Economic Development Corporation will enhance education loans for minority students through cooperative banks, raising the limit to 5 lakh rupees. Furthermore, girls studying in government-aided minority schools from sixth to twelfth standard in Tamil medium will be encompassed under the ‘Pudhumani Penn’ scheme, entitling them to receive Rs 1,000 per month.
In a bid to streamline administrative procedures and provide long-term support to minority educational institutions, the Chief Minister announced that religious minority certificates would no longer carry an expiry date. Furthermore, permanent recognition will be granted to these institutions.
Stalin also revealed plans to extend the free morning breakfast scheme to students of standard one to five in government-aided minority schools situated in rural areas, a move aimed at enhancing nutritional support for young learners.
Acknowledging the legal complexities surrounding second marriages under Islamic law, the Chief Minister pledged to issue legal heir certificates to second wives and their children, ensuring their rights and entitlements are duly recognized.
Addressing concerns over the prolonged detention of Muslim prisoners, Stalin highlighted recent efforts to expedite their release. While ten prisoners have been released, an additional eleven await approval from Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi.
The comprehensive measures outlined by Chief Minister M K Stalin underscore the government’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and ensuring equitable opportunities for all segments of society, particularly marginalized communities.
