Chennai, 05 August (H.S.):

The TVK government on Wednesday unveiled its maiden Budget with a strong focus on raising additional revenue, modernising government schools and accelerating economic growth, while setting an ambitious target of making Tamil Nadu a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036.

Presenting the 2026-27 Budget in the State Assembly, Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson said the government expects to mobilise an additional Rs 16,000 crore to strengthen the State’s finances.

Of this, Rs 15,000 crore is expected to be generated through various revenue-enhancement measures, while a cess on liquor production is projected to bring in another Rs 1,000 crore.

Wilson announced that a Revenue Enhancement Committee would be constituted to explore new sources of income and recommend measures to improve the State’s fiscal position.

Education received significant attention in the Budget, with the government announcing a major infrastructure modernisation programme covering 3,734 government schools.

The project, estimated to cost Rs 2,132 crore, will upgrade infrastructure and facilities in schools across the State. An allocation of Rs 300 crore has been made for the programme during the current financial year.

The government also earmarked Rs 25 crore for restructuring and modernising the State school curriculum.

Another Rs 129 crore has been allocated for the “Super Clean, Super Campus” programme, which will initially cover 10,000 government schools and focus on improving cleanliness and maintenance of campuses.

On the welfare front, Wilson announced that the Thaimaman Seer Thittam would be launched on September 15, coinciding with the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai.

The Finance Minister said the government’s policies on investment, infrastructure, industrial expansion and employment generation would be geared towards achieving its $1.5 trillion economy target by 2036.

Opening his maiden Budget speech with a verse from the Thirukkural, Wilson emphasised equality and achievement through one’s deeds.

The Budget marks the TVK administration’s first major fiscal policy statement as it seeks to pursue development and welfare commitments while addressing Tamil Nadu’s financial constraints.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman