New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Marie Wilson on Wednesday presented the state Budget for 2026-27 and laid out a plan to transform Tamil Nadu into
a USD 1.5 trillion economy by 2031.
Addressing the Legislative Assembly, Wilson praised Chief Minister Vijay’s leadership and said he entered public service because of his moral responsibility towards the people. The minister said the government had overcome political challenges and built the foundation for transparent governance and principled politics.
Wilson said the administration had surpassed its early commitments while working towards social equality.
Schools receive major boost
The government allocated Rs 44,527 crore to the School Education Department and Rs 8,393 crore to the Higher Education Department.
A sum of Rs 300 crore will support the modernisation of 3,734 government schools across Tamil Nadu.
The government will also launch the ‘Super Clean, Super Campus’ scheme in 10,000 schools during its first phase. It allocated Rs 139 crore for the initiative, which will provide daily cleaning and regular maintenance of drinking water facilities and toilets. The scheme will also focus on campus security.
Wilson urged the Central government to restore medical admissions based on students’ Class 12 public examination results.
Laptops for students
The finance minister announced the ‘Vetri Laptop Scheme’ to provide laptops to college students. The programme aims to improve access to digital learning tools and academic resources.
Under the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Model Schools scheme, the government will establish modern residential schools for students from Classes 9 to 12. These institutions will offer free education, accommodation and healthcare to students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. The government allocated Rs 125 crore for the project.
Tamil Nadu will also establish a special law college in Madurai and five new Industrial Training Institutes. These projects will cost an estimated Rs 90 crore.
New liquor levy planned
Addressing the state’s financial condition, Wilson said Tamil Nadu’s liabilities had doubled over the previous five years. The minister said the government had adopted a more accountable tender process to prevent contracts from going to a limited group of preferred entities or political associates.
The government also plans to impose a special levy on liquor manufacturing units. It expects the measure to generate about Rs 1,000 crore in additional revenue.
Wilson said flagship programmes, including 200 units of free electricity and the rapid response force for women’s safety, would continue. The government would fulfil all its election promises in phases, the minister added.
