Families in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu are anxiously waiting for information about relatives who became untraceable or stranded after devastating flash floods hit Nepal, with several Indian pilgrims and tourists caught in the disaster near the Nepal-Tibet border. Authorities and rescue agencies are working to establish contact with those whose whereabouts remain unclear as communication networks in affected areas have been disrupted.

The disaster has triggered concern across several Indian states, particularly among families whose relatives were travelling to Nepal as part of Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage groups. Officials have activated helplines and control rooms to coordinate information about Indian nationals, while rescue operations continue in difficult conditions.

Kolkata Group Remains Untraceable

A 32-member group from Kolkata, comprising 30 tourists and two tour managers, has remained untraceable after the flash floods struck the Rasuwagadhi area near the Nepal-Tibet border. The group had left Kolkata on August 21 and reached Nepal the following day before travelling towards the border. (The Times of India)

According to officials, the group was at an immigration office at around 8:30 am when the flash flood hit the area. There has been no communication with the members since the disaster, adding to the uncertainty for their families back home. 

Officials in West Bengal are attempting to establish contact with residents who may have been in the affected region, but damaged infrastructure and disrupted communication have complicated the effort.

Tamil Nadu Families Await Updates

Concern is also mounting in Tamil Nadu, where several pilgrims travelling in Nepal have been affected. Officials said 37 of 57 tourists from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry remained unaccounted for, while 20 had been traced and were reported safe.

The group had travelled for a pilgrimage and was caught in the flash flood in the Bhote Koshi River region. Families have been closely following updates as authorities attempt to locate the remaining travellers and facilitate communication with those who have reached safer areas.

Reports from Tamil Nadu have highlighted the uncertainty faced by relatives who have been unable to speak directly with family members since the disaster. The affected pilgrims include people from districts such as Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai. 

More Indians Among Missing

The concerns in Bengal and Tamil Nadu are part of a wider effort to trace Indian nationals caught in the Nepal disaster. Earlier figures indicated that more than 130 Indians, including pilgrims travelling on the Mansarovar route, were among those missing or unaccounted for. 

The numbers have continued to evolve as rescue teams establish contact with survivors and recover information from affected areas. Reuters reported on Thursday that nearly 500 foreigners were among 826 people reported missing in Nepal, with 177 Indians listed among the missing tourists. 

The disaster has also affected travellers from several other countries, underscoring the scale of the disruption along the Himalayan pilgrimage and tourism corridor.

Rescue Operations Continue

The flash floods caused extensive destruction across parts of Nepal, sweeping away roads, bridges, buildings and other infrastructure. Rescue teams have been using helicopters to reach people stranded in isolated areas, while emergency supplies are being delivered to communities cut off by the disaster. 

The rescue operation remains challenging because several affected areas have suffered communication breakdowns and road connectivity has been severely damaged. Authorities are continuing searches for missing people while also working to evacuate those trapped in vulnerable locations.

The disaster has been linked to a glacial collapse and debris flow in the Himalayan region, rather than the earthquake initially suspected. The sudden release of water and debris produced a powerful flood surge through populated areas. 

Helplines Help Families

The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu and several state governments have established helplines for Indians stranded in Nepal and their relatives in India. Tamil Nadu is among the states coordinating assistance for affected travellers, while other states have also opened control rooms as the list of missing and stranded Indians is assessed. 

For families in Kolkata, Tamil Nadu and elsewhere, the immediate priority remains establishing contact with relatives and confirming their safety. With rescue operations still underway, authorities are expected to continue updating the status of Indian nationals as communication is restored and search teams reach affected locations.

The Nepal flash floods triggered concern in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Thursday, with the DMK, AIADMK and other opposition parties seeking details on the efforts to trace and rescue Tamil pilgrims stranded in the Himalayan country. The state government said rescue operations were underway in coordination with Nepal authorities and that steps were being taken to facilitate the safe return of those affected. 

The issue was raised through an attention-calling motion as legislators sought updates on the status of travellers caught in the devastating floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district. The incident has left families in Tamil Nadu waiting for information about relatives who travelled to Nepal for the Kailash pilgrimage.

