Tamil Nadu Government Launches Landmark Scheme to Empower Women with Land Ownership

Chennai: In a significant move aimed at empowering women, the Tamil Nadu government has introduced the "Nannilam Magalir Nil Udaimai Thittam" (Women's Land Ownership Scheme), which has already garnered widespread attention. This initiative, focusing exclusively on women, offers substantial financial support to help them acquire agricultural land.

Under this scheme, the government will provide a subsidy covering up to 50% of the market value of the land, with a maximum grant of ₹5 lakh. The scheme allows eligible women to purchase up to 2.5 acres of wetland or 5 acres of dry land.

The program is designed to promote women’s ownership of agricultural land, providing them with the necessary financial assistance to make land purchases. To qualify for the scheme, applicants must be between 18 and 55 years of age, have an annual family income not exceeding ₹3 lakh, and should not already own any agricultural land. Additionally, the applicant's primary occupation must be agriculture.

The Tamil Nadu government has allocated ₹20 crore as the initial fund for the scheme. Notably, the scheme includes provisions such as exemption from stamp duty and registration fees, and it mandates that the purchased land cannot be sold for at least ten years.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Tamil Nadu government to uplift women in agriculture, especially from marginalized communities, and ensure social justice. The scheme is expected to have a significant impact on improving the economic status of women in the state by enabling them to own and cultivate land.