Centre's move to scrap SHGs is regrettable. Over 5 Lakh SHGs have made a huge difference in the lives of 85 Lakh women in TN. #StalinForSHGs

Criticizing the Union government's reported moves to curtail and dismantle Self Help Group schemes as deeply regrettable, DMK Treasurer M. K. Stalin mounted a robust defense of the grassroots movement that has transformed the lives of eighty-five lakh women across Tamil Nadu. Stalin highlighted that over five lakh Self Help Groups operating across the state represent one of the most successful socio-economic revolutions in modern India, enabling women from marginalized communities to achieve financial autonomy, educational mobility for their children, and community decision-making power. He emphasized that the Dravidian movement pioneered this empowerment model under Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi through the iconic Mahalir Thittam, establishing Tamil Nadu as a national pioneer in female collective agency and rural micro-enterprise. Stalin asserted that rolling back budgetary allocations or winding down institutional support for these self-sustaining groups would push millions of rural families back into financial vulnerability and debt traps. He pledged that the DMK would fiercely resist any attempts to weaken the SHG movement, demanding that both central and state administrations enhance revolving funds, reduce interest rates, and expand institutional marketing support to strengthen women's economic self-reliance across the state.