Tamil Nadu’s achievement in total fertility rate of 1.4 is a significant milestone in population stabilisation: Geetha Jeevan

According to the elderly in India, the 2021 report published by the Ministry of Statistics and Program Application is second among the states in terms of the highest rate of the elderly population with 13.6%. This is expected to increase to 18.2% in 2031. What precautions took the government for geriatric care in the state?

The Tamil Nadu government actively takes several measures in geriatric care. We have published a policy of Tamil Nadu State, which organizes an open roadmap for elderly welfare, about citizens. At least one state -backed old age house is provided to each region and integrated campuses are developed for children and the elderly. A new ‘Anbucholai’, a special daily care center for elderly citizens, will soon be launched by the Prime Minister. In 13 regions, 24 centers are planned with transportation, food and entertainment activities in partnership with NGOs. In addition to the health department, it takes various measures to strengthen geriatric care throughout the state.

There are concerns about care quality in children’s homes. Which reforms are applied to ensure the accountability of child care institutions; And the security and psychological welfare of the prisoners?

We review this regularly. More than 600 children’s houses, which did not comply with the arrangements from 2021 to 2023, were closed. Regular inspections are performed in each center and compulsory counseling sessions are held. These sessions provided children the opportunity to clearly share the difficulties they face. Previously, schools were on the campuses of many government houses. We made them close in -school schools and children to go to the nearby public schools with transportation facilities. This helps children get used to the wider environment and interact with new people.

We also applied the ‘Anbu Karangal’ scheme, which aims to create a family atmosphere for the children we guided to take care of the parents or parents at home. In order to prevent unwanted events, protocols and inspections will be strengthened to achieve better results.

Tamil Nadu has pioneered the implementation of plans and welfare measures for transsexuals. Can you emphasize the initiatives taken for social inclusion, education and livelihoods?

In 2008, Prime Minister M. Karunanidhi founded the first private transsexual welfare committee in India, which encouraged many transgender to emerge safely in public life. The Social Welfare Department has also established a partnership with many departments, including higher education and income to frame higher education and policies, to provide access to higher education and housing.

For the last four years, the government has been providing a subsidies for 50,000 ₹ to establish business. In addition, we build a house called ‘Aran’ in Chennai and Madurai, which will soon be opened by the Prime Minister. These houses will immediately serve as shelter for transsexuals who leave their homes and continue their education and work. Depending on the demand, the initiative will be expanded to other fields.

The total fertility rate of Tamil Nadu is reported to be 1.4, which is lower than the backup level of 2.1. Which factors contributed to this decline and how did the state raise awareness about population control measures?

Indeed, the success of Tamil Nadu in the total fertility rate is an important milestone in population stabilization below the change level of 2.1. Success is largely attributed to the focus of the state on education and awareness. As literacy rates and general awareness increases, people are better informed about the benefits of smaller families, mother and child health and reproductive health. In addition, the state continuously invests in accessible health facilities, contraceptive services and consultancy programs and enabled citizens to have the knowledge and tools of making conscious choices.

What are the effects of flagship plans such as Kalaignar Women’s Rights Grants and Puddumai Penn? How is the success of these plans beyond the number of beneficiaries and what quantitative results have been achieved in reducing poverty or education gain?

These initiatives have increased savings between women and students. In the event of Kalaignar women’s rights grants, support is provided to needy women whose income is less than 2.5 lakh per year. This reduced the number of people under the poverty limit and improved livelihoods. Similarly, Puddumai Penn and Tamil Puddalvan program increased university registration rates. In addition, the Prime Minister was used for the purpose of aiming to verify the funds provided through these plans. These measures have shown important, measurable results among the utilitors in improveing ​​both education and economic stability.