CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu finance minister Thangam Thennarasu on Tuesday commenced the presentation of the Interim Budget for 2026-27 in the State Legislative Assembly, with the budget being tabled ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections. As an election-year exercise, the interim budget outlines expenditure approvals and key allocations to ensure continuity of government programmes until a full budget is presented by the next government.
Key announcements so far:
• 30 co-working spaces to be set up across Tamil Nadu at a cost of Rs 104 crore.• Rs 28,687 crore allocated for the Rural Development Department.• Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu announced that an additional one lakh houses will be constructed under the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam housing scheme.• Municipal Administration and Water Supply (MAWS) Department receives Rs 28,821 crore.• MAWS allocation sees a Rs 2,143 crore increase compared to last year’s Rs 26,678 crore.• The increase is aimed at boosting urban projects and civic infrastructure works.• Rs 285 crore allocated for the construction of new museums across Tamil Nadu.• School Education Department receives Rs 48,534 crore, marking an increase from last year’s Rs 46,767 crore.• Higher Education Department allocated Rs 8,505 crore, up from Rs 8,494 crore in the previous financial year.• Rs 1,471 crore earmarked for the Differently-Abled Welfare Department.• Rs 718 crore allocated to the Sports and Youth Welfare Department.• The Finance Minister stated that 1.3 crore women beneficiaries have been considered under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai (KUMT) scheme, reaffirming the government’s commitment to welfare assistance.• The government highlighted the impact of the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme, stating it has improved school attendance and learning outcomes over the past four years.• 1,123 projects under Singara Chennai 2.0 have been completed, according to the minister. Earlier in the day, MLAs, including members of the opposition AIADMK, were seen arriving at the State Secretariat ahead of the budget session. More details are expected as the Finance Minister continues the budget speech.
