TN to Set Up Women's College in Chennai, Fund Muslim Girls' Higher Education

Minister for Minorities Welfare A.M. Shahjahan announced in the Assembly on Thursday, August 27, 2026, that the Tamil Nadu government will establish a new women’s college in Chennai at a cost of ₹2.45 crore through the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board. The institution is aimed at benefiting girl students from religious minority communities.

Outlining new initiatives for the Department of Minorities Welfare, the Minister said the State government will launch a scheme to cover undergraduate tuition fees for Muslim girl students admitted under the government quota in government, government-aided, and self-financing colleges. An allocation of ₹20 crore has been earmarked for the scheme this year.

The State also expanded its financial assistance programme for school students. While Muslim girl students in Classes 1 to 8 currently receive ₹1,000 per year through the Waqf Board, the scheme will now extend to students in Classes 9 and 10, who will receive ₹2,000 annually. A total of 41,384 students will benefit from the extension, supported by an allocation of ₹8.28 crore.

To improve livelihood opportunities, the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation will conduct training across all districts in sectors including information technology, automobile, apparel designing, beauty and wellness, embroidery, and agriculture. The initiative will train 2,500 people annually, covering 10,000 beneficiaries over four years.

Mr. Shahjahan also announced that community halls will be constructed in Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Tenkasi, Thoothukudi, and Krishnagiri districts at an estimated cost of ₹10 crore to provide affordable venues for family functions, public events, and official programmes.

To ensure prompt implementation of welfare measures, posts of District Minority Welfare Officers will be created in 10 districts at an outlay of ₹4.45 crore. Additionally, a ₹10 crore grant was announced for the conservation and renovation of ancient churches without altering their heritage character, alongside ₹40 crore for a new Tamil Nadu Waqf Board headquarters building.