Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu unveiled the State’s interim Budget for 2026-27 at Fort St. George, focusing on welfare schemes, education, sports development, and cultural infrastructure ahead of the Assembly elections. The Budget includes relief materials worth ₹197 crore sent to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis, showcasing Tamil Nadu’s commitment to humanitarian aid. Noteworthy allocations comprise ₹718 crore for sports development, ₹28,687 crore for the Rural Development Department, and ₹17,088 crore for the Special Programme Implementation Department.
Social welfare remains a priority with ₹5,463 crore allocated for pension schemes benefiting widows, destitute women, and the elderly. The education sector sees significant funding with ₹48,534 crore allocated for School Education and ₹8,505 crore for Higher Education. Additionally, ₹1,471 crore is earmarked for the welfare of Persons with Disabilities, emphasizing the government’s commitment to their empowerment. The Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme has notably enhanced student attendance and learning outcomes in government schools.
The government proposes the establishment of various museums to boost heritage and tourism, including the Chola Museum in Thanjavur, museums in Gangaikondacholapuram and Erode district, and new galleries at the Egmore Government Museum in Chennai. A Tamil Cultural Museum in Tiruvannamalai is also planned, with a total outlay of ₹285 crore for these projects. The recently inaugurated Keezhadi and Porunai museums have received positive feedback.
The Budget also highlights schemes like the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, recognizing women’s unpaid household labor with a monthly entitlement of ₹1,000. The government’s initiatives, such as providing ₹5,000 credit to 1.31 crore women beneficiaries, have garnered national attention. Thennarasu describes the Budget as development-focused, aiming to boost exports, control inflation, safeguard workers’ welfare, and empower women’s self-help groups, while achieving significant growth in food production.
