Widows demand welfare reforms, hold a rally at Mayiladuthurai
Hundreds of women took part in a rally and conference in Mayiladuthurai on Monday, marking International Widows Day with demands for improved welfare measures, housing rights, and legal protection.
The rally, which began at Koorai Nadu, concluded at Kenikkarai, where a conference was held to highlight the challenges faced by widows and single women in Tamil Nadu.
Organised by the Widows and Destitute Women's Welfare Association, Widows Livelihood Rights Federation (Nagapattinam), and the Kalangarai Social Action Centre, the event focused on long-pending demands. Speakers said the Widows and Destitute Women Welfare Board, formed in 2022, remains inactive, with no ID cards issued so far.
Twelve resolutions were passed, including the increase of monthly pension from ₹1,200 to ₹3,000, issuing land pattas to widows living on temple and poramboke lands, and complete liquor prohibition, citing its link to the rise in young widows.
Participants called inclusion of widow-specific data in official surveys, and a state policy to address their needs across sectors such as health, education, housing, and employment.
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