New Tamil Nadu budget to pave way for development

Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented the Tamil Nadu government budget for 2025-26 in the Legislative Assembly, introducing several initiatives focused on government employees, students, and rural development. The earned leave surrender procedure will be re-implemented, benefiting 9 lakh government employees and teachers. Additionally, 20 lakh college students will receive handheld computers or laptops, and one lakh new houses will be constructed in rural areas at a cost of Rs. 3,500 crore.
To strengthen higher education, the government plans to establish new government arts and science colleges in 10 locations. One lakh students will be provided educational loans worth Rs. 2,500 crore. In the industrial sector, SIDCO industrial parks will be set up in nine districts, and 3,000 new buses will be purchased at a cost of Rs. 1,031 crore. These announcements have been widely appreciated across party lines.
One of the most notable aspects of the budget is the strong focus on women's empowerment. The "Vidiyal Payanam" scheme has significantly increased women’s bus travel by 65%, with over 50 lakh women using free buses daily. This initiative enables women to save up to Rs. 888 per month on travel expenses.
The Women's Entitlement Scheme continues to provide financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 per month to lakhs of women, with an increased allocation of Rs. 13,877 crore to expand its reach. Furthermore, the budget introduces property registration benefits for women. From April 1, if houses, plots, or agricultural land worth up to Rs. 10 lakh are registered in a woman’s name, the registration fee will be reduced by 1%.
Encouraging female entrepreneurship, the government has unveiled a five-year master plan to create one lakh women entrepreneurs. Under this scheme, women will receive bank loans of up to Rs. 10 lakh with a 20% subsidy, along with skill development training to help them start businesses. This year, Rs. 225 crore has been allocated for subsidy assistance.
To support the education of economically weaker girl students, the Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Pudumaipen Scheme provides ₹1,000 per month. The government has earmarked Rs. 420 crore for this initiative in the current year. Additionally, the “Dhozhi Hostels” scheme, currently operating in 13 locations such as Trichy and Tambaram, will be expanded further to provide safe accommodations for working women and students.
The Self-Help Group (SHG) program is also set to expand. The government has set a target of Rs. 37,000 crore in bank loans to support SHGs, adding 1,000 new groups to the existing 4 lakh SHGs that are already operational.
Despite opposition criticism, the 2025-26 Tamil Nadu budget has been widely welcomed and is seen as a progressive step toward social justice and economic development. It is no exaggeration to say that this budget has set Tamil Nadu on a successful path forward.
Tamil Nadu congratulates Chief Minister MK Stalin and Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu for this visionary budget!