Tamil Nadu government to expand Thayumanavar scheme to benefit the elderly, persons with disabilities

The Tamil Nadu government is set to expand the Chief Minister’s Thayumanavar Scheme, under which supply of essential commodities through ration shops are delivered at the doorsteps of elderly citizens and persons with disabilities, to benefit more people.

At present, nearly 20 lakh elderly citizens and persons with disabilities aged above 70 have been receiving ration supplies at their doorsteps through vehicles operating from more than 34,000 Public Distribution System outlets.

According to official sources, the State government is planning to reduce the eligibility age under the scheme from 70 to 60. With this reduction, four lakh more elderly citizens, widows and persons with disabilities are expected to benefit under the scheme.

The State government is also planning to distribute 50,000 new ration cards. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is expected to formally launch the distribution of new smart cards to applicants during his proposed visit to Perambur in the next few days. 

Applications for new ration cards were not processed or issued over the last six months owing to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the 2026 Assembly election.