TVK Govt Rolls Out Annan Seer Scheme in Chennai With ₹2.5 Lakh Income Cap

The TVK state government in Chennai issued an order on Monday to implement its flagship 'Annan Seer' scheme, allotting ₹812 crore as the first instalment for the current financial year. Under the welfare initiative, eligible brides will receive an eight-gram, 22-carat gold coin alongside a silk saree.

According to the government order, the scheme came into effect on Monday. Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department Secretary Pallavi Baldev confirmed the rollout in the order, setting into motion one of the primary election promises made by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

However, the government established an annual income ceiling of ₹2.5 lakh for the bride's family to qualify for the scheme. This criteria marks a departure from the TVK election manifesto, which had pledged an annual income ceiling of ₹5 lakh.

By lowering the threshold, the government has effectively excluded families earning between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹5 lakh per year from receiving the promised benefits. The government order did not provide any reason for fixing the eligibility ceiling at the reduced amount.

The order noted that approximately five lakh marriages take place across the state every year. It stated that the scheme is being implemented from the current financial year to convey the government's role as an "elder brother" to young women who are getting married.

The order further described 'Annan Seer' as an expression of the government's "love, affection, protection and responsibility" toward marrying women, stating that the initiative aligns with Tamil tradition and culture.