SchemesFriday, 3 July 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu plans to expand Thayumanavar Scheme by lowering eligibility age from 70 to 60
Tamil Nadu is planning to widen the Chief Minister’s Thayumanavar Scheme to cover more elderly citizens, widows and persons with disabilities.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, Tamil Nadu planned to reduce the eligibility age under the Chief Minister’s Thayumanavar Scheme from 70 to 60, after which about 4 lakh more beneficiaries may be covered.
Key specifics
- Nearly 20 lakh elderly citizens and persons with disabilities above 70 are already receiving doorstep ration delivery.
- The service operates through vehicles linked to more than 34,000 Public Distribution System outlets.
- Lowering the age limit from 70 to 60 is expected to add 4 lakh more elderly citizens, widows and persons with disabilities.
- The State also plans to distribute 50,000 new ration cards.
- Applications were not processed for the last 6 months because of the Model Code of Conduct for the 2026 Assembly election.
Exam lens
TNPSC scheme question, key facts: Thayumanavar Scheme, age 70 to 60, nearly 20 lakh beneficiaries, 34,000+ PDS outlets, 50,000 ration cards. One-liner: identify the scheme that delivers ration at the doorstep.