Presenting the 2026-27 State Budget, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson said the 118.9 km Chennai Metro Phase II project, being implemented at an estimated cost of Rs 63,246 crore, is progressing rapidly. The initial 14.64 km stretch, comprising 11 stations from Poonamallee Bypass to Porur Junction with connectivity to the existing Vadapalani station, is scheduled to be commissioned shortly.

The government is pursuing early approval from the Union government for three proposed metro corridors: Chennai Airport to Kilambakkam, Koyambedu to Pattabiram via Avadi, and Poonamallee to Sunguvarchathiram via Sriperumbudur. It is also pushing a joint proposal with the Centre and the Karnataka government to extend a metro link from Hosur in Krishnagiri district to Bommasandra in Karnataka.

To modernise public transport, 1,000 AC electric buses will be inducted into the MTC fleet during the current financial year under the GCC model. A sum of Rs 500 crore has been earmarked in the Revised Budget Estimates for electrical and mechanical infrastructure at bus depots to support these vehicles. Overall, the Budget has allocated Rs 13,561 crore to the Transport Department, which includes Rs 7,675 crore as subsidy to State Transport Undertakings, Rs 2,650 crore as performance gap funding, and Rs 1,005 crore as share capital assistance.

TAKING WHEELS

14.64 km

-- Poonamallee Bypass to Porur Junction stretch, comprising 11 stations, will be commissioned shortly

1,000

-- AC electric buses to be inducted under the GCC model; Rs 500 crore allocated for depot infra upgrades

4 CORRIDORS

TN pursuing approvals for Airport-Kilambakkam, Koyambedu-Pattabiram, Poonamallee-Sunguvarchathiram, and Hosur-Bommasandra lines

Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly after the Budget was presented, Udhayanidhi said the government had simply affixed new labels to existing welfare schemes.

"The government has merely pasted a sticker on schemes that were already being implemented during the DMK regime," he alleged.

Referring to the Thai Maaman Thanga Modhiram Scheme, Udhayanidhi claimed that during the election campaign, TVK president and now Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had promised to provide a gold ring to all newborns, whereas the Budget restricted the benefit to children born in government hospitals.

"The Budget contains none of the major promises made during the election campaign. Only the names of the schemes have been changed, while the schemes themselves were implemented during the DMK regime," he said.

Former Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu also criticised the Budget, saying the government's own figures contradicted the claims made in its White Paper on the State's finances.

Speaking at Anna Arivalayam, Thennarasu said that during the DMK regime, the projected revenue expenditure for 2026-27 was Rs 3.93 lakh crore, whereas the present Budget had increased it to Rs 4.05 lakh crore.

He further claimed that while the net borrowing projected during the DMK regime was Rs 1 lakh crore, the present Budget had increased it to Rs 1.22 lakh crore.

"The Budget itself proves that the allegations made against the previous DMK government in the White Paper on the State's fiscal position were false," Thennarasu alleged.

Announcing the schedule after the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting on Wednesday, Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar said the session would continue till September 8, with breaks on government holidays.

The Speaker said four days had been allotted for the general discussion on the General Budget and the Agriculture Budget.

Following the completion of the general debate, the Assembly will take up the Demands for Grants department-wise from August 17, beginning with the Revenue Department.

Rajmohan said that while the DMK's 2025-26 Budget allocated Rs 46,767 crore for school education, the actual expenditure stood at only Rs 42,351 crore.

Despite introducing no new schemes in its interim budget for 2026-27, the previous government increased the allocation to Rs 48,534 crore through what he described as inflated salary provisions and expenditure estimates, creating an unjustified rise of nearly Rs 6,003 crore.

"After assuming office, the TVK government reviewed and rationalised these estimates, eliminating unnecessary allocations. As a result, it has earmarked Rs 44,527 crore for school education, representing an actual increase of around Rs 2,176 crore over the previous year's real expenditure," stated Rajmohan.

He also noted that the Finance Secretary had clarified the figures and assured that the funds would be effectively utilised to benefit students, teachers, and the school education system.

 A few days ago, the man, along with his three associates, took Sanjay in a car to a secluded location on Siruvani Main Road, assaulted him before snatching his gold chain and two gold rings, took him to a nearby ATM and withdrew Rs 5,000 from his bank account before leaving him.

Based on Sanjay’s complaint, the Perur police nabbed the accused identified as Adhvik alias Selvam (27), Sakthi Vijay (25), Ramsundar (24) and Sudalaimani (26), all hailing from Tirunelveli, and recovered the stolen jewels, cash and car used in the crime.

Finance Minister N Marie Wilson said the State would continue to safeguard Tamil Nadu's rights over Cauvery waters through legal, technical, and administrative measures. He added that the government plans to implement the Anaimalaiyar and Nallar dam projects, as well as ensure the early execution of the Godavari-Cauvery river linking project to bolster long-term water security for farmers.

To accelerate intra-state river interlinking, the Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar project will commence this year with an initial allocation of Rs 150 crore. Another Rs 50 crore has been set aside for preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the Pennaiyar-Cheyyar, Pennaiyar-Palar, and Tamirabarani-Vaippar river linking projects.

For the river restoration drive, Rs 25 crore has been allocated to conduct feasibility studies and prepare DPRs covering sewage and effluent treatment infrastructure, solid waste management, riverfront development, and surface cleaning.

In addition, Rs 10 crore has been allocated for feasibility studies on constructing barrages across the Cauvery to boost groundwater recharge, irrigation, and monsoon water conservation. Another Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for a project report on the ecological restoration of the Cauvery delta region.

Overall, the government has provided Rs 9,264 crore to the Water Resources Department in the Revised Budget Estimates for the current financial year.

Presenting the 2026-27 Budget, Minister for Finance N Marie Wilson said the new State Housing Scheme would exclusively benefit families living in huts.

"The Government is launching a new State Housing Scheme named Vetri Veedu Thittam exclusively for hut-dwelling families. The unit cost has been enhanced from Rs 3.10 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. In the first year, 70,000 houses will be sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 3,500 crore," the Minister said.

He said the Rural Development department would undertake a door-to-door survey to identify eligible beneficiaries for the scheme.

The Minister also announced the Tamil Nadu Village Empowerment, Transformation and Rejuvenation Initiative (TN-VETRI), an umbrella programme aimed at integrating all major rural infrastructure schemes with an annual outlay of Rs 6,000 crore.

Under the initiative, projects relating to drinking water supply, sanitation, solid waste management and other rural infrastructure would be implemented in a coordinated manner. A high-level committee, chaired by the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, will oversee the implementation of the scheme.

'Vetri 150' Scheme

The Budget also announced the 'Vetri 150' Scheme, under which beneficiaries of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-GRAM(G)] who complete 125 days of employment will be provided an additional 25 days of work, taking the total to 150 days for vulnerable and needy households. To implement this scheme, the government will additionally allocate Rs 100 crore.

The Budget further stated that the State government has contributed Rs 5,057 crore towards its share of the rural employment programme under the 60:40 funding pattern, replacing the earlier 75:25 sharing formula.

Presenting the Revised Budget Estimates for 2026-27 in the Assembly, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson announced that the new Kuruvai Package Scheme would be implemented at a cost of Rs 134 crore, benefiting paddy cultivators in both delta and non-delta regions. The move marks a departure from the conventional region-specific approach and seeks to support farmers facing changing climatic conditions and irrigation challenges across the State.

Presenting the Revised Budget Estimates for 2026-27 in the Assembly, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson announced that the new Kuruvai Package Scheme would be implemented at a cost of Rs 134 crore, benefiting paddy cultivators in both delta and non-delta regions. The move marks a departure from the conventional region-specific approach and seeks to support farmers facing changing climatic conditions and irrigation challenges across the State.

"The Government remains steadfast in protecting the interests of farmers and will continue to provide the support necessary for sustainable agriculture and enhanced productivity," Wilson said while presenting the Budget.

Alongside the cultivation package, the Budget allocated Rs 7,432 crore towards electricity subsidy for the agricultural sector, ensuring uninterrupted free power supply for irrigation and reducing input costs for farmers.

The expanded Kuruvai package is expected to provide timely support ahead of the cultivation season while encouraging paddy production beyond the traditional delta belt, reflecting the government's attempt to make agricultural assistance more inclusive and region-neutral.

The Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department has been allocated Rs 14,984 crore in the Revised Budget Estimates for 2026-27, with the expanded Kuruvai Package Scheme emerging as its marquee new initiative.

Presenting the Revised Budget Estimates for 2026-27 in the Assembly, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson said the enhanced relief would benefit 1.93 lakh fishing families across the State at an outlay of Rs 135 crore.

The increase comes amid long-standing demands from fishermen's associations for higher financial support during the mandatory fishing ban, when mechanised fishing activities are suspended to conserve marine resources, leaving thousands of families without a regular source of income.

"The Government remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of fishermen by strengthening livelihood support and promoting sustainable fishing practices," Wilson said while presenting the Budget.

In another key announcement, the government proposed an interest subsidy for deep-sea fishing boats equipped with modern fish processing facilities, with an allocation of Rs 12 crore. The initiative is intended to encourage fishermen to venture into deep-sea fishing, reduce pressure on near-shore marine resources and improve the value of fish catches through onboard processing infrastructure.

The weather department has forecast heavy rainfall at isolated places, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40–50 km/h over The Nilgiris and the Ghat areas of Coimbatore, Theni, and Tirunelveli districts over the next couple of days.

Additionally, moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph is likely in the remaining Western Ghat districts, as well as Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Tiruchirappalli, Karur, Madurai, Puducherry, and Karaikal until August 7, said RMC.

