Gold, laptops and no cuts: Vijay govt goes big in TN maiden Budget

Mangalore Today News Network

Chennai, Aug 5, 2026: Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson on Tuesday presented the TVK government’s first Budget in the Assembly, unveiling a series of welfare measures and infrastructure initiatives while outlining plans to address the state’s financial challenges.

The Budget earmarks over ₹1,300 crore for two major gold assistance schemes promised by the ruling TVK. Of this, ₹812 crore has been allocated for the Gold Coin and Silk Saree Scheme, under which eligible women will receive eight grams of gold and a silk saree for their wedding.

Another ₹560 crore has been set aside for a gold ring scheme for babies born in government hospitals.

To support higher education, the government has allocated ₹2,000 crore under the Vettri Madikanini Thittam to provide laptops to college students.

Reaffirming the government’s opposition to NEET, Wilson urged the Centre to abolish the medical entrance examination and restore admissions based on Class 12 marks.

The Budget also proposes increasing the Haj subsidy for first-time pilgrims travelling through the Haj Committee from ₹25,000 to ₹35,000.

Addressing the state’s finances, Wilson said the government was taking steps to pull Tamil Nadu out of its "financial crunch." He noted that the TVK government had earlier released a white paper estimating the state’s outstanding debt at around ₹10 lakh crore.

The Finance Minister credited Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay with ending the alleged practice of "cuts" in government tenders and said the administration was introducing greater transparency to ensure public revenue reaches the state treasury directly.

Among other key announcements, the Budget allocates ₹300 crore for the Palli Niraivu Thittam to modernise government schools and ₹125 crore to establish ultra-modern residential schools for students from Classes 9 to 12 under a scheme named after former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj.

The government has also earmarked ₹7 crore for the Drug-Free Tamil Nadu initiative.

Highlighting the government’s achievements, Wilson said the TVK administration had already closed 717 liquor outlets and implemented 200 units of free electricity for domestic consumers. He added that the government’s future focus would remain on women’s empowerment, social justice, education and housing for all.