Social Welfare and Women Empowerment
Help for women, children, and senior citizens
Contact information
Tamil Nadu SecretariatHon'ble Tmt. P. Geetha Jeevan - Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment
Commissionerate of Social Welfare, Panagal Maligai 2nd Floor, Saidapet, Chennai 600015
Directorates, boards & agencies under this department
- Commissionerate of Social Welfare
- Directorate of Social Defence
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS / Anganwadi)
- Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women
- State Commission for Women
Related topics & services
Frequently asked citizen questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible for Pudhumai Penn monthly financial assistance?
The Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Pudhumai Penn Scheme provides ₹1,000 per month financial aid to encourage girl students from government schools to pursue higher education.
Eligibility criteria:
- Girl students who studied from classes 6 to 12 continuously in Tamil Nadu government schools.
- Currently enrolled in recognized undergraduate degrees (BA, BSc, BCom, BE), Diplomas, or ITI courses.
- ₹1,000 is directly credited to the student's personal bank account every month until course completion.
How to apply:
- Apply through your college scholarship nodal officer via the official portal (pudhumaipenn.tn.gov.in).
Required documents:
- 10th and 12th standard mark sheets and School Transfer Certificate (TC with EMIS ID).
- College admission fee receipt and student ID card.
- Student's Aadhaar card and active bank savings account passbook.
How to apply for widow and destitute women monthly pension?
Under the Social Security Pension (SSP) scheme, destitute widows and deserted women receive a monthly pension of ₹1,200 deposited directly into their bank accounts.
Eligibility criteria:
- Widows or deserted women with family annual income below ₹36,000.
- No major earning adult male child above 18 years of age.
How to apply:
- Apply online at tnesevai.tn.gov.in or through any government-authorized e-Sevai center.
Required documents:
- Husband's Death Certificate.
- Destitute Widow Certificate issued by the Tahsildar / Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO).
- Legal Heir Certificate.
- Applicant's Aadhaar card and Smart Family Ration card.
- Bank savings account passbook linked with Aadhaar.
What is the 24/7 emergency helpline for women in distress?
Women facing domestic violence, harassment, dowry abuse, or distress can reach out to dedicated round-the-clock emergency services across Tamil Nadu.
Emergency helplines:
- Women Helpline: Dial 181 (Toll-free 24/7 round-the-clock support).
- Unified Police Emergency: Dial 112 or 100.
- Child Helpline: Dial 1098.
Services provided:
- Emergency rescue and immediate transit shelter (One Stop Centres / Swadhar Greh).
- Free legal aid, psychological counseling, and police assistance at District Collectorate One Stop Centres (Sakhi).
- Direct intervention by Protection Officers and All Women Police Stations (AWPS) under the Domestic Violence Act.
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