TN finance minister presents maiden budget; AI city, gold gifts for brides and new borns, financial assistance for higher education among key announcements
State Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson on Wednesday presented the maiden budget of Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam-led coalition government in Tamil Nadu. In his budget speech that lasted for nearly two hours and 30 minutes, he announced the budget describing it as the future deciding document. Calling it as the blueprint for the state’s next 50 years rather than a routine annual exercise, he focused on economic growth, infrastructure development, social welfare, employment generation and sustainable development.
He announced country’s first AI and innovation city in Tamil Nadu, naming it Arivagam- The city for artificial intelligence and deep tech development will have all facilities including an AI University, an International Skill Development Centre, a semiconductor hardware testing lab, multi-domain innovation incubators and modern residential infrastructure. A feasibility of around Rs 5 crore has been undertaken for the project.
The coastal state, a hub for fisheries, also announced an increase in the lean period fishing assistance for traditional fishermen from Rs to 7,000 per family, benefiting 1.93 lakh traditional fishermen families, with an allocation of Rs 135 crore. In the revised budget estimates, Rs 14,984 crores have also been allocated to the Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Department.
In terms of women welfare, maternity care and support centres under the name of ‘Thai Care’ have been announced for pregnant women who can stay at these centres to receive care as their delivery date approaches. Free meals, medical support and continuous health monitoring will also be offered at these centres with an allocation of Rs 23 crores. Additionally, the finance minister announced, ‘Thai Maaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam scheme’ in regards to deliveries at the government hospitals. Under this scheme, every newborn delivered in a government hospital will receive a one-gram gold ring as “a gift from their beloved Thai Mamman, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, commemorating the birth of the child and celebrating the joy and significance of motherhood,” informed Mr. Wilson. A sum of Rs 560 crore is provided in the Revised Budget Estimates for this scheme, he added.
For the benefit of senior citizens, 1,000 mobile geriatric treatment centers will also be introduced in phased manner across the state. An amount of Rs 33 crores has been allocated for this scheme, announced the state minister.
In the social welfare sector, for children with intellectual disabilities, government institutions under the name Nambikai Illam will be established in Thanjavur, Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Cuddalore and Virudhunagar district. These institutions will provide special education, early intervention services, rehabilitation and vocational training to children aged three and above. Moving further onto higher education, a scholarship under the name, ‘Annal Ambedkar Overseas Higher Education Scholarship Scheme’. Under the scheme, a maximum financial support of Rs 36 lakh per student will be provided for pursuing higher education in renowned international universities. During the current year, the scheme will benefit 362 students at the cost of Rs 131 crore, the biggest ever sanction made under the scheme.
For the youth of Tamil Nadu, Vetri Skill Training Scheme is announced to empower 13 lakh youth with industry-aligned skills and internships.Besides, the Tamil Nadu government will present an eight-gram (one-sovereign) gold coin and a silk saree as ‘Annan Seer’ (Elder Brother’s Gift) to eligible women on the day of their wedding. An allocation of ₹812 crore has been made in the Revised Budget Estimates for the scheme, which was part of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) election promise.