Chief Minister Vijay’s first full Tamil Nadu Budget placed education at the centre, with major allocations for schools, colleges and free laptops. The Budget also announced wedding assistance, student welfare, healthcare and road projects, drawing criticism from former CM MK Stalin.
CM Vijay Budget Puts Education At The Centre
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government’s first full Budget has made education one of its biggest priorities, with ₹44,527 crore allocated to the School Education Department and ₹8,393 crore for higher education.
Together, the two sectors received nearly ₹52,920 crore as the Vijay government sought to strengthen classrooms, student support, digital learning and access to colleges. The Budget was presented by Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N Marie Wilson.
Schools are expected to receive upgraded facilities, cleaner campuses, digital libraries and curriculum improvements involving artificial intelligence and robotics. The government also proposed anti-drug clubs and other programmes aimed at improving student safety and development.
CM Vijay Announces Free Laptops And Student Benefits
A ₹2,000-crore free laptop programme was announced for college students to improve digital access and support technology-based learning.
The government also allocated ₹277 crore to distribute bicycles fitted with helmets and water bottles to around 5.32 lakh Class 11 students studying in government and aided schools.
The announcements reflect Vijay’s attempt to connect with young voters and families through education-focused welfare. Modernised hostels, employment support, skill development and youth-oriented schemes also formed part of the government’s broader Budget strategy.
CM Vijay Expands Welfare And Infrastructure Spending
The Budget allocated ₹812 crore for an expanded marriage assistance programme offering eligible women an eight-gram gold coin and a silk saree.
Other welfare measures included gold rings for babies born in government hospitals and additional support for women, students and low-income families.
Healthcare received ₹23,357 crore, with spending directed towards cancer treatment, geriatric care, telemedicine and maternal health services. Roads and highways were allocated ₹21,524 crore, alongside new road-safety and infrastructure initiatives.
The Budget also proposed an AI-powered governance platform, affordable housing projects, improved drinking-water infrastructure and a long-term plan to turn Tamil Nadu into a $1.5-trillion economy by 2031.
MK Stalin Calls Budget A Rebranding Exercise
Former Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin criticised the Budget, accusing the Vijay government of repackaging schemes introduced by previous DMK and AIADMK administrations.
Stalin said the Budget lacked major new ideas and failed to match the expectations created by Vijay’s campaign promises. The TVK government, however, presented the allocations as a combination of welfare continuity and new education, technology and infrastructure priorities. With education receiving the largest public attention, Vijay’s first Budget signals that students, young people and family welfare will remain central to his government’s political and development agenda.