On August 8 and 9, moderate rain is expected to continue across the Western Ghat districts, as well as Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Ranipet, Vellore, Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Tiruchirappalli, Karur, Madurai, and Puducherry.

In Chennai, the maximum temperature is expected to reach 36 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature will dip to 25 degrees Celsius. Sky conditions are likely to remain partly cloudy on August 6.

During the overnight hours on Tuesday, the city experienced light to moderate rainfall. On Wednesday, the highest rainfall was recorded at Korattur, Manali New Town, and Pallikaranai, with 7 cm each. Medavakkam, Madipakkam, and Nerkundram

Categorically stating that granting bail to the petitioners at this stage would hamper the investigation, Justice K Rajasekar accepted the submissions made by the prosecution while dismissing the petitions.

The Court noted that the prosecution had submitted that there was frequent telephonic communication between the petitioners — sub-registrar Manikandan, who registered the document, and Jayaprakash — before and during the registration of the document.

“The Call Detail Record particulars revealed repeated phone calls between them. Further, the CCTV footage collected from Joint-I Sub Registrar Office, Palani, has revealed material circumstances, which establishes the interaction of the petitioners on July 3, the date on which the disputed document was re-presented and kept pending by the then Sub Registrar, Balasundar and on joining of Manikandan on July 6, the document was registered in Document No.1446/2026,” the Judge referred this prosecution submission while dismissing their bail petitions

The Judge referred to this submission of the prosecution while dismissing the bail petitions.

The Court further stated that despite the then sub-registrar Balasundar had specifically recorded in the minutes book after completing the initial registration process, the Writ Appeal had been filed by the temple authorities challenging the order directing to register the document. “However, without considering these minutes and remarks recorded by Balasundar, the accused Manikandan straightaway completed the registration process by assigning the document number. This clearly reveals that he did not act bona fide but intentionally acted to benefit the other accused,” the Court observed.

The prosecution further submitted that there was a close association between the petitioners and Anwardeen, the fifth accused in the case. According to the prosecution, Anwardeen had been actively involved in fabricating records and had taken several steps to grab the property since 1998.

The prosecution further informed the Court that Anwardeen, who was arrested by the CB-CID, had disclosed various facts regarding the manner in which the sale deed came to be registered and the steps allegedly taken by the accused to compel the Registration Department to complete the registration.

In his anticipatory bail petition, Justin Manikandan contended that the entire registration process had already been completed by the previous sub-registrar and that his role was limited to assigning the registration number after assuming charge. He further contended that he had merely complied with an earlier High Court direction to register the sale deed and had no role in the alleged conspiracy. Based on these submissions, the High Court had granted him conditional anticipatory bail on July 27.

Jayaprakash had also filed an anticipatory bail petition in connection with the case. As both petitions involved the same crime, the Court heard them together and dismissed them.

Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan directed the State-run corporation to issue necessary instructions to all Tasmac outlets across Tamil Nadu to maintain bill books for every sale of liquor bottles. The court also directed all outlets to issue bills to consumers for every bottle sold and to ensure that queues are properly maintained while selling liquor.

These directions were issued while the court was hearing a petition filed by G Devarajan before the Madras High Court seeking a direction to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) and the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to register cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against employees of 30 Tasmac outlets, including those in Perambur, Koyambedu, Manali, Kolathur, and Madhavaram, for allegedly selling liquor above the maximum retail price.

During the hearing, the Tasmac managing director submitted that 5 of the 30 shops identified by the petitioner had already been closed. Upon examining the records, the court found that while the Tasmac outlets maintained details such as the opening balance, inward bottles, bottles sold, and the amount collected from consumers, they were not maintaining bill books nor issuing bills to consumers for their purchases.

The corporation also failed to produce the purchase orders and records indicating the dates on which liquor bottles were supplied to the respective outlets.

The matter has been posted to August 7 for reporting compliance.

To place an order, customers must confirm that they are above the legal drinking age of 21. They can then use the Shop Locator to find a nearby outlet by selecting a search radius between 5 km and 25 km, or search for a shop using its number or district. Customers can also order from any Tasmac outlet in the State, irrespective of where they are located.

Once a shop is selected, the portal displays the liquor brands currently available at that outlet. Customers can browse the stock, add the required items to the cart, enter their mobile number, verify it using an OTP and complete the payment online.

After the payment is successful, the portal generates a receipt containing a QR code. Then, visit the selected Tasmac outlet on the same day and present the QR code at the billing counter to collect the order. According to the instructions released by Tasmac, orders that are not collected on the same day will be cancelled, with Rs 10 deducted as a fee and the remaining amount refunded.

Tasmac has also outlined the procedure to be followed by sales staff while processing online orders. On the billing device, the salesperson must first select the Retail Sale option and then Online Order. After verifying the order, the printed receipt must be handed over to the customer.

The portal is available in both Tamil and English and displays the route to the selected Tasmac outlet after the purchase.

It also allows customers to view the MRP and supplier details of liquor brands. The online inventory is updated every 30 minutes. If a product shown on the portal goes out of stock before the order is completed, Tasmac has said the amount will either be refunded or the customer can purchase the product from another outlet.

Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan granted anticipatory bail to Idhayavarman and directed him to appear before the Mahabalipuram Police Station daily for two weeks by signing before the police.

The former MLA had filed an anticipatory bail petition before the Madras High Court, stating that he had visited the desalination plant on July 5, 2026, after receiving information that Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) officials had covered a plaque bearing the name of former Chief Minister MK Stalin with green safety nets during the incumbent Chief Minister’s visit.

CMWSSB Assistant Engineer V Malarselvam, alleging that Idhayavarman, along with two others, entered the desalination plant on the night of July 5, ripped the safety nets, and caused a loss of Rs 10,000 to the public exchequer, following which the police registered an FIR.

Senthilbalaji’s counsel submitted before Justice GK Ilanthiraiyan that a Division Bench headed by the Chief Justice had stayed the Triplicane Police investigation and sought relaxation of the condition requiring him to appear before the Investigating Officer twice daily.

Accepting the submission, Justice dispensed with the twice-daily appearance condition, while clarifying that the police are at liberty to issue summons and secure Senthilbalaji’s presence whenever required for the purpose of investigation.

The case arose from a complaint lodged by TVK MLA N Ilaiyaraja, who alleged that Thirunavukkarasu offered him Rs 35 crore to vote against the Speaker in a proposed no-confidence motion in the Assembly and later threatened him and his family after he refused. Based on the complaint, the Triplicane Police registered a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

According to the prosecution, Thirunavukkarasu acted at the instance of Senthilbalaji and his brother Ashok Kumar. On July 8, the Madras High Court granted them conditional anticipatory bail, directing them to surrender before the Principal Sessions Court, execute bonds, and report before the Triplicane Police twice daily until further orders.

Senthilbalaji subsequently moved the High Court seeking exemption from the reporting condition, stating that unavoidable circumstances had prevented him from appearing before the police between July 31 and August 4. He undertook to resume compliance from August 5 and contended that the temporary exemption would not affect the investigation.

Speaking to reporters in Tiruchy, Thirumavalavan said that the Finance Minister N Marie Wilson carrying a rosary along with the budget documents before presenting was not debatable as the Constitution law allows everyone’s beliefs despite it recommends secularism.

“Though Periyar criticised encouraging the religious sentiments, Dr Ambedkar was firm to ensure diversified beliefs should be needed in the constitution,” he added.

The veteran leader explained that though Bengaluru could get required drinking water from KSR, the Karnataka government was firm on constructing Mekedatu dam and that the politicians from Karnataka were united on this issue. “In the same way, political parties in Tamil Nadu should stand together for Cauvery rights. The Chief Minister should convene an all-party meeting shedding his stubbornness and hear what the leaders from all the political parties convey and fight together for the Cauvery rights,” Thiruma said.

Speaking to reporters in Ariyalur, Thirumavalavan

Welcoming the State Budget for allocating more funds for the social justice department, Thirumavalavan also lauded the increase of Rs 5 lakh for the Kalaingar Kanavu Thittam renamed as Vettri Veedu Thittam based on the request from VCK. He also appreciated the Chief Minister for allowing the social justice department to act independently and spend the entire fund for the welfare schemes.

The CB-CID arrested Murugadas, who allegedly executed the sale of the land; Vellathurai and Sethupathi, who allegedly purchased it; and advocate Anwardeen (65) of Goundankulam near Palani on July 29.

The four were produced before Dindigul Judicial Magistrate (I) P Bhakkiyaraj under police escort and were remanded in judicial custody till August 12. They were subsequently lodged in the Madurai Central Prison.

The CB-CID later moved the Dindigul Judicial Magistrate Court seeking police custody of the four accused for custodial interrogation. Deputy Superintendent Ajay Thangam submitted the progress of the investigation and explained the need for custodial interrogation. The Magistrate also questioned Murugadas and Vellathurai before passing orders. Allowing the petition, the Magistrate granted the CB-CID three-day police custody of all four accused for further interrogation.

Based on a complaint lodged by Muruganandam, Superintendent of the Palani Temple Lands Division, the Palani Adivaram police registered a case against Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan, trust functionary Murugadas, purchaser Vellathurai, Sethupathi and others on charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating. The investigation was subsequently transferred to the CB-CID.

The three arrested have been identified as Prabhakaran alias Ashraf (36) of Katpadi in Vellore, Shahinsha (30) of Tondiarpet in Chennai, and Mohammed Zakir alias Ummakka (56) of Ilayangudi in Sivaganga. A special police team arrested them on August 2 and 3, and they were remanded in judicial custody.

