The TVK government in Tamil Nadu presented its inaugural state budget in the legislative assembly, featuring a wide spectrum of welfare programs, educational incentives, and administrative reforms. Finance Minister N. Mary Wilson delivered the budget speech, placing strong emphasis on women's empowerment, student welfare, sports development, and enhanced transparency in government procurement. The financial roadmap aims to steer the state away from its fiscal stress through anti-corruption measures and targeted sector-wise funding.
Welfare Schemes for Women and Pilgrims
Among the headline social security initiatives is the newly introduced Gold Coin and Silk Saree Scheme aimed at supporting women. The state government has set aside ₹812 crore for the implementation of this welfare program. Concurrently, to support religious pilgrimages, the government announced an increase in the subsidy provided to individuals embarking on the Haj pilgrimage for the first time. The financial grant has been raised from ₹25,000 to ₹35,000 per pilgrim.
Modern Bicycles for Class 11 School Students
Focusing on the student community and Gen-Z youth, the budget outlines a major distribution drive for Class 11 students enrolled in government and government-aided schools across Tamil Nadu. Beneficiaries will receive modern bicycles equipped with essential accessories including safety helmets and water bottles. The state has earmarked a total financial outlay of ₹277 crore to cover the costs of this educational welfare drive.
Tender Reforms and Stand Against NEET Exam
During her presentation, Finance Minister N. Mary Wilson commended Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay for curbing tender commissions and eliminating kickbacks across state procurement projects. She highlighted that enforcing strict transparency in government contracts has yielded vital financial recovery for the state exchequer. Furthermore, the minister reiterated the administration's firm opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). She called upon the Central government to scrap the nationwide examination and reinstate the previous system of admitting students to medical courses based on their Class 12 board examination marks.
Sports Infrastructure and Anti-Drug Campaign
With an objective to keep youth away from drug abuse and foster athletic excellence, the budget lays out plans for state-wide sports infrastructure. The TVK administration will establish 10 Olympic Special Centers across Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the government announced the organization of the Tamil Nadu Rural Sports Competitions with a dedicated allocation of ₹42 crore to nurture grassroots athletic talent.
Department-Wise Budget Allocations
To ensure balanced socio-economic growth, the state budget outlined sector-specific financial distributions across various government departments
- Health Department: ₹23,357 crore
- Electricity Department: ₹15,828 crore
- Social Welfare Department: ₹9,818 crore
- Housing and Urban Development Department: ₹8,852 crore
- Cooperation Department: ₹8,028 crore
- Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries Department: ₹4,880 crore
- Industries Department: ₹4,414 crore
- Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Department: ₹2,142 crore
- Handloom and Textiles Department: ₹1,678 crore
- Welfare of Differently Abled Persons Department: ₹1,485 crore
