CHENNAI: The State government has allocated Rs 1,996 crore to the Labour Welfare and Skill Development department in the 2026–27 Interim Budget. The allocations are to support existing welfare and skill development programmes, with no major new structural initiatives outlined in the labour sector.
The budget said 41 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have been established with an allocation of Rs 298 crore. Further, 71 ITIs have been upgraded to Industry 4.0 Technology Centres at a cost of Rs 2,877 crore to support training in advanced, technology-driven sectors.
On labour welfare, the government said Rs 3,397 crore has been disbursed over the past five years to 38.62 lakh unorganised workers. The measures include health check-ups and the issuance of health cards to construction workers aged 40 or above registered with the Construction Workers Welfare Board.
In the fireworks sector, families of workers who die in workplace accidents are being provided monthly maintenance assistance and educational support for children up to the age of 18, the budget noted.
The government also highlighted welfare measures for gig workers. Under the Tamil Nadu Platform-Based Gig Workers Welfare Board, a subsidy of Rs 20,000 is being provided to 2,000 workers to purchase electric two-wheelers.
41 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have been established with an allocation of Rs 298 crore
71 ITIs have been upgraded to Industry 4.0 Technology Centres at a cost of Rs 2,877 crore to support training in advanced, technology-driven sectors
Rs 3,397 crore has been disbursed over the past five years to 38.62 lakh unorganised workers
2,000 platform-based gig workers to get Rs 20,000 to purchase electric two-wheelers