According to police sources, Ashraf allegedly played a key role in providing technical expertise to other members of the syndicate who were involved in processing and refining methamphetamine through the mixing of chemical ingredients in the required proportions at a clandestine laboratory in Ilayangudi.

Officials said the interrogation of Shahinsha and Mohammed Zakir revealed that, apart from supplying the drug in Tamil Nadu, the network allegedly extended to Kerala, some northern States, and Sri Lanka.The police said the syndicate functioned as a well-organised network, with members assigned specific roles, including procuring raw materials; manufacturing, processing, and distributing the drug; collecting sale proceeds; and handling financial transactions. The investigation is under way to identify and apprehend other members of the network.

Earlier, the police had arrested nine persons and seized 1.5 kg of methamphetamine worth Rs 2 crore, besides chemicals and equipment allegedly used to manufacture the drug at a laboratory operating from a lathe workshop in Ilayangudi in Sivaganga.

The government is set to implement the 'Super Clean Super Campus' scheme. Under this, daily cleaning activities, maintenance of drinking water facilities and toilets, and 24-hour security for school campuses are to be ensured. The scheme will be implemented in 10,000 schools in the first phase, with an allocation of Rs 139 crore.

To modernise government schools and provide necessary infrastructure, 'Palli Niraivu Thittam' is set to be introduced at an estimated cost of Rs 2,132 crore. This scheme will cover a total of 3,734 schools, including 2,514 primary schools, 365 middle schools, and 855 high and higher secondary schools.

Focusing on students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the government will establish 'Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Schools of Excellence' as modern residential institutions for students from Classes 9 to 12. An amount of Rs 125 crore is allocated for the infrastructure development of these schools.

For the curriculum change works which commenced during the DMK government, Rs 25 crore has been allocated. The curriculum change has already been implemented for Classes 1, 2 and 3, and changes for the remaining classes are likely to be expected from the next academic year.

Furthermore, to curb drug usage among youth and students, the TN government has allotted Rs 7 crore. To strengthen awareness, the 10581 helpline number will be displayed on all school campuses. Also, the usage of the 'Drug-Free Tamil Nadu' mobile application is to be encouraged.

To specifically transform public libraries into state-wide digital libraries, the government has allocated Rs 10 crore. Keeping up with the old scheme, modern, branded bicycles equipped with helmets and water bottles are to be provided to 5.32 lakh students studying in class 11 in government and aided schools.

Meanwhile, the line up of budgets of previous years are: Rs 32,599 crore in 2021-22, Rs 36,895 crore in 2022-23, Rs 40,299 crore in 2023-24, Rs 44,042 crore in 2024-25, Rs 46,767 crore in 2025-26 and Rs 48,534 crore in 2026-27 mid-term budget.

"Reducing the budget for departments like school and higher education is more serious than one can argue. There are already serious financial constraints and long-pending demands from teachers/professors that remain unaddressed. Reducing the budget will further deepen these concerns, " said a former vice-chancellor of Anna University.

Reacting to the TVK government's maiden budget, he said, "... look at the allocation for the education department every year during the DMK regime... our leader (M K Stalin) had allocated Rs 48,500 crore for education in the last budget. Now, reducing it, they have allocated only Rs 44,500 crore this time." The LoP alleged the budget cut as a step backward for the state, contrasting it with what he called the comprehensive focus on education, healthcare, and industrial growth that characterised the DMK's regime's fiscal planning.

Taking aim at the ruling government's first 100 days in office, he dismissed the administration's performance and termed the state budget as a "big zero".

Addressing the media, the opposition leader accused the state government of engaging in a mere cosmetic overhaul of existing welfare initiatives, alleging that the ruling party has essentially pasted TVK's 'Vetri' (victory) stickers on the previous 'Dravidian Model' schemes introduced by former Chief Minister Stalin.

Udhayanidhi also slamed the government for not incresing the financial assistance for women to Rs 2,500 in the budget.

In his Budget address, the minister stated that the construction of Phase II of the Chennai Metro Rail Project, spanning 118.9 km across three corridors at an estimated completion cost of Rs 63,246 crore, is progressing at full speed.

The first stretch of Phase II, from Poonamallee Bypass to Porur Junction, connecting the existing Vadapalani Metro station and spanning 14.64 km across 11 Metro stations, is scheduled to be commissioned shortly.

Recommended by the state, the Chennai Airport-Kilambakkam, Koyambedu-Pattabiram (via Avadi) and Poonamallee-Sunguvarchathiram (via Sriperumbudur) Metro Rail projects are under the active consideration of the Central government, he said.

The state government is pursuing all steps to obtain early approval from the Government of India for these additional Metro rail lines.

He said: "Government is also pursuing a proposal for Metro Rail from Hosur, Krishnagiri district, to Bommasandra in Karnataka with both the Government of India and Government of Karnataka."

Bommasandra is close to both Bengaluru and Hosur.

The government, he said, recognises the need for modernisation of the fleet of the State transport undertakings of Tamil Nadu.

Hence, he said: "With this objective, the government will operate electric buses under the gross cost contract model. During the current financial year, 1,000 new air-conditioned electric buses will be procured for the Chennai Metropolitan Transport Corporation."

A sum of Rs 500 crore has been allocated in the revised Budget Estimates to provide electrical and mechanical fixtures for these buses at the bus depots.

A sum of Rs 7,675 crore has been provided in the revised Budget Estimates as subsidy to the State transport undertakings, Rs 2,650 crore as performance gap funding, and Rs 1,005 crore as share capital assistance.

In the revised Budget Estimates, Rs 13,561 crore is being allocated for the Transport Department.

GRP Circle Officer Rajesh Dixit said the railway authorities at Gwalior alerted the GRP around 5 am that a suitcase kept near the rear end of a general coach of the train was oozing what appeared to be blood and emitting a foul smell.

After the train reached Agra Cantt station, personnel of the GRP and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) recovered the suitcase from the coach.

"When the suitcase was opened, some human body parts were found inside," Dixit said.

The remains have been sent for post-mortem examination.

The officer said the body parts were wrapped in paper carrying a Chennai logo, following which an investigation team was dispatched to Chennai.

Police are also examining CCTV footage from railway stations where the train halted to ascertain when and by whom the suitcase was placed inside the coach, he added.

Reviving one of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s most popular rural welfare initiatives, the Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday announced the return of the free milch cow distribution scheme while unveiling a new goat rearing programme for vulnerable women, signalling a renewed push to strengthen rural livelihoods through the livestock sector.

TN Budget 2026: For AI-based assistive devices, differently-abled to get 50% or Rs 30K financial assistance

For the welfare of Persons with Disabilities, the Tamil Nadu government has announced financial assistance of up to 50 percent, or up to Rs 30,000, for the purchase of AI-based assistive devices. And, for the Welfare of Differently-Abled Department, the government has allotted Rs 1,485 crore.

TN Budget 2026: Govt allocates Rs 9,818 crore for welfare of women, trans persons and senior citizens

The Tamil Nadu government has announced a series of welfare initiatives under the Social Welfare and Women Empowerment Department, with a total allocation of Rs 9,818 crore focusing on women, children, senior citizens and the transgender community.

TN Budget 2026: TVK govt blames previous DMK regime for fiscal stress, says reforms have generated Rs 15,000 crore

The TVK-led Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday accused the previous DMK regime of allowing the State's revenue-earning departments to "bleed uncontrollably" and permitting public funds to be siphoned off through middlemen.

"The previous government allowed revenue-earning departments to bleed uncontrollably, while permitting a significant portion of public money spent on works to be extracted by unscrupulous middlemen. Since assuming office, this government has made continuous efforts to plug leakages on both the revenue and expenditure sides, enabling it to mobilise nearly Rs 15,000 crore," the Budget document stated.

TN Budget 2026: A bird's eye view

Total size of the Budget

• Total Receipts: Rs 3,50,766 crore

• Total Disbursements: Rs 4,72,585 crore

• Deficit: Rs 1,21,819 crore

Sources of revenue

• State's Own Tax Revenue: Rs 2,26,740 crore

• State's Own Non-Tax Revenue: Rs 27,835 crore

• Grants-in-Aid from Union Government: Rs 32,921 crore

• Share in Central Taxes: Rs 62,531 crore

Revenue expenditure

• Salaries: Rs 91,032 crore

• Subsidies and Grants: Rs 1,74,494 crore

• Pension and Retirement Benefits: Rs 41,846 crore

• Interest Payments: Rs 78,682 crore

• Operation and Maintenance: Rs 19,748 crore

How one rupee is mobilised

• State's Own Tax Revenue – 43.3%

• Share in Central Taxes – 11.9%

• Grants-in-Aid from Union Government – 6.3%

• State's Own Non-Tax Revenue – 5.3%

• Recovery of Loans and Capital Receipts – 0.1%

How one rupee is spent

• Subsidies and Grants – 33.2%

• Salaries – 17.3%

• Interest Payments – 15.0%

• Capital Expenditure – 10.9%

• Repayment of Debt – 9.9%

• Pension and Retirement Benefits – 8.0%

• Operation and Maintenance – 3.8%

• Loan Disbursals – 1.9%

Major Sectoral Allocations In Revised Budget

Education - Rs 52,920 Crore

Rural Development - Rs 39,609 Crore

Urban Development - Rs 38,715

Health - Rs 23,357

Food and Co-Operation - Rs 22,859 Crore

Highways  - Rs 21,524

Energy - Rs 15,828 Crore

Police - Rs 14,552

Transport - Rs 13,561 Crore

Social Welfare - Rs 9,819 Crore

Water Resources - Rs 9,264 Crore

Industries and MSME - Rs 6,556 Crore

Social Justice - Rs 3,938 Crore 

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for home and law & order

• Singapenn Special Task Force for women's safety; Rs.354 crore allocated.

