Tamil Nadu Economic Survey Highlights Women Empowerment and Coastal Resilience

Women empowerment through Thozhi hostels

Tamil Nadu Economic Survey Highlights Women Empowerment and Coastal Resilience: The Tamil Nadu Economic Survey highlighted the success of the ‘Thozhi’ working women’s hostels, which provide safe and affordable housing for employed women. These hostels support women migrating for jobs by offering essential facilities in urban and industrial areas.

The hostels are managed by the Tamil Nadu Working Women’s Hostels Corporation through public-private partnerships (PPP model). They include furnished rooms, kitchens, crèches, and shared community spaces, ensuring a gender-sensitive environment. These facilities enable women to balance professional and personal responsibilities effectively.

So far, 19 Thozhi hostels have been established across 15 districts, equipped with modern infrastructure. The survey identified this model as a scalable blueprint for other States aiming to increase women’s workforce participation.

Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu was formed on January 26, 1950, and its capital is Chennai, which is also a major industrial and employment hub.

Tamil Nadu leadership in women workforce

Tamil Nadu is one of the leading States in India in terms of women labour force participation rate, which stands at around 43–47%. This is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting the State’s inclusive economic growth.

Notably, Tamil Nadu accounts for over 40% of India’s registered women workers in the manufacturing sector. Major industries include textiles, electronics, automobile manufacturing, and leather production, which employ large numbers of women.

This strong participation is supported by policies such as industrial corridors, skill development programs, and safe workplace infrastructure. The State’s focus on gender-inclusive development has strengthened both economic productivity and social progress.

Static GK Tip: Tamil Nadu is known as the “Textile Capital of India”, with cities like Coimbatore and Tiruppur playing a major role in exports.

Coastal protection through TN-SHORE initiative

Tamil Nadu has a coastline of 1,069 kilometres, spanning 14 coastal districts, making it vulnerable to coastal erosion, storm surges, and sea-level rise. To address these challenges, the State launched the Tamil Nadu Coastal Restoration Mission (TN-SHORE).

The TN-SHORE project is a ₹1,675 crore initiative, funded partly by the World Bank, which contributes around ₹1,000 crore, while the State government provides the remaining funds. The project focuses on coastal biodiversity conservation, livelihood protection, and pollution reduction.

This initiative adopts a multipronged strategy, including ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation measures, and sustainable coastal management.

Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu has the second-longest coastline in India, after Gujarat, making coastal protection a strategic priority.

Climate resilience and sustainable development

The survey highlighted the importance of Climate Resilient Villages, which help communities adapt to climate risks. Killai village near Pichavaram in Cuddalore district, known for its extensive mangrove forests, became Tamil Nadu’s first Climate Resilient Village.

Mangroves play a critical role in protecting coastal regions from cyclones, erosion, and flooding, while supporting biodiversity and fisheries.

Tamil Nadu has also improved the ease of doing business through single-window clearance systems, digitised approvals, and land reforms. The State promotes sustainability through solar parks, decarbonisation plans, and energy efficiency programmes, ensuring environmentally responsible industrial growth.

These reforms have strengthened Tamil Nadu’s position as a leading State in sustainable economic development and climate resilience.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Tamil Nadu Economic Survey Highlights Women Empowerment and Coastal Resilience: