Government Increases Insurance Limit Fivefold, Provides Cars to Legislators

Chennai – In a landmark policy shift announced on Wednesday, Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay revealed that the state's flagship health insurance program will now cover up to ₹25 lakh per family, a five‑times increase over the earlier ceiling of ₹5 lakh. The decision targets universal health coverage, aiming to eliminate economic and regional obstacles that prevent citizens from accessing quality treatment.

Speaking under Assembly Rule 110, Vijay highlighted that health care should be a basic right, not a privilege for those who can pay. He positioned the expanded coverage as a cornerstone of the government's broader effort to strengthen the public health network.

Simultaneously, the chief minister announced an extensive assistance package for all 234 members of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. The package includes a state‑provided automobile, a dedicated driver, a monthly fuel and maintenance stipend of ₹75,000, and a ₹25,000 allowance for a constituency secretary. These provisions aim to facilitate legislators’ fieldwork, improve oversight of development projects, and promote a corruption‑free administration.

The logistics plan was prompted by VCK MLA Jothimani’s request for better support to enable efficient constituency work. The government did not reveal the total cost or the precise rollout timeline for these new benefits.