Kerala, 05 August (H.S.):Tamil Nadu will establish India’s first dedicated artificial intelligence and innovation city, ‘Arivagam’, as part of an ambitious plan to strengthen the State’s position as a major destination for AI, deep-tech industries, research and technology-driven investments.

Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson announced the project while presenting the TVK government’s Revised Budget for 2026-27 in the State Assembly on Wednesday.

Arivagam is envisaged as an integrated technology ecosystem bringing together advanced research, higher education, skill development, innovation and industrial infrastructure.

The proposed city will house an AI university, an international skill development centre, a semiconductor hardware testing laboratory and multi-domain innovation incubators. Modern residential facilities and supporting infrastructure will also form part of the project.

The government has earmarked Rs 5 crore for a feasibility study to prepare the groundwork for the ambitious initiative. Arivagam is expected to encourage the development of emerging technologies, attract domestic and global investments and generate high-skilled employment.

Wilson also announced that the government would unveil a new Tamil Nadu Industrial Policy focusing on innovation and technology-led economic growth. The policy will seek to promote emerging industries, sustainable development and strengthen the State’s export capabilities.

The Budget also announced healthcare and welfare measures, including the phased introduction of 1,000 Mobile Geriatric Treatment Centres for senior citizens across Tamil Nadu.

Each mobile centre will have a doctor, nurse and physiotherapist and visit village panchayats to provide free health check-ups and medicines for chronic ailments. The government has allocated Rs 33 crore for the programme.

The government will also establish ‘Aran’ shelter homes in five districts to provide accommodation, food, counselling and rehabilitation support to transgender persons facing social or family difficulties.

Short-stay homes will additionally be opened in 15 districts for transgender persons travelling for education, employment, medical treatment, examinations and training.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman