Sun Oct 05 10:22:21 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, along with a summary:

**Summary:**

The article is an interview with Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, P. Geetha Jeevan, published in The Hindu. She discusses several key initiatives and policies related to geriatric care, transgender welfare, and children’s welfare in the state. Key highlights include the upcoming “Anbucholai” day care centers for seniors, reforms in childcare institutions to ensure safety and psychological well-being, ongoing support for transgender individuals through education, housing, and business subsidies, the state’s success in achieving a low total fertility rate due to education and healthcare access, and the positive impact of flagship schemes like Kalaignar Women’s Rights Grants and Pudumai Penn on poverty reduction and education.

**News Article:**

**Tamil Nadu Boosts Social Welfare Programs for Seniors, Transgender Individuals, and Children**

**Thoothukudi, India – October 5, 2025** – In a recent interview with The Hindu, Tamil Nadu Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, P. Geetha Jeevan, outlined a series of comprehensive initiatives aimed at bolstering the welfare of the state’s elderly, transgender community, and children.

Addressing the growing elderly population, which is projected to reach 18.2% by 2031, Minister Jeevan announced the upcoming launch of “Anbucholai,” a network of dedicated day care centers for senior citizens. “These centers, developed in partnership with NGOs, will provide transportation, food, and recreational activities, offering vital support and companionship,” she stated. She also pointed to the Tamil Nadu State Policy on Senior Citizens as a roadmap for elderly welfare. The minister noted that every district is being provided with at least one government-supported old age home and integrated campuses for children and elderly are also being developed.

Significant reforms are also underway in childcare institutions. Over 600 non-compliant children’s homes were closed between 2021 and 2023, and regular inspections and mandatory counseling sessions are now standard practice. Minister Jeevan highlighted the “Anbu Karangal” scheme, designed to reintegrate children into family environments. In addition to this, in-house schools have been closed with children attending nearby government schools, with transportation facilities.

Tamil Nadu continues to be a leader in transgender welfare, building on its pioneering Transgender Welfare Board established in 2008. Subsidies of ₹50,000 are provided to transgender individuals for business startups, and shelters called “Aran” are being established in Chennai and Madurai to provide immediate housing and support for education and employment.

Minister Jeevan also addressed Tamil Nadu’s low total fertility rate of 1.4, attributing it to the state’s focus on education, awareness, and accessible healthcare facilities. “Improved literacy rates and access to contraceptive services have empowered citizens to make informed choices about family planning,” she explained.

Finally, she touted the success of flagship schemes like the Kalaignar Women’s Rights Grants and Pudumai Penn in reducing poverty and increasing college enrollment rates. Surveys are conducted to ensure funds provided are utilized for intended purpose.

The Minister’s remarks signal a continued commitment from the Tamil Nadu government to proactive and comprehensive social welfare policies.

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