• 65 STING units (Special Task force for Interdiction of Narcotics and Gangs) to tackle narcotics and gangs across Tamil Nadu.

• Rehabilitation Fund for de-addiction; Rs.70 crore allocated.

• New Road Safety Policy; Rs.200 crore under the CM Accident Relief Fund and Rs.130 crore under the Road Safety Fund.

• Rs.431 crore for police residential quarters benefiting 5,000 police families.

• Rs.17,290 crore allocated to the Home, Prohibition and Excise Department.

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for governance reforms

• AI, agentic workflows and speech-to-text tools to modernise government administration.

• Quality Assurance Audit Board backed by AI to monitor file movement and decision quality.

• Governance Processes Reforms Committee under the Chief Secretary to simplify administrative procedures.

• Annual recruitment planner to be published by all recruitment agencies.

• Right to Services Act to be introduced to guarantee time-bound delivery of public services.

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for self-help groups

1. Singappenngal Valimaippaduthum Thittam – Rs.5 lakh investment subsidy for eligible SHG enterprises.

2. Rs.38,000 crore credit target for SHGs under the Annual Credit Plan.

3. Loan and subsidy sanction process to be fully computerised with integrated co-audit.

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for public distribution system

• Doorstep delivery of essential commodities for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and vulnerable communities; Rs.7.18 crore.

• Pilot supply of packaged wheat flour through PDS; Rs.18 crore.

• Rs.14,000 crore for food subsidy.

• Rs.14,830 crore allocated to the Food and Consumer Protection Department.

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for rural development

1. Vetri Veedu Thittam launched for families living in kutcha huts.

2. House construction assistance increased from Rs.3.1 lakh to Rs.5 lakh; 70,000 houses to be sanctioned at Rs.3,500 crore.

3. TN-VETRI to integrate rural infrastructure schemes, with sub-missions for water supply, sanitation, solid waste management and connectivity; Rs.6,000 crore annual allocation.

4. Rs.1,000 crore for peri-urban panchayats and Rs.100 crore for hill village panchayats under TN-VETRI.

5. MGNREGS to be implemented with Rs.12,642 crore, including Rs.5,057 crore State contribution.

6. Vetri 150 to provide an additional 25 days of employment to eligible households; Rs.100 crore annually.

7. Rs.39,609 crore allocated to the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department.

Check out the TN Budget 2026 full document here:

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for water resources

1. Government reiterates opposition to the Mekedatu project, seeks timely Cauvery releases, raising of the Mullai Periyar water level, Anaimalaiyar and Nallar dams, and the Godavari–Cauvery river link.

2. Cauvery–Vaigai–Gundar River Linking Project to begin this year; Rs.150 crore allocated.

3. Rs.50 crore for DPRs for the Pennaiyar–Cheyyar, Pennaiyar–Palar and Tamirabarani–Vaippar river-linking projects.

4. Rs.25 crore for feasibility studies to restore the Cauvery, Vaigai and Tamirabarani rivers.

5. Rs.10 crore for feasibility study on barrages across the Cauvery and Rs.10 crore for ecological restoration of the Cauvery Delta.

6. Rs.9,264 crore allocated to the Water Resources Department.

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for environment, climate change and forests

• TN-SHORE project to restore 2,500 hectares of mangroves across eight coastal districts; Rs.322 crore allocated.

• Human-wildlife conflict mitigation scheme in 100 villages across 11 districts; Rs.20 crore allocated.

• Rs.1,762 crore allocated to the Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department.

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for highways

1. Rs.9,300 crore under the Comprehensive Road Infrastructure Development Programme for four-laning state highways, bypasses, road safety works, bridges and road upgrades.

2. Safe Roads Mission to improve road design, construction, maintenance, AI-based traffic enforcement and trauma care.

3. Rs.250 crore for road repairs under Performance-Based Maintenance Contracts; defects can be reported through the Namma Salai app.

4. Rs.21,524 crore allocated to the Highways and Minor Ports Department.

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for transport

1. 1,000 new air-conditioned electric buses for Chennai MTC under the Gross Cost Contract model; Rs.500 crore for depot infrastructure.

2. Rs.7,675 crore subsidy for State Transport Undertakings, Rs.2,650 crore as performance gap funding and Rs.1,005 crore as share capital assistance.

3. Rs.13,561 crore allocated to the Transport Department.

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TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for metro rail

1. Chennai Metro Phase II (118.9 km) progressing; Poonamallee Bypass–Porur Junction stretch to open shortly.

Metro proposals awaiting Centre's approval:

Chennai Airport–Kilambakkam

Koyambedu–Pattabiram via Avadi

Poonamallee–Sunguvarchathiram via Sriperumbudur

Hosur–Bommasandra (Karnataka) Metro.

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for municipal administration and water supply

1. Chief Minister's Integrated Urban Development Mission launched with Rs.2,117 crore, covering urban infrastructure, water supply, underground sewerage, solid waste management, roads, urban transport, green spaces, water bodies, AI-driven e-governance and urban public health.

2. Intelligent Transport Management System in Chennai in final stages; comprehensive street redesign, smart parking at 20 locations, and road improvements in Ambattur and Guindy industrial estates.

3. Blue-green infrastructure projects around Chennai's water bodies to mitigate urban flooding.

4. Ring Main Pipeline project worth Rs.3,108 crore to ensure round-the-clock drinking water supply across Chennai by 2030–31.

5. People-friendly streets with pedestrian pathways, cycling lanes, junction improvements, safe school access and LED streetlights in all municipal corporations.

6. Global tenders and DPRs to restore the Cooum and Adyar rivers through river rejuvenation.

7. Rs.29,863 crore allocated to the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department.

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for housing and urban development

1. Third Master Plan (2027–2046) for the Chennai Metropolitan Area (1,189 sq km) is being prepared to guide future growth.

2. Comprehensive Master Plan to be prepared for the expanded Chennai Metropolitan Area, covering 5,904 sq km, benchmarked against global metropolitan planning frameworks; Rs.25 crore sanctioned.

3. SPEED – An AI-enabled single-window planning approval system integrating the CMDA, DTCP and local bodies to provide timely and transparent planning permissions across Tamil Nadu; Rs.40 crore allocated.

4. 24,131 multi-storied tenements under construction to be completed this year; work to begin on 14,194 additional tenements; Rs.1,253 crore allocated.

5. MY-HOME (Metropolitan Youth and Family Housing Scheme) – 1 lakh housing units to be developed in Chennai over seven years through PPP, attracting

6. Rs.15,000 crore investment, supported by Rs.3,500 crore in Viability Gap Funding and a Digital Rental Voucher system.

7. Rs.8,852 crore allocated to the Housing and Urban Development Department.

Land and industrial infrastructure:

New SIPCOT industrial parks will be established in industrially backward districts based on district-specific industrial plans and sectoral strengths, with state-of-the-art infrastructure; approximately Rs.3,200 crore over the next five years.

5. Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli will be declared a Space Industrial Investment Zone, supported by a Space Vehicle Common Technical Facility in collaboration with IN-SPACe.

6. The government will strive to establish more Multi Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs), Dry Ports, petrochemical and ancillary industries, and explore the possibility of new ports in Tamil Nadu.

7. A new Tamil Nadu Industrial Policy will be released to support innovation, emerging industries, exports and sustainable development.

8. India's first AI and Innovation City, 'Arivagam', will be developed with an AI university, semiconductor testing lab, innovation incubators and residential infrastructure; Rs.5 crore allocated for the feasibility study.

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for MSMEs and textiles

1. Tamil Nadu Women Entrepreneurs Empowerment Scheme – Rs.225 crore.

2. Capital Subsidy Scheme – Rs.352 crore.

3. Green Steel Production Initiative – Rs.300 crore over five years.

4. Tamil Nadu Institute of Design to be established

5. Technical Textiles Transformation Scheme for Entrepreneurs.

6. Tamil Nadu Palmyra Development Corporation – Rs.16 crore.

7. Tiruppur Textiles Technology Centre (TTTC) – Rs.10 crore.

El Nino Preparedness

The Tamil Nadu government has announced special measures to mitigate the impact of a potential super El Nino. A total of Rs 340 crore has been allocated from the State Disaster Response Fund to strengthen drinking water supply, augment water resources and ensure fodder availability for livestock.

Smart Meters

Finance Minister N Marie Wilson on Wednesday announced that smart meters will be installed for all electricity consumers in Chennai, alongside a new rooftop solar subsidy scheme offering up to Rs 1 lakh for households and financial support for Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in residential complexes.

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for industries

1. New Tamil Nadu Industrial Policy to promote innovation, emerging sectors and exports.

2. Guidance 3.0, an AI-powered investment service system, and Tamil Nadu Single Window Portal 3.0.

3. Non-Resident Tamil Investment Facilitation Desk to promote diaspora investment.

4. New SIPCOT industrial parks in backward districts; Rs.3,200 crore over five years.

5. Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli to become a Space Industrial Investment Zone.

6. 'Arivagam', India's first dedicated AI and Innovation City; feasibility study at Rs.5 crore.

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for agriculture

1. Crop loan waiver of Rs.5,932 crore, benefiting 14.43 lakh farmers.

2. Kuruvai Package Scheme with an outlay of Rs.134 crore.

3. Rs.7,432 crore allocated towards electricity subsidy for farmers.

4. Rs.14,984 crore allocated to the Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for animal husbandry and fisheries

1. Vetri Magalir Goat Rearing Scheme – five goats or sheep with 100% subsidy for eligible beneficiaries; Rs.110 crore.

2. 41 veterinary hospital buildings, 25 veterinary polyclinics, 210 upgraded veterinary hospitals and 143 mobile veterinary units.

