Mahalir Thittam is a socio, economic empowerment programme for women / Differently abled in persons implemented by Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women Ltd. Mahalir Thittam is based on Self Help Group (SHG) approach and is implemented in partnership with Non Governmental Organizations’ (NGOs) and Community based organizations. The SHG approach was started in a small way in Dharmapuri district in the year 1989 with the assistance of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Later the scheme was extended to the erstwhile Salem and South Arcot districts in the year 1991-1992 and further extended to Madurai and Ramanathapuram in the year 1992-1993. Follwing the success of the IFAD project, Mahalir Thittam project was launched with State. Today; the SHG movement is a very vibrant movement spread across all districts of the State with nearly 69,91,000 women as members. As on 31.03.2010, there are 4,41,311 SHGs with a total savings of Rs.2568 crores. In Nagapattinam district the scheme has been extended during 2010-2011 Nearly 15008 SHGs were formed with 233420 women as member’s
Project implementation Unit (PIU), Mahalir Thittam, Nagapattinam was formed on December 1999 under the Chairmanship of District Collector and the Project Officer as member secretary. The PIU had been registered as per Government order Ms.No.176/S.W/NMP dated 29.09.1999.
“Women meant for Cooking” is the traditional customary belief in Tamil Nadu, about the common women folk. Due to that MIS-concept, women are not treated as equal to men. Even though, they were placed in low status, Government of India as well as the State Governments in India have formulated many schemes with the intention of bringing up them socially and economically up in life.
The Nagapattinam District Administration has taken steps to promote various activities, like training for Adolescent Girls, Entrepreneurship training for SHG Women, campaigns for 100% enrolment of girl children in schools, against harassment of children, preparation of nutritive food for healthy life, holding health camps, workshop on women rights, etc. It has been decided to bring about a change and to create an atmosphere, which would develop Self-Confidence and self-decision making among women and Girls by involving Voluntary organizations.
We hope the efforts of the District Administration has contributed a firm way to the fullest achievement of the primary aim of the Women Empowerment which would be kept alive in all respect, in the society especially among women.