- By Aditya Pratap Singh
- Wed, 05 Aug 2026 07:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Tamil Nadu Budget 2026: The Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) government in Tamil Nadu, led by Chief Minister Vijay, presented its maiden state budget on Wednesday after registering a landslide victory in its debut election earlier this year.
Finance Minister Dr N Marie Wilson tabled the financial roadmap in the Legislative Assembly. The budget introduces allocations for many welfare schemes targeting youth, women, children, and the elderly. The government's first budget has set a long-term goal of achieving a $1.5 trillion economy for the state by 2031.
Tamil Nadu Budget 2026 Overview: Key Highlights of TVK Govt’s Maiden Budget
'Gold and Saree Scheme: In a major social welfare move, the government has allocated Rs 812 crore for the "Annan Seer Thittam" scheme. Under this initiative, eligible brides in the state will receive an 8-gram gold coin and a silk saree, underscoring the government's commitment to supporting families during significant life events.
Education and Skill Development: The government has prioritised education with a significant allocation of Rs 44,527 crore for the School Education Department and Rs 8,393 crore for the Higher Education Department. This includes the 'Vetri Madiganini Thittam,' a Rs 2,000 crore laptop scheme for college students, and an ambitious plan to train 50,000 students in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by 2031.
Infrastructure and Modernisation: The budget includes Rs 300 crore for the 'Palli Niravu Thittam' scheme to modernise 3,734 schools, alongside a new 'Super Clean, Super Campus' initiative funded with Rs 139 crore for the first phase, aiming to improve hygiene, water facilities, and 24x7 security across 10,000 schools.
Welfare for Women and Newborns: Beyond the marriage assistance scheme, the government has allocated Rs 560 crore for a gold ring scheme for newborns in government hospitals, fulfilling a key election promise.
Sports and Minority Welfare: The government has earmarked Rs 5.50 crore for the establishment of 10 Olympic Centres of Excellence to boost international sporting standards. Additionally, the Hajj pilgrimage subsidy for the elderly has been increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 35,000, and Rs 34 crore has been designated for the development of Muslim burial grounds.
Additionally, the Finance Minister also addressed broader fiscal strategies, noting that the government plans to raise Rs 1,000 crore in additional revenue through a special levy on liquor manufacturing units.