What Is TAHDCO?
The Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar Housing & Development Corporation Limited, commonly known as TAHDCO, was established in 1974 under the Tamil Nadu government. It operates under the Department of Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare, with the mandate of providing housing, livelihood support, and skill development opportunities specifically for Scheduled Castes (Adi Dravidar) and Scheduled Tribes in Tamil Nadu
Core Objectives and Mandate
TAHDCO aims to uplift marginalized communities by offering housing assistance, financial aid, vocational training, and various welfare schemes. Over the years, the corporation has implemented flagship schemes such as Chief Minister ARISE, Pradhan Mantri AJAY, Nannilam Magalir Nilaudamai Thittam, and fast‑track power supply, among others These programs are designed to enhance socio‑economic conditions and empower SC/ST individuals through targeted interventions.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
TAHDCO’s headquarters is located at No. 31, Cenotaph Road, Teynampet, Chennai. The corporation is led by a Chairman and a Managing Director, supported by General Managers and Chief Engineers overseeing administration and projects District Managers in each of Tamil Nadu’s districts handle local implementation, coordination, and beneficiary outreach, covering all 38 districts like Coimbatore, Chennai, Chengalpattu, Madurai, and others
Key Schemes and Services
The CM‑ARISE scheme supports socio‑economic development for Adi Dravidar and Tribal communities. Under the PM‑AJAY Yojana, the corporation assists with wellbeing and empowerment for scheduled communities. Schemes like Nannilam Magalir Nilaudamai Thittam focus on enhancing women’s empowerment and related benefits. They also emphasize skill training and livelihood support through vocational courses and self‑employment initiatives Additionally, TAHDCO provides assistance for natural death, funeral rites, marriage, education scholarships, and insurance support
Infrastructure and Educational Support
TAHDCO is involved in constructing and upgrading hostel facilities for Adi Dravidar and tribal students. As of mid‑2025, the Tamil Nadu government approved building over 60 new multi‑floor hostels across the state, with capacity to house 450–500 students each and features like biometric attendance, CCTV, and centralized kitchens The Times of India. Existing hostels are being equipped with “learning rooms” in 22 hostels across 17 districts and digital libraries in 50 college hostels. Biometric systems and CCTV are being installed in over 1,300 hostels, while food allowances have been increased for school and college students
SC/ST – Apply
Others – Apply
TAHDCO maintains public accountability through its Public Information Officers (PIOs) in the head office and district offices, as listed in the official RTI section on its website This structure ensures transparency and access to information as per the Right to Information Act.
Historical Background
The establishment of TAHDCO traces back to efforts by social welfare leaders like the late N. Rajangam, who served as Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Harijan Welfare in the mid‑1970s. He played a key role in creating the housing and development corporation for Harijan communities, which later evolved into TAHDCO in 1974. In summary, TAHDCO is a state-run organization dedicated to the upliftment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes through housing, skill development, financial support, and educational infrastructure. It functions under a structured organizational model with state-level leadership and district-level outreach. Its current initiatives include large-scale hostel development, welfare schemes, training programs, and efforts toward governance transparency.
