Launch of the project
Tamil Nadu Rights Social Registry Drive: The Tamil Nadu Rights (TN RIGHTS) project has begun a major step with the launch of the Social Registry Enrollment (SRE) census in eight districts. This initiative is implemented by the Department of Welfare for Differently-Abled Persons with financial support from the World Bank.
Aim of the census
The primary objective is to improve inclusion, accessibility, and opportunities for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Tamil Nadu. Through a door-to-door approach, the project aims to identify PwDs and gather detailed information on their education, employment, therapy needs, and welfare access.
Districts covered
The new phase of the census includes Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Thanjavur, Perambalur, and Thiruvallur. Earlier, the project had already started its operations in Chennai, Cuddalore, Tiruchirappalli, and Tenkasi.
Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu has 38 districts in total, with Chennai being the smallest by area and Viluppuram being one of the largest.
Importance of accurate data
An estimated 13 lakh persons with disabilities live in Tamil Nadu, but the state lacks exact official data. This makes planning welfare measures difficult. The SRE census is expected to bridge this gap and create a reliable social registry to serve as a single platform for extending all benefits and services.
Method of implementation
Volunteers are being sent to every household in the selected districts. They will directly interact with families and individuals to collect the required information. This ensures that no PwD is left out and that all social, economic, and healthcare needs are mapped.
Static GK Tip: According to Census 2011, India had 2.68 crore persons with disabilities, accounting for about 2.21% of the total population.
Role of World Bank
The involvement of the World Bank brings global expertise and funding assistance to the initiative. This also reflects international recognition of Tamil Nadu’s efforts to improve welfare systems for vulnerable sections.
Static GK fact: The World Bank was established in 1944 and has its headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Long-term impact
The registry is expected to function as a one-stop platform where all details of PwDs will be stored. This will not only help in designing welfare policies but also make delivery of services more transparent, accountable, and effective.
Static GK Tip: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, is India’s key legislation protecting PwD rights.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Tamil Nadu Rights Social Registry Drive:
| Topic | Detail |
| Project name | Tamil Nadu Rights (TN RIGHTS) Project |
| Implementing agency | Department of Welfare for Differently-Abled Persons |
| Funding support | World Bank |
| Aim | Inclusion, accessibility, opportunities for PwDs |
| Current census districts | Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Thanjavur, Perambalur, Thiruvallur |
| Earlier census districts | Chennai, Cuddalore, Tiruchirappalli, Tenkasi |
| Estimated PwDs in TN | 13 lakh |
| Data to be collected | Education, employment, therapy, welfare access |
| Method | Household visits by volunteers |
| Long-term plan | One-stop social registry platform for PwDs |
