The Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar is a Girls Higher Education Assurance Scheme in Tamil Nadu, popularly known as Pudhumai Penn ( girls Higher Education Assistance in Tamil Nadu ), is a flagship initiative by the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare & Women Empowerment Department aimed at boosting the participation of girls from government schools in higher education. Under this program, every girl who studied in a state government school from classes 6 to 12 receives a monthly ₹1,000 stipend via direct bank transfer until she completes her first higher education qualification be it an undergraduate degree, diploma, or ITI course. Eligible beneficiaries include girls irrespective of caste, family income, or whether they are already availing other scholarships. Enrollment is simple students can apply online via the official Pudhumai Penn (penkalvi.tn.gov.in) portal, or through their college during admissions, provided they submit Aadhaar and identity, educational, and bank account details.
Launched in the 2022–23 state budget, with an allocation of approximately ₹698 crore, the scheme is expected to benefit about six lakh girls annually, preventing drop‑outs, delaying early marriages, and promoting long‑term socio‑economic empowerment of women in Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the government conducts biannual verifications (June 30 and December 31) to confirm continued enrolment. Disbursements are made every month, typically on the 7th, via DBT through zero‑balance accounts issued by designated banks
How to Apply for Govt School Girls Higher Education Assurance Scheme ?
Pen Kalvi is the scheme started by the Government of Tamil Nadu to increase the enrolment ratio of girls in Higher Educational institutions.
Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme
Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance scheme is also popularly called as Pen Kalvi Scheme. The Government of Tamil Nadu has launched Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme(Pen Kalvi scheme) to enhance the enrolment ratio of girls in Higher Educational Institutions. Through this scheme, the financial assistance of rupees 1000 (every month) will be given to the girls till their completion of UG degree/Diploma/ITI/any other recognized course.
Eligibility for securing girls Higher Education Assistance in Tamil Nadu:
- People who are living only in Tamil Nadu is eligible to apply for the scheme.
- Only girl students are eligible to apply for the scheme.
- Girls who are studying in government school from 6 to 12 class are eligible for the scheme.
- Assistance applicable for undergraduate, vocational and medical students.
- In particular, students will benefit from this programme even if they have already benefited from other schemes.
- At the same time, freshers in the academic year 2022-23 can also apply for this scheme.
- Second year students completing first year in colleges and 2nd to 3rd year students can apply for this.
- In addition, the scheme will provide financial assistance to those who have studied in private schools from class 6 to 8 under Right to Education (RTE) and then joined government schools.
- However, the scheme is not applicable to students studying in Distance Education and Open University.
Documents Required for Availing Pen Kalvi Scheme
To get the assistance, one has to fulfill some eligibility criteria set by the Government of Tamil Nadu. If the girl is eligible, then she has to submit the application form along with this document mentioned below.
- Aadhar Card
- Bonafide certificate
- Bank account linked with Aadhar card
- Passbook detail
- Passport size photo
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate
Main feature about Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme
- This scheme is only for girls who are studying from class 6 to 12.
- In this scheme Tamil Nadu state government would give Rs.1000 rupees for eligible girls.
- Rupees 1,000/per month will be paid to students’ bank accounts till the completion of their studies without interruption.
How to get Rs.1000 from Tamil Nadu Government for Girls Higher Education?
How to apply for pen kalvi scheme
Girls Higher Education Assistance in Tamil Nadu can be applied through Online as well as offline, The mode of application is by online. Login to the official website, then click new user. It will ask phone number. OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number. By entering OTP, student login page containing details needs to fulfilled and submit.
- Girls studying in government school of Tamil Nadu ( 6th to 12th) are eligible to apply for this scheme
- When Girl is pursuing higher education, they would continue to receive Rs.1000 per month.
- Rs.1000 Rupees assistance will be given till completion of Post graduate or Under graduate courses
- Tamil Nadu Government also planning to rollout this Scheme via government and aided colleges.
Who Are the Beneficiaries?
The primary beneficiaries of the Pudhumai Penn scheme are girls who studied in government schools in Tamil Nadu from Classes 6 to 12, regardless of their community, religion, or economic status. To be eligible, they must enroll in any recognized undergraduate, diploma, or ITI course in Tamil Nadu. Importantly, this benefit is available even if the student is receiving other scholarships, making it more inclusive and encouraging for economically disadvantaged families. To receive benefits under the Pudhumai Penn scheme, students must hold a valid Aadhaar number, maintain an active bank account, and enroll in a recognized educational institution in Tamil Nadu. The government disburses ₹1,000 monthly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring transparency and timely access to funds. By 2024, the scheme has already supported over 3.5 lakh girl students, with fresh applications accepted and processed twice a year aligning with the academic verification schedule in June and December.
Government Funding and Implementation
Launched in the 2022–23 Tamil Nadu state budget with an allocation of ₹698 crore, the Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Scheme stands as one of the state’s largest gender-focused education initiatives. The Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department implements the scheme, working closely with colleges and banks to ensure timely disbursement of funds. Each month, beneficiaries receive ₹1,000 directly into their zero-balance bank accounts, typically on or before the 7th. To maintain eligibility, educational institutions must upload student enrollment data twice a year—by June 30 and December 31. This active monitoring process strengthens transparency, improves accountability, and expands the scheme’s overall impact.
Long-Term Social Impact
Girls Higher Education Assistance in Tamil Nadu or The Pudhumai Penn scheme provides more than just financial assistance it actively reduces school dropouts, delays early marriages, and empowers women through education.. By easing the financial burden of higher education, the scheme is motivating families especially in rural and underprivileged communities to invest in their daughters’ futures. Early indicators show that college enrollment among government school girls has increased, narrowing the gap that previously existed between them and private school students. The long-term impact includes improved economic independence, health outcomes, and decision-making power among women, contributing to more gender-equitable development across Tamil Nadu.
