DMK Manifesto 2026: MK Stalin Promises ₹2,000 Monthly Aid, 10 Lakh Houses, Higher Pensions, Free Power & More

A day after announcing its candidates, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) released its manifesto for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Chief Minister M K Stalin unveiled the document at the party headquarters in Chennai and highlighted the achievements of his government.

He said Tamil Nadu has progressed strongly under his leadership and expressed confidence that the DMK will return to power with continued public support.

Strong Focus on Welfare and Education

The DMK manifesto places major emphasis on welfare schemes, especially those supporting students and families.

One of the key promises is the expansion of the Chief Minister's breakfast scheme. It will now cover students up to Class 8, extending the benefit from the earlier Class 5 limit. The move aims to improve nutrition and school attendance.

In another major step, the party has promised free laptops for 36 lakh students, helping them access digital education and improve learning opportunities.

Financial assistance schemes for students, such as Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan, will also continue with increased support of ₹1,500 per month.

Big Boost for Women's Welfare

Women remain at the centre of the DMK's manifesto. The party has announced that the monthly financial assistance scheme for women will be doubled from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000, benefiting around 1.34 crore women across the state.

Additionally, women will receive ₹8,000 coupons to purchase or upgrade essential household items like refrigerators, TVs, ovens, mixers, or grinders. This is aimed at improving living standards and easing household expenses.

Women in self-help groups will also be eligible for collateral-free loans up to ₹5 lakh, along with subsidy support to encourage entrepreneurship.

Pension Hike and Social Security Measures

The manifesto includes significant increases in financial support for vulnerable groups.
Monthly assistance for elderly women will be increased from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000
Financial aid for persons with disabilities will rise from ₹1,200 to ₹1,500
These steps are aimed at improving the quality of life for senior citizens and differently-abled individuals.

Housing and Infrastructure Push

The DMK has promised to build 10 lakh new houses under the 'Kalaignar Kanavu Illam' scheme. The goal is to provide affordable housing for families across Tamil Nadu.

The party says this will not only improve living conditions but also boost employment in the construction sector.

Support for Farmers and Rural Economy

Farmers are set to benefit from several promises in the manifesto. The DMK has assured:

• Free electricity for agricultural use
• Free pumps without meters

Increased procurement prices for crops

Paddy procurement price will be raised to ₹3,500 per quintal, while sugarcane farmers will receive ₹4,500 per tonne.

These measures aim to improve farmers' income and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Healthcare Improvements and Welfare for Fishermen

The DMK has proposed major upgrades in healthcare services. The income ceiling for the Chief Minister's health insurance scheme will be raised to ₹5 lakh per year, with coverage extended up to ₹10 lakh.

Dialysis facilities in government hospitals will also be expanded across districts and smaller towns.

For fishermen, financial support will be increased:

• Fishing ban period assistance will rise from ₹8,000 to ₹12,000
• Lean period assistance will increase from ₹6,000 to ₹9,000

These steps are aimed at supporting coastal communities during difficult periods.

DMK Confident Ahead of Elections

M K Stalin said that the "Dravidian model" has helped Tamil Nadu become one of India's leading states in development and welfare.

With a manifesto focused on cash support, education, women's welfare, and rural development, the DMK is aiming to strengthen its position ahead of the elections.
Tamil Nadu will go to polls in a single phase on April 9, and the results will be declared on May 4.