Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme, known as the Pudhumai Penn Scheme, gives girl students from government schools in Tamil Nadu a monthly support of ₹1,000 to continue their undergraduate, diploma, or ITI studies. The scheme is open for 2026-27 and girls can apply directly through the official Penkalvi online portal.
This scheme was announced by the Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu during the Budget Speech in the Legislative Assembly on 18 March 2022. It is run by the Department of Social Welfare & Women Empowerment, Government of Tamil Nadu, with the Tamil Nadu e-Governance Agency maintaining the online portal. The main aim is to raise the enrolment of girls from government schools in higher education and keep them in college.
Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme
The scheme helps girls who studied from Class 6 to Class 12 in government schools. Once they join a recognised undergraduate degree, diploma, or ITI course, they get ₹1,000 every month directly into their bank account until they finish their first higher education course. The money is paid through direct benefit transfer, and the benefit is available on top of any other scholarship the student may already be getting.
A Separate Programme Management Unit (SPMU) monitors the implementation of the scheme through state, district, and college level committees. The scheme also helps reduce early marriages and keeps more girls in higher education, which improves their career options and builds a skilled women workforce. The support is given to any number of girl students in a family as long as they meet the criteria.
Four core banks, Indian Bank, Canara Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, and SBI, have been identified to open bank accounts for the students wherever required. The higher education department also helps open zero balance accounts and certifies the bonafide status of students twice a year on 30 June and 31 December. In 2025-26, the scheme benefited 56,971 engineering students and 7,802 polytechnic students.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme |
| Level | State |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Beneficiary Type | Girl students from government schools |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Benefit Type | Direct Cash Transfer |
| Benefit Amount | ₹1,000 per month |
| Nodal Department | Social Welfare & Women Empowerment |
| Launch Date | 18 March 2022 |
| Application Mode | Online (Penkalvi portal) |
Benefits
Eligible girl students receive a monthly cash incentive to support their education costs. The money is paid directly into the student's own bank account.
| Frequency | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | ₹1,000 |
| Yearly | ₹12,000 |
The monthly support continues until the student completes her first higher education course, which means an undergraduate degree, diploma, or ITI. The benefit is available in addition to any other scholarship the student may be receiving.
Eligibility
Girl students need to meet the following conditions to qualify for this scheme:
- The applicant must be a girl and a resident of Tamil Nadu.
- She should have studied from Class 6 to Class 12 in a government school.
- She must be enrolled in a recognised undergraduate degree, diploma, or ITI course.
- The benefit applies only to the first course of higher education.
For example, if Priya completed her schooling in a government school in Chennai and is now starting her B.Sc degree, she is eligible. If her younger sister Meera is also pursuing her first diploma after schooling in a government institution, she too can get the same monthly support.
Application Process
The online application process is simple and is done through the official portal:
STEP 1 - Visit the official Pudhumai Penn page on the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare website to reach the application portal.
STEP 2 - If you are a new applicant, select the registration option. Existing users can simply log in with their credentials.
STEP 3 - Fill in the application form carefully with your personal and educational details.
STEP 4 - Upload the required documents as specified on the portal.
STEP 5 - Review all the information and submit your form. Your institution will verify your status twice a year on 30 June and 31 December.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready before you start the online application:
- Valid identity proof such as Aadhaar card
- Recent passport size photographs
- Residence certificate
- Educational mark sheets or certificates from Class 6 to Class 12
- Family income certificate, if required
- Active bank account details
References
Directorate of Technical Education Pudhumai Penn Page
FAQ's
What is Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme?
It is a Tamil Nadu government scheme that gives ₹1,000 per month to girl students from government schools to support their higher education in undergraduate, diploma, or ITI courses.
Which department manages this scheme?
The Department of Social Welfare & Women Empowerment, Government of Tamil Nadu, runs the scheme.
Who qualifies for these benefits?
Any girl student who has studied from Class 6 to Class 12 in a government school in Tamil Nadu and has enrolled in a recognised first higher education course is eligible.
Is this only for one child per family?
No, the support is given to any number of girl students in a family as long as they meet the criteria.
Can I receive this along with other scholarships?
Yes, the benefit is available in addition to any other scholarship the student may be receiving.
Do I need a specific bank account?
Yes, you should have a bank account, preferably with Indian Bank, Canara Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, or SBI, to receive the funds.
Does this apply to postgraduate courses?
No, the scheme covers only the first course of higher education, such as undergraduate degrees, diplomas, or ITI courses.