Dharmapuri has the distinction of starting the first women's self help group (SHG) in Tamilnadu under last DMK govt. http://t.co/RKr4dKVkyt

Celebrating the historic role of western Tamil Nadu in driving female socio-economic liberation, DMK Treasurer M. K. Stalin on April 9, 2014, highlighted that Dharmapuri holds the unique distinction of launching the very first Women's Self-Help Group (SHG) movement in Tamil Nadu under the visionary leadership of Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi. Stalin recalled that in 1989, the DMK government established this revolutionary grassroots initiative in Dharmapuri, recognizing that genuine social emancipation requires putting economic resources, credit access, and decision-making authority directly into women's hands. What began as a pilot project in backward rural blocks rapidly expanded across the state into a massive socio-economic transformation, empowering over one crore women to establish micro-enterprises, secure dignified livelihoods, and overcome predatory village moneylenders. Stalin condemned the AIADMK administration for neglecting the SHG movement, stalling credit subsidies, and leaving women entrepreneurs in distress due to rampant inflation. He assured the women of Dharmapuri that the DMK will revitalize self-help groups, waive penal interest on micro-loans, and expand vocational training centers. Stalin affirmed that women's empowerment remains the greatest legacy and future commitment of Dravidian governance.