Opposition Seeks Rescue Updates

Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin sought details on the number of calls received through government helplines and the steps being taken to trace people who remain unreachable. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami also urged the government to ensure that all affected Tamil travellers are brought back safely.

Congress members called for the deployment of a helicopter to support rescue efforts and stressed the need for better advance warnings about disaster risks at tourist and pilgrimage destinations. PMK members also sought clarity on the status of those whose whereabouts remained unknown. 

The Assembly discussion followed reports that a group of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry pilgrims was caught in flash floods along the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal.

57 Pilgrims Caught in Floods

According to information presented during the Assembly proceedings, 54 people from 10 districts of Tamil Nadu and three people from Puducherry had travelled to Nepal for the Kailash Yatra, taking the total to 57.

Earlier reports said 20 members of the group had been traced and were safe, while the whereabouts of the remaining 37 were still being established. The travellers had reportedly reached Nepal through a Kumbakonam-based travel agency. 

The situation has caused anxiety among families, particularly in the Kumbakonam and Thanjavur region, where relatives have been seeking updates about those travelling in the affected group.

Government Details Rescue Efforts

Tamil Nadu Minister A Rajmohan told the Assembly that the state government was taking necessary measures to assist stranded Tamils and was coordinating with the Nepal government for search and rescue operations.

The government has also been collecting information about the travellers and coordinating with relevant authorities to establish their locations and facilitate their return. A control room has been established at Tamil Nadu House in Delhi to assist affected people and their families.

The minister said the state had received 937 calls through its assistance mechanism as families sought information about those travelling in Nepal. 

Helplines Activated for Families

Tamil Nadu authorities have established 24-hour helplines for stranded Tamils and their relatives. The state government's Department of Non-Resident Tamils Welfare has provided separate contact arrangements for callers within India and those contacting the authorities from abroad. 

The helpline mechanism is intended to help families receive updates and provide authorities with information that could assist in tracing missing or stranded travellers.

Difficult Rescue Conditions

Rescue operations in Nepal are being carried out under challenging conditions following severe flooding in the Bhote Koshi river system. Damaged roads, difficult terrain and disrupted communication networks have complicated efforts to reach affected areas and establish contact with travellers. 

The flash floods have caused extensive damage in parts of Nepal, with both local residents and foreign travellers affected. Search teams are continuing efforts to locate missing people and move stranded groups to safer locations.

For families in Tamil Nadu, the immediate concern remains confirmation of the safety of those whose whereabouts are still unclear. The state government has said it will continue coordination with Nepal authorities as rescue operations progress and further information becomes available.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday announced that his government would abandon the proposed greenfield airport project at Parandur near Chennai, ending plans to develop the city's second airport at the site. Vijay made the announcement in the state Assembly, saying the project would affect agricultural land and disrupt the livelihoods of farmers and residents in Parandur and surrounding villages. 

Vijay said Chennai's existing Meenambakkam airport, operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), currently has the capacity to handle around 30 million passengers annually. He maintained that Chennai still needs a new airport because of rising passenger demand, industrial growth and increasing cargo movement. However, the Chief Minister said such infrastructure should be developed at a location where agricultural land, residential areas and people's livelihoods are affected as little as possible. The government is now examining alternative locations for the proposed second airport. 

Vijay backs Parandur protesters

The Chief Minister recalled his earlier visits and statements opposing the Parandur proposal. He said he had visited Eganapuram and other villages on January 20, 2025, and heard the concerns of residents protesting against the airport project. Vijay also said he had opposed the proposed location at a public meeting in Vikravandi in October 2024, while making it clear that he supported industrial development and the need for better aviation infrastructure in Tamil Nadu. 

The Parandur project had faced sustained resistance from farmers and residents over concerns relating to agricultural land, water bodies and the potential impact on local livelihoods. The proposed airport was planned across a large area in Kancheepuram district and had become a major point of political and public debate. Earlier reports had indicated that the TVK government was considering alternative locations for Chennai's second airport. 

Alternative airport site under review

Vijay said consultations had been held with senior officials and experts on the requirement for a new airport. The government intends to identify a location that can accommodate the city's future aviation requirements without causing comparable disruption to agricultural communities. Recent reports have indicated that several possible locations were being examined for the second airport. 

