Tamil Nadu to Expand Thayumanavar Scheme: Age Limit Reduced to 60 for Doorstep Ration Delivery
The Tamil Nadu government is set to expand the Chief Minister's Thayumanavar Scheme, which delivers essential commodities through ration shops to the doorsteps of elderly citizens and persons with disabilities. The expansion aims to benefit a larger number of people.
Currently, nearly 20 lakh elderly citizens and persons with disabilities aged above 70 receive ration supplies at their doorsteps. These deliveries are carried out by vehicles operating from more than 34,000 Public Distribution System (PDS) outlets across the state.
According to official sources, the state government plans to reduce the eligibility age under the scheme from 70 to 60. With this reduction, an additional four lakh elderly citizens, widows, and persons with disabilities are expected to benefit.
In a related move, the state government is also planning to distribute 50,000 new ration cards. Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is expected to formally launch the distribution of new smart cards to applicants during his proposed visit to Perambur in the coming days.
Applications for new ration cards were not processed or issued over the last six months due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the 2026 Assembly election.
