Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay distributed Rs 3,000 crore in bank-linked credit to 26,000 self-help group members, while an exhibition in Erode highlighted products and skills from women-led collectives across the state.

Credit Support for 26,000 Members: Vijay disbursed the credit on Tuesday at an event in Perundurai, Erode district. More than 9,000 self-help group members from Erode received Rs 1,110 crore. According to an official cited by PTI, the initiative aims to help women’s collectives strengthen their enterprises and contribute more to Tamil Nadu’s economy. Thousands attended the programme.

Exhibition Showcases Women’s Enterprises: Before the disbursement, Vijay visited an exhibition featuring products made by self-help groups from several districts. Displays included traditional dolls, processed agricultural goods, indigenous handicrafts, natural-fibre clothing, bamboo utility items and handloom bedspreads. The Paalmalar group from the Nilgiris presented traditional Toda embroidery, while other groups showcased millet snacks, fresh ghee and decorative palm-leaf art.

Traditional Skills and Eco-Friendly Products: The chief minister interacted with members of groups including Anbu from Kanyakumari, Sri Selva Vinayaga from Thiruvannamalai and Angala Parameswari from Erode. He watched the Carmel Annai group make home décor from banana fibre and saw the Veeramangai Velu Nachiyar group demonstrate clay pottery. Members of the Olichudar and Eswaran groups served tea at their catering stalls; Vijay drank a cup and paid for it himself.

Vijay Makes Purchases at the Exhibition: Vijay also bought a finished banana-fibre item and a wooden sculpture carved in his likeness, paying the craftswomen at the venue. The event brought together financial support for 26,000 members and a showcase of products created by women’s collectives, highlighting their work across Tamil Nadu.