NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, OCT 4
In a special move to ease access for vulnerable citizens, the Tamil Nadu government has announced that essential commodities distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS) will be delivered directly to the homes of senior citizens and differently-abled ration cardholders on October 6 and 7, ahead of the Diwali festival on October 20.
- CM Stalin’s Thayumanavar Scheme brings sparkle to lives of senior citizens and differently-abled
- According to an official release, the scheme will be rolled out simultaneously across Tamil Nadu, benefiting around 21.7 lakh ration cardholders
- By bringing services to the doorstep, the government aims to uphold dignity and convenience for those who often find it difficult to access ration supplies due to age or disability: Officials
This doorstep delivery initiative is being carried out under the ‘Thayumanavar’ Scheme, launched by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in August, which is designed to provide convenient and dignified access to essential goods for sections of society facing mobility or health challenges.
According to an official release, the scheme will be rolled out simultaneously across Tamil Nadu, benefiting around 21.7 lakh ration cardholders. Those aged above 70 years and persons with disabilities holding PDS ration cards will no longer need to visit fair price shops or stand in long queues. Instead, vehicles from fair price shops will bring rice, sugar, pulses, and kerosene directly to their doorsteps.
To ensure transparency and accuracy, PDS staff will use electronic weighing scales and e-POS (electronic point of sale) machines during distribution. The government has instructed all fair price shops to display notices with clear information about the schedule and eligible beneficiaries, ensuring awareness and accountability.
Officials said this initiative is part of a larger effort to modernise and digitise Tamil Nadu’s PDS network, making it more inclusive, efficient, and citizen-friendly. By bringing services to the doorstep, the government aims to uphold dignity and convenience for those who often find it difficult to access ration supplies due to age or disability.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has consistently emphasised that governance must go beyond administration to touch the lives of people directly. The Thayumanavar Scheme is one such people-centric measure that not only guarantees food security but also reduces hardship for vulnerable families, especially during festive occasions.
As Diwali approaches, this timely initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to inclusive governance and the welfare of its most vulnerable citizens—ensuring that the festival of lights shines brighter in every household.
