Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has announced a major boost for the education sector in its 2026-27 State Budget, allocating ₹52,920 crore to strengthen school and higher education across the state. Presented by Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson, the Budget marks the first financial roadmap of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government and places education at the centre of its long-term development strategy.

The government has earmarked ₹44,527 crore for the School Education Department and ₹8,393 crore for the Higher Education Department, reinforcing its commitment to improving educational infrastructure, digital learning and student welfare.

Education at the Core of Development Vision

Presenting the Budget in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, the Finance Minister said the government's long-term objective is to transform Tamil Nadu into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036. According to the government, investment in education, skill development and human capital will play a vital role in achieving this goal.

The Budget outlines several initiatives aimed at improving learning outcomes, expanding educational access and modernising institutions across the state.

₹139 Crore for 'Super Clean, Super Campus' Scheme

One of the flagship announcements is the 'Super Clean, Super Campus' initiative, for which ₹139 crore has been allocated.

The programme will cover 10,000 government schools, focusing on daily campus cleaning, maintenance of drinking water facilities, hygienic toilets and enhanced security. The initiative is designed to provide students with a cleaner, safer and healthier learning environment.

New Model Schools for Rural Students

The government has allocated ₹125 crore to establish Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Model Schools and modernise existing government schools.

These residential institutions will provide free education, accommodation and healthcare for students from Classes IX to XII, with a special focus on rural and economically disadvantaged communities.

₹2,000 Crore for Digital Learning and Bicycles

To strengthen digital education, the government has earmarked ₹2,000 crore for two major student welfare programmes.

Under the Vetri Laptop Scheme, college students will receive laptops to improve digital access and support higher education. The allocation will also fund the distribution of bicycles to school students, helping improve access to education, particularly in rural areas.

Modernisation of Government Schools

The Budget also provides ₹300 crore for upgrading infrastructure in 3,734 government schools.

The funds will be used to improve classrooms, educational facilities and other essential infrastructure to create better learning environments across the state.

Expansion of Technical and Legal Education

To expand professional education opportunities, the government has proposed establishing a Special Law College in Madurai along with five new Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Tamil Nadu.

A total allocation of ₹90 crore has been made for these projects, which aim to enhance legal education and strengthen vocational skill development.

Women's Welfare Schemes Also Receive Major Allocation

Apart from education, the Budget sets aside more than ₹1,300 crore for two flagship women's welfare schemes announced during the election campaign.

The government has allocated ₹812 crore for the Annan's Seer Scheme, under which eligible brides will receive an 8-gram gold coin and a silk saree during their wedding.

An additional ₹560 crore has been earmarked for a scheme that will provide gold rings to babies born in government hospitals, another key election promise of the TVK government.

Agriculture Budget to Follow

The government has also announced that the Agriculture Budget for 2026-27 will be presented separately in the Legislative Assembly by Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister R. Vinoth, outlining sector-specific initiatives for farmers and rural development.