3. 'Kaalnadaigal Kaappom' livestock insurance scheme; Rs.31 crore.

4. Fodder seed banks and depots; Rs.13 crore for green fodder cultivation and grazing land restoration.

5. Lean-period fishing assistance increased from Rs.6,000 to Rs.7,000 per family, benefiting 1.93 lakh families; Rs.135 crore.

6. Interest subsidy for purchase of deep-sea fishing boats; Rs.12 crore.

7. Free milch cows for 10,000 eligible women every year; Rs.57 crore.

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for energy

1. New BESS Promotion Policy to attract investment in Battery Energy Storage Systems.

2. Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme with subsidy up to Rs.1 lakh; Rs.50 crore allocated.

3. Smart meters to be introduced in Chennai and for 50 lakh industrial and commercial consumers.

4. 178 new substations and replacement of 40,000 transformers.

5. 20,000 public EV charging stations over five years; Rs.50 crore allocated.

6. Subsidy for RWAs to install EV charging stations; Rs.5 crore.

7. Free electricity entitlement increased from 100 units to 200 units for eligible households; Rs.1,545 crore allocated.

8. *Rs.18,860 crore allocated towards electricity subsidy.

TN Budget 2026: Key announcements for AI and IT

1. Tamil Nadu Artificial Intelligence Mission (TN AI Mission) to be strengthened to cover AI, Quantum Technology, AVGC-XR and AI applications across sectors.

e-Sevai 2.0 centres to be rolled out across the State.

2. 'Namma Arasu' WhatsApp Chatbot to expand from 76 to 275 public welfare services.

3. Rs.398 crore allocated to the AI, Information Technology and Digital Services Department.

MY-HOME Housing Scheme

The Tamil Nadu government has launched the MY-HOME (Metropolitan Youth and Family Housing) scheme for Chennai. To be implemented under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with an investment of Rs 15,000 crore, the project aims to construct one lakh homes over the next seven years for low-income families and young people. The government will provide Rs 3,500 crore as viability gap funding, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson announced.

Chennai Rivers Revamp

The Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to transform the Cooum and Adyar rivers into world-class urban waterways. A detailed feasibility study and project report will be prepared, with proposals including boating facilities, riverfront promenades and recreational spaces. The initiative aims to make the two rivers a new landmark for Chennai.

TN Budget 2026: Key annnouncements for Health

1. 'Thai Maaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam' – Every newborn delivered in a Government hospital will receive a 1-gram gold ring; Rs.560 crore allocated.

2. 1,000 Mobile Geriatric Treatment Centres to be introduced in phases across Tamil Nadu; Rs.33 crore allocated.

3. 'Thai Care' maternity support centres to be established for pregnant women, offering free meals, medical care and health monitoring; Rs.23 crore allocated.

4. Hub-and-Spoke Telemedicine System to connect specialist doctors with Primary Health Centres and Government hospitals, beginning with 5 hubs and 200 spokes; Rs.18.5 crore allocated.

5. Five zonal cancer care hospitals to be established under a Hub-and-Spoke model; Rs.10 crore allocated for preparing the Detailed Project Report.

6. Rs.100 crore additional allocation to ensure an uninterrupted supply of medicines for patients with hypertension, diabetes and cancer.

7. Rs.23,357 crore allocated to the Health and Family Welfare Department.

Key sectoral allocations in the 2026-27 Tamil Nadu Budget:

*.School Education Department: Rs 44,527 crore

*.Higher Education Department: Rs 8,393 crore

*.Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department: Rs 2,022 crore

*.Special Programme Implementation Department: Rs.17,150 crore

*.Cooperation Department: Rs 8,028 crore

*.Agriculture Department: Rs 14,984 crore

Livelihood support scheme

Finance Minister N Marie Wilson announced that the Tamil Nadu government will provide five goats free of cost under a 100% subsidy to widows, destitute women, transgender persons and persons with disabilities. The Budget has allocated Rs 110 crore for the livelihood support scheme.

Rural Sports Plan

The Tamil Nadu government will organise Tamil Nadu Rural Games to promote and showcase the State's traditional sports on the global stage. The Budget has earmarked Rs 42 crore for the initiative, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson announced.

Mother Care Centres

The Tamil Nadu government will establish Thai (Mother) Care service and assistance centres for pregnant women across the State. Expectant mothers nearing delivery can stay at these centres and receive free accommodation, food, medical care and continuous health monitoring. The Budget has allocated Rs 23 crore for the initiative, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson announced.

Cancer Care Expansion

The Tamil Nadu government will establish five regional cancer care hospitals under a Hub-and-Spoke model to strengthen oncology services across the State. The Budget also provides for cancer research and development, with an allocation of Rs 10 crore.

Aandror Membattu Thittam

TN Budget 2026: From anganwadis and senior citizens to disability and transgender welfare, key announcements

1. Aandror Development Scheme – Rs 250 crore allocated for tribal habitations to improve housing, roads, drinking water, streetlights, livelihood infrastructure, community assets, and education-related facilities.

2. Equal Opportunity for All – Rs 462.41 crore allocated to protect the 69% reservation policy through legal efforts and continue the 7.5% medical quota for government school students.

3. Welfare of Persons with Disabilities – Rs 1,485 crore allocated.

4. Social Welfare & Women's Rights – Rs 9,818 crore allocated.

5. Annanin Seer Scheme – Financial assistance for women's marriages with 8 grams of gold and one silk saree; Rs 812 crore allocated.

6. Secular Social Justice Initiatives – Educational assistance for minorities; Haj subsidy increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 35,000; Rs 1.05 crore for Christian and Muslim women's self-help groups; Rs 34 crore for burial ground and cemetery development.

7. Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme Expansion – Extended to Classes 6-8; benefits 15.14 lakh students; Rs 710 crore allocated.

8. New Old Age Homes – 12 new old age homes to be established across 12 districts; Rs 6.6 crore allocated.

9. Transgender Welfare – Subsidised loans for self-employment with grants up to Rs 50,000; 'Aran' shelter homes in 5 districts; short-stay homes in 15 districts.

10. Anganwadi Upgradation – 500 dilapidated Anganwadi centres to get new buildings with drinking water, toilets, electricity, and improved child-friendly infrastructure.

11. Senior Citizens' Recreation Centres – Libraries, yoga, meditation and indoor recreation facilities to be established initially in 5 districts.

TN Budget 2026: Rs 44,527 crore for education, host of youth-focused schemes

1. RS 44,527 crore allocated for school education.

2. RS 8,393 crore allocated for higher education.

3. RS 277 crore to provide helmets and bicycles to 5.32 lakh Class 11 government and aided school students in 2026–27.

4. RS 10 crore to modernise public libraries into digital libraries.

5. 12th standard syllabus to be updated to include NEET-oriented content.

6. RS 2,000 crore allocated under the Vetri Thiran Payirchi Thittam for skill development.

7. 300 government schools in urban areas to receive modern science laboratories.

8. RS 10 crore to establish Tamil Nadu Students Hostel Development Corporation (TNSHIC/SPV).

9. TN-SUDAR scheme: RS 3,200 crore project to build 200 hostels, with the government contributing RS 640 crore (20%).

10. RS 10 crore for a new initiative to strengthen AI and robotics training in government industrial training institutes (ITIs).

11. RS 3 crore for a minor and small industries apprenticeship training scheme, targeting 22,500 youth over five years.

12. RS 90 crore to establish five new industrial training institutes (ITIs).

Breakfast Scheme Expanded

The Tamil Nadu government has expanded the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme to cover students of Classes 6 to 8. The scheme will benefit 15.14 lakh students studying in 15,414 schools, with an allocation of Rs 710 crore.

As Tamil Nadu's first Budget session commenced, Opposition leaders Udhayanidhi Stalin and Edappadi K Palaniswami, along with TVK MLAs, arrived at the Assembly.

Labour Welfare Boost

The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 2,022 crore to the Labour Welfare and Skill Development Department in the 2026-27 Budget, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson announced.

TN Budget 2026: Major push for education, AI and youth skilling

1. Rs 150 crore allocated for the Vetri Thiran Payirchi Thittam (skills training scheme)

2. 12th pass students and graduates can benefit from the scheme.

3. 20,000 youth from government and private sectors will receive training annually.

4. Monthly financial assistance will be provided to eligible trainees during the training period.

5. 5,000 government school students will receive TN SPARK training.

6. A new AI Economy Mission will be launched to equip students, graduates and professionals with AI skills.

7. Five institutions will receive special financial assistance to promote AI-related education and research.

8. Rs 17,150 crore allocated for the School Education Department.

9. Rs 2,022 crore allocated for the Higher Education Department.

Drug-Free Schools

The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 7 crore for a drug abuse awareness programme in schools. Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson also announced that the Drugs Free Tamil Nadu mobile app will be strengthened to enable the public to report incidents related to the spread of narcotics.

Olympic Centres of Excellence

The Tamil Nadu government will set up 10 Olympic Centres of Excellence across the State to nurture athletes with the goal of winning Olympic gold medals. The Budget has allocated Rs 50 crore for the initiative

Hostel Upgrade Plan

The Tamil Nadu government will establish a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to improve student hostel infrastructure across the State. An initial allocation of Rs 10 crore has been made for the initiative

'Thaimaman Thanga Modhiram'

Rs 560 crore allocated for 'Thaimaman Thanga Modhiram' (Gold Ring) scheme. Under the scheme, every child born in govt hospitals to families permanently residing in Tamil Nadu will receive a one gram gold ring.

