Tamil Nadu Timeline

WelfareDMK-AIADMK alternation

Mahalir Thittam extends women's self-help groups statewide

· Dharmapuri

The state funded Mahalir Thittam to form women's self-help groups in all districts, after an IFAD-assisted pilot in Dharmapuri from 1989.

The Tamil Nadu Corporation for Development of Women was formed by a Government Order of 12 December 1983. In September 1989 the state began a women's development project with International Fund for Agricultural Development assistance in Dharmapuri district, pioneering self-help groups. From 1997-98 the government launched Mahalir Thittam with its own funds to form self-help groups in all districts, implemented by the corporation. The groups provide savings, credit and livelihood support to poor women.

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