Synopsis
On March 14, Tamil Nadu's Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu will present the state's Budget for 2025-26, addressing issues like natural disasters, urbanization, and an ageing population. Key discussions will also involve the Union Budget allocations and welfare initiatives.Key Takeaways
- Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 presentation date
- Major challenges: natural disasters, urbanization, ageing population
- Discussion on Union Budget allocations
- Focus on welfare initiatives for senior citizens
- Transportation sector funding demands
Chennai, March 13 (NationPress) The Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thangam Thennarasu, is set to unveil the state Budget for 2025-26 in the Legislative Assembly on Friday, March 14.
The Budget Session will commence at 9:30 am in the assembly hall of the Assembly-cum-Secretariat complex located at Fort St. George, Chennai.
After the Budget presentation, the Business Advisory Committee of the House will convene to determine the length of the session.
Furthermore, the Agriculture Budget for 2025-26 will be presented by the state government on Saturday, March 15.
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, has highlighted three primary challenges confronting the state: natural disasters, rapid urbanization, and an ageing population.
Tamil Nadu has suffered from severe natural disasters, leading to significant loss of life, infrastructure damage, and disruption of livelihoods.
The financial strain of disaster recovery and restoration has considerably impacted funds designated for development and welfare initiatives.
CM Stalin has called on the Finance Commission to ensure adequate funding for states like Tamil Nadu to effectively manage disaster recovery.
The escalating urban population has intensified the need for infrastructure, public services, and housing, which in turn requires substantial budget allocations.
Tamil Nadu houses one of the highest proportions of elderly residents in the country.
The current average age in the state is 36.4 years, markedly higher than that of states such as Uttar Pradesh.
By the conclusion of the 16th Finance Commission's tenure, this average age is predicted to rise to 38.5 years, potentially positioning Tamil Nadu as the state with the largest elderly demographic.
This demographic evolution presents economic challenges, as it diminishes the benefits the state has historically received based on population while amplifying the necessity for social welfare programs for senior citizens.
The government will also put forth the advance demands for grants for 2025-26 and the final supplementary demands for grants for 2024-25 in the Assembly on March 21.
One of the significant subjects anticipated for discussion in the House is the alleged scarcity of substantial allocations for Tamil Nadu in the Union Budget 2025-26.
Political factions are likely to engage in debates regarding this issue, scrutinizing the Centre's funding priorities.
Moreover, discussions are expected to encompass the National Education Policy (NEP) and related topics, such as Samagra Shiksha and PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI), with various political parties likely to voice strong sentiments.
While major announcements are anticipated from the ruling DMK, the Opposition, led by the AIADMK, is expected to raise concerns about the law-and-order situation, the rising incidents of sexual offenses against women and children, and the alleged harassment faced by senior women police officers.
Another significant announcement regarding the Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme is also expected.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin recently indicated plans to expand the initiative to support more women.
Among the essential sectors needing attention in the Budget is transportation. Trade unions within the transport sector have urged the government to increase funding for the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) to ensure its modernization and long-term viability.
Another critical demand is the enforcement of the 15th wage settlement for transport workers.
The workforce is also looking for the Budget to address outstanding dues, including Provident Fund (PF), Gratuity, and Dearness Allowance (DA).
The Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 is anticipated to introduce vital financial strategies to tackle these pressing matters while striving for a balance between economic growth and welfare initiatives.
