Tamil Nadu Govt Starts Doorstep Ration Delivery for the Elderly and Disabled

As per the news reports, the Tamil Nadu government has begun a new welfare drive to take essential ration goods directly to senior citizens and differently abled residents. On Tuesday, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin rolled out the ‘Chief Minister’s Thayumanavar Scheme’, which will deliver commodities each month to more than 21 lakh beneficiaries who may otherwise struggle to access ration shops.

Service Model, Coverage and Chief Minister’s Remarks

Implemented across 34,809 fair price shops, the initiative covers around 20.42 lakh elderly people over 70 years of age and over 1.27 lakh differently abled persons. Launching the service, Mr. Stalin flagged off designated delivery vehicles and personally handed over sacks of provisions during visits to a few homes. 

Explaining its origin, he said: "So much thought goes into the formulation of every scheme, and the Thayumanavar Scheme is close to my heart. Launched by the Cooperative Department, it involves taking ration items to the doorsteps of the elderly and the differently abled. I am happy to inaugurate this." 

He stressed that the ₹30.16 crore annual cost was not an additional burden but "a life-saving responsibility towards the people", calling the effort a major service by the Cooperative Department.

Implementation Logistics and Broader Vision

Deliveries will take place on the second Saturday and Sunday of every month, with field staff receiving beneficiary data from the Food and Consumer Protection Department. Workers will be equipped with electronic weighing and e‑PoS devices to ensure accuracy and transparency. 

The state has 37,328 fair price shops, 2,394 of which have opened in the past 4 years, and has already extended similar home‑visit services in healthcare through the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam project, offering home‑based medical care such as diabetes and breast cancer screening.

Also Read: Union Cabinet Set to Approve ₹30,000 Crore Subsidy to Stabilise LPG Prices!

Conclusion

By addressing mobility challenges faced by over 21 lakh residents, the Thayumanavar Scheme adds a layer of dignity and convenience to Tamil Nadu’s public distribution system. With set monthly schedules, strengthened infrastructure, and direct engagement from officials, the initiative reinforces the state’s focus on inclusive service delivery and positions it as a leader in accessible welfare models.

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