The recently-released Draft Policy for Women by Tamil Nadu Government stresses education and employment opportunities alongside inclusion and financial empowerment.
The salient features of the policy draft, which has sought feedback from stakeholders, include martial arts training for school and college girls, additional 50 person-days for households headed by single- and women households under MGNREGS. It also covers 33.3% representation in registered parties. The policy proposal talks about rehabilitation and victim support mechanisms for women who undergo abuse.
The draft also seeks to make all forms of transport systems women-inclusive. It also suggests allotting half the seating capacity for women and having entry points and exits reserved for them.
Apart from these, there is a proposal to ensure over 1000 girls from disadvantaged sections of society enter the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or STEM in the field of research.
The Draft Policy offers free or subsidized coaching classes for competitive exams like JEE, CAT, UPSC, and TNPSC, and higher management and technical courses to encourage women’s participation. It also added that a 3% interest subvention for education loans could be granted for girl students pursuing higher education. For those in Tamil medium, there will be an additional 0.5% interest subvention.
