Tamil Nadu Unveils Ambitious Budget Ahead of Elections

Tamil Nadu's government, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin, presented the 2025-26 Budget focusing on welfare schemes, with significant funds for fare-free women's bus travel and reducing registration fees for immovable assets registered to women. The opposition AIADMK walked out over alleged state-run TASMAC corruption. Various infrastructure and educational initiatives were announced.

In a high-stakes showcase of governance, the M K Stalin-led government in Tamil Nadu released its 2025-26 budget on Friday, emphasizing its commitment to welfare schemes as it faces a crucial election year. Significant allocations were made to flagship programs such as the fare-free bus travel scheme for women, demonstrating a surge in daily usage.

Amidst a raucous assembly session, the opposition AIADMK staged a dramatic walkout, accusing the government of moral corruption related to the TASMAC scandal. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu highlighted substantial reductions in registration fees for immovable assets registered in women's names and detailed the expansion of entrepreneurial and educational programs.

The budget also prioritized infrastructure, with plans for new airports and metro rail projects. Education funding remains a cornerstone, despite federal funding challenges due to policy disagreements. Tamil Nadu's administration aims to steadfastly maintain the state's dignity, promoting localized bilingual education policy despite financial implications.

(With inputs from agencies.)