Tamil Nadu Tops in Gross Enrolment Ratio: Unpacking the Success Story

Opening colleges in remote corners has paid off for Tamil Nadu as it has a gross enrolment ratio (GER) of 51.3% in higher education, almost double the national average. In fact, the state's GER exceeds the National Education Policy's target of 50% to be achieved in the year 2030.

- Satheesh Lakshmanan

Years after the introduction of the Moovalur Ramamirutham Ammaiyar marriage assistance scheme in 1989, former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was discussing the possibility of expanding it further with his cabinet colleagues. The scheme, which initially provided financial assistance of Rs 5000 to women who had completed their 8th standard, was under review. While some cabinet colleagues suggested maintaining the existing eligibility criterion, Karunanidhi contemplated extending it to the tenth standard. His rationale was clear: "It will incentivize families to educate their girl children up to the tenth standard."

Following its inception in 1989, the Moovalur Ramamirutham Ammaiyar marriage assistance scheme underwent a significant transformation. Originally offering financial aid of Rs 5000 to women who had completed the 8th standard, the scheme was later divided into two tiers. Women who completed the tenth standard became eligible for Rs 25,000 and four grams of gold, while those who completed graduation or its equivalent could receive Rs 50,000 and four grams of gold.

In 2022, the DMK government, led by M. K. Stalin, revamped the Pudhumai Penn Thittam scheme to provide monthly assistance of Rs 1000 to girls pursuing higher education after finishing their schooling in a government school.