Thoothukudi: Tamil Nadu Minister Maria Wilson on Saturday announced that the first state budget under the Chief Minister Joseph Vijay-led government will be presented in the first week of August. She said the new administration has received strong public support for its anti-corruption initiatives and governance during its first 55 days in office.
The announcement comes after a series of high-level review meetings chaired by the Chief Minister to finalise the government’s budgetary priorities and policy agenda.
Cabinet finalises preparations for Budget
Addressing reporters, Maria Wilson said Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has been holding extensive review meetings with ministers and senior officials over the past two weeks to prepare the state’s maiden budget.
According to the minister, the meetings, which lasted between six and seven hours each, focused on key policy decisions and budget proposals for various departments.
She added that the Cabinet meeting had concluded successfully and expressed confidence that the government’s first budget would be presented as scheduled in the first week of August.
Wilson noted that the TVK-led government has completed 55 days in office and described the upcoming budget as an important milestone for the new administration.
Minister highlights anti-corruption drive
Maria Wilson said the government’s anti-corruption measures have been well received by the public.
She claimed that people were extending full support to the Chief Minister’s efforts to promote transparent governance and ensure accountability in the administration.
According to the minister, the public response to the government’s functioning has been positive, and she urged everyone to support the administration’s initiatives.
Government targets education loan support
In a separate statement, Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister K Viswanathan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education by reducing financial barriers for students.
Speaking during the birth anniversary celebrations of Ethiraj College founder M Ethiraj, the minister announced that the government aims to facilitate education loans for 1,00,200 students during the 2026-27 academic year.
The total value of the proposed education loan disbursement is expected to be around Rs 3,000 crore.
Collateral-free loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh
Viswanathan said Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has introduced a framework to provide collateral-free education loans of up to Rs 7.5 lakh.
He said the government’s objective is to ensure that no student is denied higher education due to financial constraints.
“The Chief Minister has taken a firm decision that no student should be prevented from pursuing higher education because of a lack of financial resources,” the minister said.
The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of students seeking admission to colleges and universities across Tamil Nadu.
Minister rejects corruption allegations
The Higher Education Minister also rejected allegations of corruption in the appointment of university deans and Syndicate members.
He said the Chief Minister is personally monitoring the appointment process to ensure transparency and fairness.
Viswanathan further noted that although the Naan Mudhalvan skill development scheme was introduced by the previous DMK government, the present administration has framed its own policy decisions after assuming office.
The Tamil Nadu government’s first budget under Chief Minister Joseph Vijay is expected to outline its priorities across sectors, including education, infrastructure, welfare and economic development, setting the direction for the state’s governance in the coming financial year.