CHENNAI: Ahead of the upcoming Assembly polls, the third phase of the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (KMUT) Scheme will be launched soon, with a formal announcement to be made by Chief Minister MK Stalin.

Following the Chief Minister's assurance, the State government has decided to roll out the third phase of the KMUT scheme.

"The third phase of the scheme will be launched after the Pongal festival. Women who were left out earlier but are eligible for the KMUT scheme can apply once the official announcement is made," an official said.

The State government has allocated Rs 13,720 crore for the scheme in the financial year 2024–25, to ensure smooth implementation. The State government has justified rolling out the third phase in the poll year, citing the State Planning Commission's study findings on its social impact. According to its report, poorer households holding priority household ration cards were more likely to be covered under the scheme.

The report also noted that 15 per cent of KMUT beneficiaries are senior citizens above 60 years of age, while 17 per cent are single women who are widowed, separated, divorced, or unmarried.

The KMUT scheme was launched on September 15, 2023. Under the scheme, 1.14 crore women are receiving a monthly entitlement of Rs 1,000. Over 16.14 lakh women were added in the second phase of the scheme