Tamil Nadu budget highlights: USD 1.5 trillion economy target, Vetri laptop scheme, no-NEET push

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N Marie Wilson presented the TVK government's first Budget in the Assembly on Wednesday (August 5) , setting out spending plans, education measures, welfare schemes and steps to address the state's finances. The Budget sets a target of making Tamil Nadu a USD 1.5 trillion economy by 2031.

Changes in tender system

Wilson praised Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for ending the practice of "cut" in tenders given to certain parties and individuals. She said the administration had moved away from awarding government contracts to a limited circle of preferred entities or political affiliates.

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Transparency in the tender process was among the changes cited by the minister.

Wilson said Tamil Nadu's financial liabilities had doubled during the preceding five years and that several measures were being taken to pull the state out of its "financial crunch." The Budget proposes a special levy on liquor production units, from which the government expects about Rs 1,000 crore in extra revenue.

Renews demand to scrap NEET

The TVK government reiterated its opposition to NEET. Wilson called on the Centre to abolish the entrance test and restore medical admissions based on Class 12 public examination marks.

Rs 300 crore for 3,734 government schools

School education received a large allocation in the Budget. The government has set aside Rs 300 crore this year for work at 3,734 government schools across Tamil Nadu.

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The School Education Department has been allotted Rs 44,527 crore, while Rs 8,393 crore has been earmarked for the Higher Education Department.

'Super Clean, Super Campus' to cover 10,000 schools

The government will introduce the 'Super Clean, Super Campus' scheme in 10,000 schools during its first phase, with Rs 139 crore allocated for the programme.

Schools covered by the scheme will receive daily cleaning services along with maintenance of drinking water facilities and toilets. The programme also provides round-the-clock campus protection.

'Vetri Laptop Scheme' announced

College students will receive laptops under the newly announced 'Vetri Laptop Scheme.' The devices are intended for digital learning and access to academic resources.

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The government will establish residential schools under the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Model Schools scheme at an initial cost of Rs 125 crore.

Students from Classes 9 to 12 will receive education, accommodation and healthcare without any charge to their families.

Law college in Madurai, five new ITIs

A Special Law College will be established in Madurai. Five new Industrial Training Institutes will also be set up across Tamil Nadu, at an estimated cost of Rs 90 crore.

Existing welfare programmes to continue

Wilson said the government would continue the scheme providing 200 units of free electricity and the specialised rapid response force for women's safety.

The Finance Minister told the Assembly that every electoral promise would be fulfilled in phases. She also praised Vijay's entry into public service as arising from a moral obligation to the people and said his administration had gone beyond its initial promises in pursuing social equity.

(With agency inputs)