Published Paper Details:

Empowering students through targeted educational initiatives remains a cornerstone of inclusive socio-economic development. The Tamil Pudhalvan Scheme, launched by the Government of Tamil Nadu, is a strategic intervention aimed at bridging the financial gap faced by Tamil medium male students in pursuing higher education. This study explores the level of awareness, accessibility, and perceived effectiveness of the scheme among students in Coimbatore city. Employing a mixed-methods research approach, the study collected quantitative data through structured questionnaires from 120 respondents and qualitative insights via interviews with key stakeholders. The findings reveal that while a moderate awareness of the scheme exists, detailed understanding regarding eligibility, application procedures, and long-term benefits is limited. The study highlights that students from urban and better-educated families tend to benefit more, whereas rural and economically disadvantaged students face barriers due to limited awareness, infrastructure challenges, and poor institutional implementation. Overall, the Tamil Pudhalvan Scheme is seen as a promising initiative with considerable potential to enhance employability, reduce dropout rates, and promote skill development--provided its outreach and implementation mechanisms are further strengthened.