Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday unveiled the election manifesto for Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) ahead of the assembly polls. The manifesto outlines a mix of welfare expansion, education support, and employment-focused initiatives aimed at broad voter segments across Tamil Nadu.

Among the key announcements, Stalin said the government would extend the existing breakfast scheme—currently for students from Classes 1 to 5—up to Class 8. The move is aimed at improving nutrition and school attendance among children.

In a significant push for women’s welfare, the DMK promised to increase the monthly financial assistance from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000. The manifesto also includes a proposal to provide free pumpsets to farmers, targeting agricultural productivity and rural support.

Education and youth-focused measures featured prominently. Stalin announced that around 35 lakh students pursuing higher education would be provided free laptops, while the “Pudhumai Penn" and “Tamil Pudhalvan" schemes would see enhanced financial support of Rs 1,500 per student

For social security, the party pledged to raise old-age pensions to Rs 2,000 and increase assistance for persons with disabilities to Rs 2,500.

On the employment front, the DMK promised the establishment of new “neo TIDEL parks" to generate more job opportunities, particularly in the IT and services sectors.

Reinforcing the party’s campaign message, Stalin said the DMK “does not merely make promises but delivers on them," expressing confidence in retaining power in the upcoming Assembly elections.

The DMK also said Below Poverty Line (BPL) families would be identified and provided with housing and loan assistance.

On the employment front, Stalin reiterated plans to establish new “neo TIDEL parks" to boost job opportunities, particularly in the IT and services sectors.

Stalin also announced an Rs 8,000 coupon for families to purchase household appliances such as a washing machine, mixer, refrigerator or microwave.

Source: news18