Tamil Nadu’s Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu unveiled the 2026-27 interim budget in the state assembly today, crafting a narrative of compassion, progress, and cultural pride just before elections. The presentation at historic Fort St. George emphasized transformative investments in social security, schooling, athletics, and heritage sites.
Amid global challenges, the state extended Rs 197 crore in aid to crisis-hit Sri Lanka, exemplifying Tamil Nadu’s role as a benevolent neighbor.
Sports enthusiasts will cheer the Rs 718 crore infusion for development programs. Rural sectors secure Rs 28,687 crore to drive grassroots development, while Rs 17,088 crore goes to special implementation projects, including Tamil language promotion overseas with Rs 10 crore.
Pension schemes for vulnerable groups—widows, abandoned women, and seniors—bag Rs 5,463 crore. School education commands Rs 48,534 crore, higher education Rs 8,505 crore, reflecting a robust push for youth empowerment.
Differently-abled citizens benefit from Rs 1,471 crore, backed by policy assurances on 4% job reservations and career advancements. The breakfast initiative in government schools has proven a game-changer, boosting enrollment and academic performance.
In a nod to the state’s rich legacy, Rs 285 crore funds ambitious museum projects: majestic Chola exhibits in Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram museum, regional museums in Erode and Ramanathapuram, enhanced galleries in Chennai’s Egmore Museum, and a new Tamil cultural hub in Tiruvannamalai. Buzz around new Kizhadhi and Porunai facilities shows public enthusiasm.
The flagship women’s honorarium scheme, offering Rs 1,000 monthly, celebrates homemakers’ contributions and has become a model for India, as per Thennarasu.
Overall, this budget paints an optimistic picture, prioritizing people-centric growth and cultural renaissance in Tamil Nadu.