Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is in Erode district on Tuesday for one of his government's largest single-day welfare distributions to women. At Perundurai, he is set to hand over assistance worth Rs 1,100 crore, including bank loans, to members of women's self-help groups (SHGs). Around 5,000 beneficiaries are expected to receive support.

During the visit, the Chief Minister will also inaugurate several development projects completed across Erode district. The programme comes as the state government works to strengthen women's economic empowerment and expand its welfare initiatives.

Why SHG credit matters

The assistance package includes bank-linked loans meant to support livelihood activities and economic independence, and that is the most significant part of the programme. One-time cash support helps a household for a short time. Credit routed through self-help groups can be turned into small businesses, tailoring units, food enterprises or farm-linked work. For women in semi-urban and rural parts of the Kongu belt, bank linkage through SHGs is often the most accessible path to formal finance.

The programme also comes early in the new government's term. Vijay, president of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, was sworn in on 10 May 2026 as the 16th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. During the portfolio allocation, the CM kept the Home and Women Welfare departments. That makes large SHG outreach events like this one a direct reflection of his own administrative priorities.

Preparations in Perundurai

The event was originally planned at a private engineering college in Perundurai. It has since been shifted to the Sri Lakshmi Narayana Marriage Hall near Kanchikovil division. District authorities have made elaborate arrangements for a large gathering of beneficiaries, party workers and members of the public.

Revenue Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, Handlooms Minister M. Vijayabalaji, District Collector S. Kandasamy and Superintendent of Police Kiran Shruthi inspected the venue on Monday and reviewed preparations. MLAs Ananth Mohan (Erode West) and Shanmugam (Modakurichi), along with former Perundurai MLA Jayakumar, were also present. For Sengottaiyan, the event has local weight: he was born in Kullampalayam in Erode district.

Speaking to reporters after the inspection, Sengottaiyan said CM Vijay would fly from Chennai to Coimbatore airport on Tuesday and then travel by road to Perundurai. He said the Chief Minister would distribute financial assistance under various welfare schemes, particularly for women associated with self-help groups.

Extensive security arrangements are in place along the route. Iron barricades have been put up on both sides of several roads to manage crowds while still letting residents greet the Chief Minister. According to officials, the convoy will pass the Vijayamangalam toll plaza, the SIPCOT entrance, Perundurai new bus stand, the old bus stand, Kunnathur Four Roads and the Anna Statue before reaching the venue.

A large contingent of police personnel has been deployed across Perundurai and nearby areas to handle security and traffic. District officials are coordinating with various departments for the welfare distribution and the inauguration ceremonies.

What happens after Tuesday will matter more than the event itself. The real test is whether the loans become sustainable livelihoods for the women who receive them.

(With inputs from IANS)