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Tamil Nadu's 2026-27 Budget Focuses on Welfare, Sports, and Cultural Heritage

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented the state's interim budget for 2026-27 with a strong focus on welfare and development ahead of the Assembly elections. Major allocations include ₹718 crore for sports development, ₹48,534 crore for school education, and ₹5,463 crore for social security pensions. The budget also earmarks ₹285 crore for new cultural museums, including a grand Chola Museum in Thanjavur, to boost heritage and tourism. Additionally, the government highlighted the success of its women's welfare scheme and plans to boost exports while curbing inflation.

Key Points: TN Interim Budget 2026-27: Welfare, Sports, and Culture Push

  • ₹718 crore for sports development
  • ₹197 crore relief aid to Sri Lanka
  • ₹285 crore for new cultural museums
  • ₹1,000 monthly entitlement for women
  • ₹48,534 crore for School Education
2 min read

TN interim budget 2026-27: FM Thennarasu announces welfare push, cultural projects and ₹718 cr for sports

Tamil Nadu FM Thennarasu presents interim budget with ₹718 cr for sports, major welfare allocations, and new cultural museums ahead of elections.

"The Budget as development-oriented - Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu"

Chennai, Feb 17

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu on Tuesday presented the State's interim Budget for 2026-27 in the Legislative Assembly at Fort St. George, outlining a strong focus on welfare schemes, education, sports development and cultural infrastructure in the run-up to the Assembly elections.

The Minister announced that relief materials worth ₹197 crore were sent to neighbouring Sri Lanka during its recent economic crisis, underlining Tamil Nadu's commitment to humanitarian support.

Among major allocations, ₹718 crore has been earmarked for sports development, while ₹28,687 crore has been set aside for the Rural Development Department.

The Special Programme Implementation Department has received ₹17,088 crore. An amount of ₹10 crore has been allocated to promote and teach Tamil among diaspora communities worldwide.

Social welfare continued to receive priority, with ₹5,463 crore allocated for social security pension schemes benefiting widows, destitute women and the elderly.

School Education has been allotted ₹48,534 crore and Higher Education ₹8,505 crore.

The Minister also announced ₹1,471 crore for the welfare of Persons with Disabilities, highlighting the government's decision to provide four per cent reservation in appointments and ensure promotional opportunities for them in public employment.

Thennarasu said the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme has significantly improved student attendance and learning outcomes in government schools.

In a boost to heritage and tourism, the government has proposed a grand Chola Museum in Thanjavur, a museum at Gangaikondacholapuram, the Noyyal Museum in Erode district, the Naavaai Museum in Ramanathapuram district, and new Bronze and Indus Valley Civilization galleries at the Egmore Government Museum in Chennai.

A Tamil Cultural Museum will also be established in Tiruvannamalai. The total outlay for these projects is ₹285 crore.

He added that the recently-inaugurated world-class Keezhadi and Porunai museums have received an overwhelming response.

Hailing the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam as a pioneering scheme that recognises women's unpaid household labour through a monthly entitlement of ₹1,000, the Minister said its success has inspired other States.

The recent ₹5,000 credit to 1.31 crore women beneficiaries drew national attention. Describing the Budget as development-oriented, Thennarasu said the government has drawn up plans to boost exports, curb inflation, protect workers' welfare and strengthen women's self-help groups, while achieving record growth in food production.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
₹718 crore for sports is a fantastic move! We have so much raw talent in Tamil Nadu. Hope this leads to better stadiums, coaching, and more athletes representing India on the world stage. Jai Hind!
S
Suresh O
While the welfare schemes are good, I'm a bit concerned. ₹197 crore for relief to Sri Lanka? Our own fishermen face problems there. Shouldn't we prioritize our people first? The museum projects are nice but are they more urgent than fixing our crumbling city roads?
A
Anjali F
The allocation for Persons with Disabilities and the 4% reservation is a much-needed and inclusive step. True development is when it reaches everyone. Proud of our state government for this focus. ❤️
K
Karthik V
Promoting Tamil among the diaspora with ₹10 crore is a smart long-term investment. It keeps our culture alive globally. The new museums, especially the Chola museum, will be a huge boost for tourism. Inba Tamil Nadu!
M
Michael C
Interesting to see the emphasis on cultural projects alongside welfare. The Keezhadi museum findings are rewriting history. Good to see the government investing in preserving and showcasing this heritage. The education budget is also substantial.

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