Education Department

The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 44,527 crore to the School Education Department in the Budget. Of this, Rs 2,000 crore has been earmarked for the Vetri Laptop Scheme for college students, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson announced.

'Puthiya Payanam Puthiya Vegam scheme'

The Tamil Nadu government has announced the 'Puthiya Payanam Puthiya Vegam scheme', under which 5.32 lakh Class 11 students will receive bicycles equipped with helmets and water bottles. The scheme has been allocated Rs 277 crore in the State Budget, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson said.

Finance Minister Marie Wilson is presenting the first Budget of the TVK government, outlining its fiscal roadmap and key policy initiatives for 2026-27. So far, the government has projected Rs 16,000 crore in additional revenue, including Rs 1,000 crore from a liquor production cess, and announced Rs 129 crore for the 'Super Clean, Super Campus' scheme in 10,000 government schools. It has also announced constitution of a Revenue Enhancement Committee.

The Tamil Nadu government has announced a modernisation programme for 3,734 government schools at an estimated cost of Rs 2,132 crore. An allocation of Rs 300 crore has been made for the project in the current financial year

The Tamil Nadu government has allocated Rs 25 crore for the restructuring and modernisation of the State school curriculum

Revenue Boost Plan

Finance Minister announced that the government will soon constitute a Revenue Enhancement Committee to identify measures for increasing the State's revenue.

Rs 129 crore allocated for 'Super Clean, Super Campus' scheme in 10,000 government schools

Tamil Nadu expects ₹1,000 crore from liquor production cess, ₹15,000 crore through revenue measures; Revenue Enhancement Committee to be set up, says Finance Minister Marie Wilson

Thaimaman Scheme Launch

Finance Minister N Marie Wilson announced that the Thaimaman Seer Thittam will be launched on September 15, the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister CN Annadurai.

Modern residential schools for Classes 9-12 to be set up; free uniforms and textbooks to be provided for them, says Minister Marie Wilson

Under 'Super CM', TVK government to roll out 'Super Campus' and 'Super Safety' initiatives

2036 Economic Vision

The Tamil Nadu government has reaffirmed its goal of transforming the state into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036, outlining the vision as a key long-term economic objective in the Budget. - Finance Minister Marie Wilson

TVK government will not allow public money to be looted: Finance Minister Marie Wilson reiterates anti-corruption stand

Finance Minister N Marie Wilson quoted the Thirukkural, "Pirappokkum Ella Uyirkkum Sirappovvaa Seithozhil Vettrumaiyaan" ("Birth is common to all living beings; distinction arises only from the different work they perform.") , at the start of his maiden Budget speech in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

Finance Minister N Marie Wilson began presenting the State Budget by paying tribute to the ideological leaders of the party before commencing her maiden Budget speech.

Expected announcements in focus

Ahead of the Assembly elections, the TVK had made several key promises, including a monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,500 for women heads of families until the age of 60 under the Madhippumikku Magalir Thittam and an unemployment allowance for jobless youth.

TVK-led government’s youth-focused budget will offer new purpose, direction, says Minister Aadhav

The TVK-led government’s first State Budget, which would be presented on Wednesday (August 5), would feature several major announcements across sectors, with a special focus on youth, Minister Aadhav Arjuna said.

The budget would be transformative, carrying announcements aimed at long-term planning for the next 50 years, he said. "The budget will not be a repetition of the previous years. Every department will present announcements with a new purpose and direction, because we are planning for the next 50 years, not just the next election."

CM Vijay vs LoP Udhay to spark fireworks in Budget presentation on Aug 5

Setting the stage for a fiery beginning for the Budget session of the Assembly on Wednesday, the police on Tuesday arrested opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin of the DMK on charges of making derogatory comment against actor Trisha Krishnan and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay during his speech at a protest over Cauvery water sharing in Thanjavur a day earlier. Udhayanidhi was released on station bail later in the day, as directed by the Madras High Court based on Advocate General Vijay Narayan’s submission that the State government had no intention to seek his judicial remand.

“Our Assembly strategy will be finalised on Wednesday morning. But we will raise the issue of his arrest vigorously in the House," said a DMK leader.

TVK govt to unveil maiden Budget amid fiscal constraints

The government is preparing the Budget amid severe financial constraints and limited fiscal space. Owing to the shortage of funds, it has so far refrained from announcing major welfare schemes, except for the Thaimaman Thanga Modhiram Scheme (Gold Ring scheme).

Finance, Planning and Development Minister N Marie Wilson will present his first Budget after assuming office. 

Green League: TN likely to roll out dedicated Climate Budget with Rs 3,000 cr outlay

Tamil Nadu is likely to become the second State in the country, after Odisha, to introduce a dedicated Climate Budget, with the State government expected to earmark up to Rs 3,000 crore for climate change mitigation and adaptation measures in the Budget to be presented on Wednesday.

A significant portion of the allocation is likely to be utilised for tackling coastal erosion across Tamil Nadu's 14 coastal districts, besides supporting compensation and rehabilitation measures for fishing communities affected by sea erosion and extreme weather events.

Sources added that the proposed fund could also be used for the restoration and ecological rejuvenation of the Pallikaranai marshland, one of the State's most critical wetlands, 

CHENNAI: The first Budget of the Chief Minister Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government will be presented in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Wednesday (August 5) amid a politically charged atmosphere.

1. Expected announcements: The Budget could provide clarity on TVK's poll promises, including Rs 2,500 monthly aid for women heads of families under the Madhippumiku Magalir Thittam and an unemployment allowance for jobless youth.

2. Budget being prepared amid severe financial constraints, with the govt so far avoiding major welfare announcements except for the Thaimaman Thanga Modhiram (Gold Ring) Scheme

3. Budget expected to outline govt's fiscal priorities, welfare schemes and development roadmap.

4. Budget will focus on youth and long-term development, with transformative announcements across sectors aimed at shaping Tamil Nadu over the next 50 years: Minister Aadhav Arjuna

5. The govt is also likely to unveil its "Vetri Tamilagam" (Prosperous Tamil Nadu) vision plan.

6. DMK MLAs are likely to boycott the session to protest the arrest of Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin.

7. Agriculture Budget to be presented on Thursday by Agriculture Minister R Vinoth.

8. General discussion will be followed by Demands for Grants, with the Assembly session expected to continue for around 25 days.

Presenting the Revised Budget Estimates for 2026-27 in the Assembly, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson said the government would provide free milch cows to 10,000 eligible women every year for Rs 57 crore, enabling economically weaker households to earn a sustainable income through dairy farming.

In another major welfare initiative, the government launched the 'Vetri Magalir Goat Rearing Scheme', under which five goats or sheep will be provided free of cost to destitute widows, deserted women, transpersons and persons with disabilities. The scheme, with an outlay of Rs 110 crore, is expected to benefit around 30,000 people across the State.

"The government is committed to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities by strengthening livestock-based rural economies while improving access to quality veterinary healthcare," Marie Wilson said.

The Budget also announced the 'Kaalnadaigal Kaappom' Livestock Insurance Scheme with an allocation of Rs 31 crore to protect livestock owners against financial losses.

To improve veterinary infrastructure, the government will construct 41 new veterinary hospitals, upgrade 25 hospitals into polyclinics and 210 dispensaries into veterinary hospitals, besides deploying 143 new mobile veterinary units to expand animal healthcare services in remote areas.

The Budget also provides for the establishment of fodder seed banks and warehouses and promotes green fodder cultivation and restoration of grazing lands to address feed shortages.

The Animal Husbandry, Dairying, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Department has been allocated Rs 4,880 crore.

In a significant boost to school nutrition, the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme has been renamed the 'Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme' in honour of former Chief Minister K Kamaraj, expanding it to Classes 6 to 8 in government and aided schools.

Beginning September 17, the birth anniversary of Thanthai Periyar, the expanded scheme will benefit an additional 15.14 lakh students across 15,414 schools. A budget allocation of Rs 710 crore has been earmarked for the initiative.

To promote dignified ageing, the government has allocated Rs 6.6 crore to establish 12 integrated senior citizen homes across 12 districts during the first phase, each accommodating 40 residents with caregivers, medical staff and recreational facilities. Additionally, senior citizen recreation centres with libraries, yoga, meditation and indoor sports facilities will be launched in five districts.

The government will also construct 500 new Anganwadi Centres equipped with safe drinking water, toilets and electricity to improve early childhood care.

The Budget also introduced several measures for the trans community, including skill development through the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation, subsidy-linked bank loans with assistance of up to Rs 50,000 for self-employment, 'Aran' shelter homes in five districts, and short-stay homes in 15 districts for education, employment and medical needs.

Holding strongly to traditional practices, the TN government announced Rs 812 crore for 'Annan's Seer' scheme, under which every eligible bride in the State will receive an 8-gram gold coin and a silk saree as a wedding gift.

Not covered under the existing assistive devices distribution scheme, the government has announced financial assistance of up to 50 per cent of the cost of equipment, or a maximum of Rs 30,000, for purchasing modern AI-based assistive devices.

Through this, beneficiaries can purchase sports prosthetic legs, myoelectric signal operated upper limb prostheses, other high-end assistive devices and cochlear implant batteries.

Additionally, the government has announced 'Nambikkai Illam' (trust homes) for persons with intellectual disabilities. In the first phase, the homes will be established in Thanjavur, Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Cuddalore and Virudhunagar districts.

These institutions will provide special education, early intervention services, rehabilitation and vocational training to children aged 3 years and above. In the initial stage, each institution will function as a day school with 50 students, later being upgraded to include residential facilities. For this, Rs 4 crore has been allocated.

An activist working on the rights of the differently-abled said, "We welcome the subsidy for purchase of assistive devices. However, we have placed a set of demands to the government and anticipate that to be addressed in the coming months."

Presenting the 2026-27 Budget, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson said the previous administration had failed to safeguard public finances and had allowed leakages on both the revenue and expenditure fronts.

"The previous government allowed revenue-earning departments to bleed uncontrollably, while permitting a significant portion of public money spent on works to be extracted by unscrupulous middlemen. Since assuming office, this government has made continuous efforts to plug leakages on both the revenue and expenditure sides, enabling it to mobilise nearly Rs 15,000 crore," the Budget document stated.

The Budget stressed that expenditure on welfare measures such as scholarships, free education, subsidies for entrepreneurs, the Public Distribution System (PDS) and free housing for the poor should not be viewed as largesse, but as investments in human and social capital that drive consumption and economic growth.

"The government has already taken action towards mobilising nearly Rs 15,000 crore through various measures. While the State's fiscal position remains in the red, the process of repair has begun, but it will require at least two years to restore financial stability," the Budget document said.

Taking a swipe at the previous DMK regime, the 2026-27 Tamil Nadu Budget said the former government had focused on short-term political gains, while asserting that the present TVK-led government was committed to pursuing long-term growth through consistent policies and clean governance.

In his address in the Assembly on revised budget estimates for 2026-27, the minister detailed the steps being taken to eliminate corruption. He said the chief minister remains steadfast in this resolve.

"We will not touch a single paisa of the people's tax money. We will not allow anyone to touch it. If touched, we will not spare them. And we will not spare those who have touched it in the past," he said.

The CM stands unshakeable in this resolve and seeing him and hearing his name, "we witness corrupt individuals fleeing in fear every day", Wilson said.

Before the TVK assumed office, a significant portion of tender estimates were "cornered" by few individuals and certain political parties, he alleged.

Wilson said: "The chief minister has achieved an unparalleled milestone by resolutely putting a complete end to this practice. He has also changed the earlier procedure of approval at the government's level for planning permission for multi-storied and high-rise apartment buildings."

"These approvals can now be obtained from Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) itself by delegation of powers, thereby eliminating the corruption that prevailed in the earlier process."

The DMK government was in power from May 2021 to May 2026.

While establishing transparency and integrity in tenders and project approvals, the government is now also undertaking various measures for additional revenue mobilisation.

As part of these efforts, the government has recently levied an additional privilege fee on liquor manufacturers. "This is expected to mobilise an additional annual revenue of up to Rs 1,000 crore to the exchequer."

Government is also leveraging Information Technology through initiatives such as "Faceless Assessment" under the Goods and Services Tax (GST), "Faceless Registration" in the Registration Department and end-to-end computerisation in monitoring mining activities.

Such initiatives are together expected to generate additional revenue of approximately Rs 15,000 crore for the government that will enable the implementation of many welfare schemes successfully.

To achieve growth in revenue receipts in tandem with economic growth, to expand revenue streams sustainably and to suggest measures to increase the State's tax and non-tax revenue, the government has recently constituted an expert committee on Revenue Augmentation, headed by former Deputy Chairperson of Planning Commission, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, along with five other members, he said.

Through this committee, government aims to strengthen the State's fiscal autonomy and generate the financial resources necessary to fulfil its socio-economic development commitments.

Presenting the TVK government's maiden Budget (Revised Estimates for 2026-27) in the Assembly, Wilson said the chief minister entered public life solely to pay back the debt of gratitude to the people who gave him everything. He also quoted a couplet (All are equal by birth) from Tamil classic Thirukkural before submitting Budget estimates in the House.

Referring to the 2026 Assembly polls, he said the victory of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is not merely that of a political party; it is the victory of the entire people of Tamil Nadu.

Notably, the minister hailed the CM as a real democrat saying, "he overcame numerous conspiracies to win a historic victory, for the sake of the people he loves as his own life and for the people who love him as their own, and today he sits in this House as a true Jananayagan," an obvious pun on the CM's last film by the same name, which also means "people's leader."

Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, who was arrested and later freed on station bail on August 3 and other prominent leaders from the DMK were seated in their respective seats in the House.

The minister said Vijay constantly guides them, offers counsel, and works tirelessly with the sole thought of delivering good governance to the people of the state.

"I express my heartfelt gratitude to this leader cherished by the people," he added.

The minister commnenced his speech by paying his deep respects to TVK's ideological icons 'Periyar' EV Ramasamy, former CM K Kamaraj, Dr BR Ambedkar, stalwarts of freedom struggle, Rani Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal.

Also, Wilson hailed late CMs CN Annadurai and MG Ramachandran as "people centric leaders" and said they governed democratically with unwavering focus on public welfare.

The minister said that the CM guided by the "all are equal" principle has achieved numerous accomplishments within just three months of assuming office and has earned an enduring place in the hearts of the people. "Our chief minister has brought about a massive people's revolution hitherto unseen in the political history of Tamil Nadu."

Increasing the free electricity provided to consumers with bi-monthly consumption of up to 500 units to 200 units and reducing their household expenses and a loan waiver for farmers through co-operative societies were among the initiatives he mentioned.

A special package for Kuruvai (short term) cultivation, the 'Singapenn Special Task Force' for women's safety, creation of Anti-Narcotics Task Force Units at the district level to root out the "deep-seated" drug culture in Tamil Nadu formed part of other schemes that Wilson cited.

Also, the finance minister referred to closure of 717 state-run liquor retail outlets located near educational institutions, places of worship and bus stands that disrupted "daily public life."

He also referred to the "Thaaimaaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam", (gold ring scheme for newborns) to be implemented from September 15, the birth anniversary of Annadurai, for children born in government hospitals.

The implementation of these schemes have reinforced the trust that people have placed in the TVK government, he added.

Presenting the first Budget of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government in the Assembly on Wednesday, Finance Minister N Marie Wilson said the enhanced assistance would cost the State Rs 135 crore during the current financial year.

The minister said the government would continue implementing a range of welfare measures aimed at protecting the livelihoods of fishermen and promoting the overall development of the fisheries sector. These include relief during fishing lean and ban periods, subsidised diesel and kerosene, and infrastructure projects such as fishing harbours, fish landing centres and fish farms.

In another key announcement, the minister said the government would encourage traditional fishermen to venture into deep-sea fishing by extending interest subsidy support for the purchase of deep-sea fishing boats equipped with modern fish processing facilities.

An allocation of Rs 12 crore has been made for the interest subsidy scheme in the current financial year. The initiative is expected to help fishermen modernise their operations, improve income opportunities and reduce pressure on near-shore fish resources.

The announcements are part of the TVK government's efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector while improving the socio-economic conditions of traditional fishing communities across Tamil Nadu.

Presenting the Revised Budget Estimates for 2026-27 in the Assembly, the minister said immediately upon assuming office, the TVK government released the "White Paper on Financial Management" clearly indicating that Tamil Nadu's debt has doubled over the past five years, reaching about Rs 10 lakh crore.

Further, Tamil Nadu has recorded fiscal indicators that trail behind other peer states, including state's Own Tax Revenue as a proportion of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), Revenue Deficit and Fiscal Deficit.

He said: "Interest payments and committed liabilities as proportion of the state's Total Revenue Receipts, have been rising consistently, leaving limited fiscal space for new schemes and programmes."

In these challenging circumstances, the government is working on fulfilling its commitments to the public in a phased manner, while also taking various measures to recover the state from tight fiscal position.

Firstly, the practice of requiring mandatory submission of unnecessary certificates by contractors in public tenders that had made tenders non-competitive and it has now been abolished bringing transparency to the tendering process.

Secondly, the government has discontinued the prevailing system of restricting tender eligibility to the department's own registered contractors and now, contractors registered with any government department may bid for tenders issued by any other department, subject to the prescribed pre-qualification criteria.

Thirdly, to encourage young entrepreneurs and small businesses to bid for government tenders for the first time, eligibility criteria for low-value procurements have been relaxed, giving new and emerging contractors easier access to government tenders.

He said: "The resulting increase in competition is expected to bring greater efficiency to procurement and reduce fruitless expenditure. I am happy to inform this distinguished House that these initiatives have already begun to yield positive results, delivering significant cost savings for the state."

Presenting the first Budget of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government in the Assembly, the minister said the new Rooftop Solar Subsidy Scheme would be implemented in convergence with the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Under the scheme, domestic consumers will receive a subsidy of up to Rs 1 lakh to install rooftop solar panels, helping reduce their electricity bills and supporting the transition to renewable energy. An allocation of Rs 50 crore has been made for the scheme.

The Budget also proposed installing smart meters for all consumers in Chennai and for 50 lakh industrial and commercial consumers across the rest of the State. The announcement marks a departure from the previous government's plan to install 3.04 crore smart meters for all consumers in two phases. Under that proposal, the first phase covered 1.44 crore smart meters for all low-tension three-phase consumers, single-phase consumers with bi-monthly consumption above 400 units, all high-tension (HT) consumers and distribution transformers, while the remaining consumers were to be covered in the second phase after successful completion of the first. The phased rollout was also expected to delay the implementation of monthly electricity billing.

To promote electric mobility, the government announced that 20,000 public EV charging stations would be established over the next five years through the public-private partnership (PPP) mode, with Rs 50 crore allocated in the current financial year. It also announced a Rs 5 crore subsidy scheme for RWAs to install EV charging stations in residential complexes.

The government also proposed constructing 178 new substations at a cost of Rs 1,543 crore and replacing 40,000 ageing transformers in phases with an investment of Rs 2,000 crore.

