The Times of India

A Chennai court issued a non-bailable warrant for former minister K Ponmudi. He failed to appear in a criminal case concerning alleged hate speech. The case involves remarks made about women and religious groups in April 2025. His petition for medical exemption was dismissed due to lack of records. The trial was directed to proceed within six months by the high court.

The TVK government aims for 131 LMT food grain production by 2026-27. New farm ponds and borewells will expand irrigation coverage significantly. Micro-irrigation systems will further enhance water use efficiency for crops. The government also plans to boost yields of fruits and vegetables. Farmers will receive uninterrupted free power supply for agricultural needs.

President of the DMK, M K Stalin, voiced his discontent regarding the agricultural budget released by the Tamil Nadu government. He contended that the budget disregards the ongoing drought challenges and lacks support for delta farmers. According to Stalin, the focus is misplaced, concentrating on renaming previous initiatives rather than addressing farmers' genuine concerns. He emphasized that DMK MLAs will continue to champion farmers' rights throughout the assembly proceedings.

Tamil Nadu ministers' personal faith expressions during budget presentations drew attention this week. Finance minister Marie Wilson carried a rosary into the Assembly before presenting the revised Budget. Agriculture minister R Vinoth offered prayers at Tirumala temple before tabling his budget. Vinoth faced criticism for carrying a budget document outside the state. The events sparked discussions on secularism and government document confidentiality.

The state finance minister outlined a USD 1.5 trillion economy goal by 2031. Significant allocations were made for school modernization and digital learning initiatives. The government also proposed new residential schools and a law college. Measures to address state finances and welfare schemes were also detailed.

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Udhayanidhi criticised the TVK govt saying that they indulged in only changing the names of the schemes and projects of the previous DMK govt.

The govt has allocated Rs 7,675 crore as subsidy to the state transport undertakings to support their operations.

The minister said govt's various efforts for resource mobilisation would result in mobilisation of nearly Rs 15,000 crore additionally and the expenditure committee will complement the recently constituted high level revenue augmentation committee headed by Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

Udhayanidhi Stalin accused the ruling TVK government of diversionary tactics. He stated the recent budget was a rebranding exercise without new promises. The DMK leader criticized the government's handling of the Cauvery water dispute. He also highlighted concerns about deteriorating law and order in the state. The TVK government defended its budget as a roadmap for economic transformation.

Among the major announcements made by finance minister N Marie Wilson was a new marriage assistance initiative under which every eligible bride would receive an eight gram gold coin and a silk sari as Annans Seer. The govt has allocated Rs 812 crore for the scheme, which is aimed at supporting women at the start of their married life

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government's budget introduces several welfare initiatives. Students will receive laptops and bicycles under new government schemes. Eligible brides will get gold coins and silk sarees for marriages. Newborns in government hospitals will receive a gold ring gift. Maternity support centers will offer free accommodation and medical care.

Presenting the revised state budget for 2026-27 on Wednesday, finance minister N Marie Wilson said the Ennore Thermal Power Station SEZ thermal plant would be expanded at an estimated cost of Rs 8,000 crore under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The govtwill establish five district-level cancer care hospitals under a hub-and-spokemodel on medical college hospital campuses, with Rs 110 crore set aside for theinitiative. The centres are expected to provide cancer-related surgeries andspecialist treatment closer to patients homes.

The govt will provide financial assistance covering up to 50% of the cost of equipment capped at Rs 30,000 for modern AI-based assistive devices.