T.N. CM Stalin’s surprise bonanza: ₹5,000 credited to bank accounts of 1.31 crore women today

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday (February 13, 2026) announced a major bonanza for women in poll-bound Tamil Nadu, crediting ₹5,000 each to the bank accounts of 1.31 crore beneficiaries under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme.

The amount includes the advance disbursal of the monthly rights grant of ₹1,000 for February, March, and April, along with a “special summer assistance” component of ₹2,000.

Mr. Stalin, who is also the president of the DMK, declared that the monthly grant for beneficiaries would be increased to ₹2,000 under the ‘Dravidian 2.0’ government [if his party is re-elected in the upcoming Assembly elections].

Incidentally, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, had last month made a similar promise in the first list of his party’s Assembly election manifesto.

Mr. Stalin justified the decision to advance the monthly grant for three months, alleging there were attempts by some to prevent its disbursal during the impending elections. “But this Dravidian model government has overcome it. This urimai thogai (rights grant) was an assurance made by Stalin to the women of Tamil Nadu. I will not step back, irrespective of whoever places obstacles,” he said.

The Chief Minister further expressed confidence that his party would win the election with the support of women. In a recorded video clip, Mr. Stalin sought to explain the credit of ₹5,000 into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.

The Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai was launched in September 2023, and 1.13 crore women were disbursed a sum of ₹1,000 each. The programme was since expanded to cover 1.31 crore women across the State, he said. “This is not just a grant but a recognition of these women’s contributions to society.”

The rights grant helped women handle their day-to-day expenses, family expenses, as well as education expenses of their children, he said. Even so, there was information that a conspiracy was being hatched to stop the disbursement of this grant for three months, citing elections, by a “group in Delhi and another group in Tamil Nadu, who were slaves to the Delhi group,” Mr. Stalin said.

“There is information that a few are attempting to move the court… As someone from your family, I am aware as to what hardships you would undergo if the grant is suspended for three months. I can realise the pain you would undergo if the disbursement is suspended, especially during summer,” he said.

“How will you manage the monthly expenses? Can you get medicines for those in your family? When children are appearing for exams, can you spend for expenses incurred for their education? I have taken an important decision only after thinking through all of these,” Mr. Stalin explained.

“I have issued orders for disbursing a special Magalir Urimai Thogai of ₹5,000, including the monthly grant of ₹1,000 for February, March, and April and a special summer aid of ₹2,000 to each of the 1.31 crore women. My request to you all is to be careful while spending this money, since this is for the next three months,” Mr. Stalin said.

Expressing hope that his party would win in the ensuing Assembly elections with the support of women Mr. Stalin announced: “In the Dravidian model of governance, the urimai thogai would be increased to ₹2,000. This is the assurance given by Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin, who keeps his word.”

Referring to some who may raise doubts as to how the government could afford to implement the increase in the monthly grant, Mr. Stalin said his government has excelled in many fronts, despite financial crises. “So, we will win over any obstacles.”