Tamil Nadu Launches Doorstep Ration Scheme for Seniors and Disabled

On August 12, 2025, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled the Thayumanavar Thittam, a new initiative aimed at delivering ration products directly to the homes of senior citizens and persons with disabilities. With an investment of ₹30.16 crore, the scheme is expected to benefit approximately 20.4 lakh senior citizens and 1.3 lakh individuals with disabilities throughout the state. This program marks an expansion of Tamil Nadu’s longstanding commitment to assist vulnerable populations, distinguishing itself through its comprehensive reach.

The Thayumanavar Thittam has its roots in Tamil Nadu’s universal public distribution system (PDS), which is notably different from the targeted PDS approaches used in many other states across India. In Tamil Nadu, cooperative societies manage nearly 95% of the ration shops, a stark contrast to the national average of under 20%. Out of approximately 37,330 ration shops in the state, more than 35,000 are operated by these cooperatives. Additionally, Tamil Nadu has established 2,495 mobile fair price shops to ensure that residents in remote or difficult areas have access to essential goods.

In early July, the authorities successfully conducted a trial run of the scheme across ten districts, including Chennai, indicating a well-planned approach to its implementation. The initiative builds upon previous efforts to enhance food accessibility. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the former AIADMK government introduced seven mobile fair price shops named after former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

Other states have implemented similar schemes. In Kerala, the Oppom initiative utilizes auto rickshaw drivers to deliver essential goods to those unable to visit PDS shops. Karnataka’s Anna Suvidha scheme caters to citizens aged 75 and above, while Punjab has its own version of doorstep delivery. However, challenges have arisen in places like Delhi and Andhra Pradesh, where these initiatives either stalled or faced limitations due to changes in government policies.

Despite the growing trend toward doorstep delivery of ration products, the Indian Union government recently informed the Lok Sabha that there is “no provision under the [National Food Security] Act for delivery of foodgrains at the doorstep of beneficiaries.” This statement contradicts Section 32 (1) of the Act, which allows for the formulation of additional food welfare schemes by state governments.

The launch of Thayumanavar Thittam received mixed reactions from political figures. Premalatha Vijayakant, general secretary of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), praised the initiative as a “victory” for her party’s founder, Vijayakant, who had promised a similar scheme during the 2006 Assembly elections. She emphasized that his vision had previously faced ridicule, highlighting the significance of the current initiative.

In contrast, T.T.V. Dhinakaran, general secretary of the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), criticized the scheme as politically motivated, suggesting it was designed with the upcoming Assembly elections in mind. Dhinakaran also pointed out that the government has not fulfilled electoral promises to enhance the quantity of sugar and reinstate urad dal under the PDS.

Despite the criticisms, Chief Minister Stalin appears aware that the success of such initiatives relies heavily on the dedication of officials responsible for their execution. His appeal for cooperation from these officials underscores the importance of effective administration to ensure that schemes like Thayumanavar Thittam achieve their intended goals of food security for millions of beneficiaries.