The Budget announced major transmission projects, including the Rs 4,000 crore Coimbatore-Ariyalur 765 KV transmission line under the PPP mode, strengthening ultra-high voltage transmission infrastructure in Chennai and surrounding areas at a cost of Rs 1,390 crore, expediting the Rs 1,187 crore Green Energy Corridor Phase II and the Rs 1,640 crore Virudhunagar-Coimbatore 765 KV transmission project, besides securing financial assistance for the Rs 6,884 crore Phase III of the Green Energy Corridor project, which will be capable of evacuating 11,760 MW of renewable energy.

To address rising electricity demand, projected to exceed 37,000 MW by 2035-36, the government will introduce a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Promotion Policy to attract private investment and position Tamil Nadu as India's "BESS Hub".

The government said the power sector would play a key role in achieving Tamil Nadu's vision of becoming a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036. It announced that the Udangudi Stage I and Ennore SEZ thermal power projects, together adding 2,640 MW of generation capacity, would be expedited. The Rs 8,000 crore Ennore Thermal Power Station Expansion Project will be implemented through the PPP mode, while the Rs 5,050 crore Vellimalai Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Project will also be fast-tracked.

The Budget allocated Rs 1,545 crore towards increasing the free electricity entitlement from 100 units to 200 units for domestic consumers with bi-monthly consumption of up to 500 units. It also earmarked Rs 18,860 crore for electricity subsidies, Rs 5,000 crore as compensation to the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, and Rs 15,828 crore for the Energy Department in the Revised Budget Estimates.

Presenting the first Budget of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government in the Assembly, Finance Minister N Maria Wilson said the proposed Space Technology Investment District would be anchored around ISRO's upcoming rocket launch facility at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district.

The minister said the government would establish a Space Vehicle Common Technical Facility in collaboration with IN-SPACe, the Centre's agency responsible for promoting and facilitating private sector participation in the space sector. The facility will provide world-class infrastructure for private companies, startups and research organisations operating in the space technology ecosystem.

He also announced the creation of an AI Technology City, named "Arivagam", to support companies working in artificial intelligence, deep-tech and quantum technologies.

The proposed city will house an Artificial Intelligence University, an international skill development centre, semiconductor manufacturing and testing laboratories, innovation incubators and modern residential facilities. It will function as a dedicated hub for implementing both government and private AI initiatives.

To prepare the project, the government has earmarked Rs 5 crore for a feasibility study, the minister said.

The government has allocated Rs 8,393 crore to the Higher Education department for 2026-27, down from Rs 8,494 crore in the previous financial year, marking a reduction of Rs 101 crore.

Stakeholders pointed out that inadequate funding for higher education has been a long-standing concern, with State universities grappling with financial constraints for nearly a decade. They said many had expected the new government to address the funding crisis, but the latest Budget has instead reduced the allocation compared to the previous financial year.

Educationists and professors questioned the rationale behind the cut, saying that at a time when universities require greater financial support and new academic initiatives, reducing the department's allocation was unacceptable. They argued that the Budget should have provided additional funds to strengthen higher education rather than scaling back allocations.

Despite the reduction in the overall allocation, the government announced several new initiatives for the sector.

A major announcement was the launch of the TN-SUDAR Scheme, under which 200 integrated student hostels with a total capacity of one lakh beds will be constructed across the State. The project, estimated to cost Rs 3,200 crore, will be implemented with participation from both the government and the private sector.

The hostels will feature air-conditioned digital libraries and other modern amenities to improve the learning environment for students.
To implement the project, the government will establish the Tamil Nadu Student Hostels and Infrastructure Corporation (TNHSC) with an initial capital of Rs 10 crore. It will also provide Rs 640 crore, equivalent to 20 per cent of the project cost, as a construction grant.

The Budget also announced the Vetri Laptop Scheme, with an allocation of Rs 2,000 crore to provide laptops to students and strengthen digital learning.

The government further reiterated its demand for the abolition of the NEET examination and maintained that admissions to medical courses should be based on Class 12 marks.

The government also allotted over Rs 1300 crore for two gold assistance schemes-- both key promises of the TVK, while asserting steps were being taken to bring Tamil Nadu out of "financial crunch."

Reiterating that the TVK regime opposes NEET, Wilson urged the Centre to scrap the qualifying test and revert to the old method of medical admissions based on class 12 marks.

The minister said Rs 812 crore is the allocation for the "gold coin, silk saree scheme" for women beneficiaries, wherein eight gm gold and a silk saree would be provided to brides during their wedding.

The government has allotted Rs 560 crore for the gold ring scheme for newborns in government hospitals, an electoral assurance of the Vijay-led TVK and Rs 2,000 crore to the laptop scheme for college students under the "Vettri Madikanini Thittam."

Further, the Haj subsidy for first time pilgrims through the Haj Committee will be increased to Rs 35,000 from Rs 25,000, he noted.

Wilson said several steps were being taken to bring the state out of "financial crunch". The TVK government had earlier issued a "white paper" on state finances, saying the outstanding debt stood at around Rs 10 lakh crore.

He said CM Vijay had made a big achievement by stopping "cut" in tenders to some parties and individuals and assured steps to ensure that revenue directly reached the government treasury.

He also listed reformative initiatives, including transparency in tenders.

The minister announced a modernisation plan for schools (Palli Niraivu Thittam) and set apart Rs 300 crore for it for the current year.

He earmarked Rs 125 crore for ultra modern government residential schools (for students from class 9 to 12 ) scheme named after iconic leader, former chief minister K Kamaraj. For the "Drug-free TN" plan, Rs 7 crore has been earmarked.

The minister listed initiatives of the TVK regime such as closure of 717 liquor outlets and 200 units of free power to domestic consumers.

He outlined steps under the visionary schemes, which includes women empowerment and upholding social justice and housing for all.

“He doesn’t even have the basic fitness to serve as a Member of the Legislative Assembly or the Leader of the Opposition. Such a mindset is completely unacceptable for public office,” Nirmalkumar asserted. He further emphasised the broader social implications of such remarks made by prominent figures.

“When a Leader of the Opposition, not just an ordinary person, speaks so vulgarly in a public forum, what kind of impact will this have?” he asked, demanding immediate and strict legal action. “Whoever speaks vulgarly against women in public must face legal consequences. The police should arrest them immediately, “ he added.

Meanwhile, Nirmalkumar lauded his party’s president, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, for his handling of the situation. “Our leader, Vijay, is doing exactly what Amma (J Jayalalithaa) or Puratchi Thalaivar MGR would have done if they were here,” he said.

The minister also launched a scathing attack on AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, accusing him of “political opportunism” and failing to defend his party’s legacy. “Palaniswami is hiding behind the DMK. When Udhayanidhi spoke derogatorily about ‘Amma’ in the past, Palaniswami was the Chief Minister. He didn’t take any action then; he just watched quietly,” he added.

Sources said Srinivasan (64), a retired bank employee from Narasimhapuram in Karur, along with his brothers Arunan (62) and Suresh (61), also retired bank staff, had lost their mother three days ago. They wanted to immerse the ashes in the Cauvery following the funeral.

All three siblings came to Nerur on the banks of the Cauvery in Karur. They got into the water, and Srinivasan accidentally went into the deeper part of the river.

Shocked, his brothers Arunan and Suresh jumped to rescue him; however, all three drowned. The kin who accompanied them raised an alarm.

The public rushed to the spot, rescued them and sent them to a private hospital, but the doctors who checked them declared them dead.

Vangal police retrieved the bodies and sent them to Karur Government Medical College Hospital. A case was registered, and a probe is on.

The protesters gathered near the Kancheepuram Collectorate, demanding that the State government withdraw the SIPCOT project. The protest was led by Indian Farmers' Association vice-president Dilli Babu, along with farmers, villagers and members of various political parties.

According to the protesters, the proposed industrial park is planned across nearly 803 acres covering the villages of Marudham, Tirupulivanam, Pulivai and Karuveppampoondi. They claimed that the land identified for the project includes agricultural fields as well as lakes, ponds and other water bodies that are vital for irrigation.

The Marudham SIPCOT proposal was first announced by the previous government but was kept on hold after the Assembly election announcement following strong opposition from farmers. Protesters now allege that the present government has revived the project and officials have resumed preliminary preparations.

Raising slogans against the project, the protesters said the industrial park would affect the livelihood of hundreds of agricultural families and damage the region's ecological balance. They urged the government to protect agricultural land and not convert it for industrial use.

Farmer associations warned that if the authorities continue with the project despite public opposition, they would intensify their protest in the coming days.

Until now, foundational training for Group A and Group B officers has been conducted through the A and B Foundational Training Institute. Among the officers recruited through the Group 1 Examination, candidates appointed as assistant director of rural development, deputy superintendent of police, employment officer, and certain other posts have been undergoing training at the A and B Foundational Training Institute, where they are required to pass the final examination as a condition for the successful completion of training.

The fresh order issued by the State government said that all officers recruited through the Group 1 Examination would undergo a six-week training programme at the Anna Administrative Staff College. At the end of the programme, they must secure at least 50 per cent marks out of a total of 450 in the final examination.

The Government Order, however, has created confusion regarding its applicability to Group A officers. Officers selected through the Group 1 Examination are appointed to Group B services, while Group A posts are generally filled through promotion rather than direct recruitment.

Despite this, the Government Order states that Group A officers must also pass the probation examination and that their probation will be declared only upon qualifying. Since many Group A officers have already completed their probation in their previous lower-level posts before being promoted.

Eligibility: Open to meritorious girl students across India who have scored 75% or more (or equivalent CGPA) in their Class 12 board examinations.

Prizes & Rewards: Selected students will receive Rs 1.5 lakh per year till the completion of their professional graduation degree.

Last Date to Apply: August 20

Application mode: Online applications only

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