Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has announced a comprehensive package of benefits for all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in the state. The initiatives, unveiled during a session of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, aim to enhance the operational capabilities and welfare of the elected representatives.
Enhanced Mobility and Support for MLAs
A key announcement includes the provision of new cars for MLAs, facilitating their travel to constituencies and engagement with the public. To support this, a monthly allowance of ₹75,000 will be provided to cover driver salaries, fuel costs, and vehicle maintenance. Additionally, MLAs will receive a ₹25,000 grant to hire an assistant for constituency-related administrative work.
Chief Minister Vijay justified these measures by emphasizing the need for MLAs to frequently visit their constituencies to address public concerns and fulfill their responsibilities effectively. He stated that government vehicles would promote "transparent and corruption-free governance." The Chief Minister also highlighted that many first-time MLAs come from modest backgrounds and require official transport to carry out their duties efficiently.
Increased Health Coverage
In a significant boost to their welfare, the annual health insurance coverage for elected representatives has been substantially increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh. This move aims to provide better financial security for MLAs in case of medical emergencies.
These announcements followed a request from VCK MLA Jothimani, who argued that MLAs struggle to work effectively without adequate logistical support and called for new vehicles. A senior DMK MLA also noted that similar requests in the past had been rejected by successive governments due to financial constraints, pointing out that municipal and union chairpersons, mayors, and deputy mayors already receive government vehicles.
Broader State Initiatives Announced
Beyond the benefits for MLAs, Chief Minister Vijay also revealed several other significant state-wide initiatives:
- Medical Education Expansion: An allocation of ₹351 crore is earmarked to expand student admission capacity in government medical colleges, creating 6,098 new seats. This includes 660 BSc Nursing seats, 1,925 additional seats in nursing colleges and schools, 2,778 seats across 12 paramedical courses, and 735 additional seats in medical courses.
- New Nursing Colleges: Seven new government nursing colleges will be established across the state.
- Multi-Speciality Hospital: A 400-bed, world-class multi-speciality hospital will be built in Perambalur at an estimated cost of ₹300 crore, designed to offer advanced medical treatments and healthcare services.
- Aavin Milk Procurement Price Hike: The government announced an increase in Aavin’s milk procurement price from ₹38 to ₹41 per litre. Vijay stated that this decision, made despite the state’s financial constraints, aims to ensure fair and remunerative prices for milk producers and support their livelihoods.
These combined announcements reflect the government's commitment to both strengthening the state's infrastructure and supporting its elected representatives and key economic sectors.