For S. Maheswari, 45, receiving ₹1,000 a month under the Kalaignar Mahalir Urimai Thogai scheme means being able to afford her diabetes medicines. “It’s very difficult to run a family of four with just my monthly earning of ₹10,000. I have to ensure the education of two children, look after my disabled husband, and do the household chores. My health takes a back seat,” says the resident of Mahabalipuram, who runs a tea stall.
The medicines cost about ₹1,500. She started taking the pills only after the scheme was introduced because she finally had enough money to spend on necessities.
