CHENNAI, April 14 -- Thamizharasi, 56, a long-time resident of Urappakkam near Chennai, has been receiving financial assistance of Rs.1,000 per month for the past 23 months under the state government Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (a cash handout to women that serves 11.5 million beneficiaries ) and uses free bus travel, made available through the "Vidiyal Payanam" scheme launched in May-June 2021, for work and to visit her daughters. She also lives in a house built under a government initiative, "Kalaignar Kanavu Illam" scheme formally announced in FY2024-25. Thamizharasi says the schemes have made her worry less about money. "I can visit my daughters at will without caring about additional cost." Both the cash handout and the free travel...