Chennai: Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson on Wednesday presented the maiden Budget of the TVK government, outlining a fiscal roadmap centred on revenue mobilisation, education infrastructure and long-term economic growth, while setting a target of transforming the state into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036.
Presenting the Budget for 2026-27 in the State Assembly, Wilson said the government expects to mobilise an additional Rs 16,000 crore through various measures. Of this, Rs 15,000 crore is projected to come from revenue-enhancement initiatives, while another Rs 1,000 crore is expected from a cess on liquor production.
The Finance Minister also announced that a Revenue Enhancement Committee would soon be constituted to identify new avenues for augmenting the State’s income and strengthening its finances.
Education emerged as a key focus of the government’s first Budget, with Wilson announcing a major modernisation programme covering 3,734 government schools across Tamil Nadu.
The programme, estimated to cost Rs 2,132 crore, will focus on upgrading infrastructure and improving facilities.
The government has allocated Rs 300 crore for the project in the current financial year. Another Rs 25 crore has been earmarked for restructuring and modernising the state school curriculum.
The government also announced Rs 129 crore for the “Super Clean, Super Campus” initiative, which will be implemented in 10,000 government schools. The programme is aimed at improving cleanliness and maintenance standards across school campuses.
On the welfare front, Wilson announced that the Thaimaman Seer Thittam, one of the TVK government’s flagship initiatives, would be launched on September 15, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai.
The Budget also reiterated the government’s ambitious long-term economic vision of making Tamil Nadu a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036.
The target is expected to guide the government’s policies on investment, infrastructure, industrial development and employment generation over the coming decade.
Beginning his maiden Budget speech, Wilson invoked the Thirukkural, quoting, “Pirappokkum Ella Uyirkkum Sirappovvaa Seithozhil Vettrumaiyaan”, underscoring the principle that all are equal by birth and distinction arises from their deeds.
The maiden Budget is being closely watched as the TVK government seeks to balance its development and welfare commitments with the state’s fiscal constraints.
(IANS)