The decision marks a major change in the state's approach to Chennai's airport expansion plans. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had listed Parandur Airport, Tamil Nadu, among greenfield airport projects with in-principle approval earlier this year. 

Vijay's announcement now formally closes the government's plan to proceed with Parandur as the location, while keeping the broader objective of developing another airport for Chennai alive. The next focus will be on identifying a new site and determining whether it can meet the city's projected aviation needs while limiting its impact on farmland and residential communities.

The Tamil Nadu government has announced that women government employees will now be entitled to 365 days of maternity leave for the birth of a third child, increasing the existing benefit from 12 weeks. The decision was announced by Human Resources Management Minister D Sarathkumar in the state Assembly during the discussion on demands for grants. The revised benefit will bring maternity leave for the third child on par with the one-year leave already available to eligible women government employees for their first two children. 

Under the existing rules, married women government employees with fewer than two surviving children are eligible for 365 days of maternity leave, while women with two or more surviving children were entitled to 12 weeks, or 84 days, of leave with full pay. Sarathkumar said the government had decided to increase the leave available for a third child to 365 days as part of its focus on social welfare and women’s empowerment. A detailed government order is expected to be issued to implement the announcement. 

The decision also comes after a recent legal and policy debate over maternity benefits for women having a third child. Tamil Nadu had amended its rules earlier this year, limiting maternity leave for women government employees with two or more surviving children to 12 weeks. The amended provision followed a Supreme Court-related legal position and was upheld by the Madras High Court in June in a case involving a woman government employee seeking a longer leave period. The latest announcement reverses that position for the third child and restores the 365-day benefit. 

The move comes at a time when Tamil Nadu is also discussing concerns over its changing demographic profile. State Health Minister K G Arunraj recently pointed to the state’s declining fertility rate and ageing population, saying Tamil Nadu’s total fertility rate has fallen below 1.4, compared with the replacement level of 2.1. Nearly 16 per cent of the state’s population is above the age of 60, according to figures cited in recent discussions. The government has separately indicated that it could examine measures aimed at encouraging couples to have more children, although the maternity leave announcement itself has been presented in terms of social welfare and women’s empowerment. 

Tamil Nadu has progressively increased maternity leave for its government employees over the years. The original 90-day provision was raised to six months in 2011, then to nine months in 2016, before being extended to one year, or 365 days, in July 2021. The latest decision changes the position for women employees having a third child, who had previously been covered by the shorter 12-week provision. For eligible government employees, the practical difference is substantial, with the new entitlement adding several months of paid leave compared with the earlier arrangement. 

The detailed rules, including the precise implementation process, will become clearer once the government issues its formal order. For now, the announcement represents a significant change in Tamil Nadu’s maternity leave policy for women government employees and removes the previous distinction in leave duration for the third child.

The Tamil Nadu government has announced a series of measures covering milk procurement, health insurance, healthcare infrastructure and medical education, with the decisions aimed at supporting dairy producers while expanding access to treatment and increasing the number of seats in medical and allied health courses. The announcements were made in the state Assembly on Wednesday and include an increase in the milk procurement price from Rs 38 to Rs 41 per litre, along with a higher government incentive for procurement. The changes are expected to benefit more than 3.16 lakh milk producers, while the increase in procurement expenditure is estimated to cost the government an additional Rs 30 crore every month, or about Rs 360 crore a year. 

On the healthcare side, the government has proposed a major increase in the annual treatment limit under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme. The cover is set to rise from the existing Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, potentially providing greater financial protection to beneficiaries facing costly medical treatment. The package also includes additional medical and surgical services for transgender persons through government facilities in Chennai and several districts. At the same time, the state plans to strengthen healthcare infrastructure with the construction of a 400-bed multi-speciality hospital in Perambalur at an estimated cost of Rs 300 crore. The hospital is expected to provide advanced treatment facilities and reduce the need for patients in the region to travel elsewhere for specialised care. 

Medical education is another major part of the announcement. The government has earmarked Rs 351 crore to increase admission capacity in government medical and related institutions, with a total of 6,098 additional seats planned across medical, nursing and paramedical courses. The expansion includes 660 B.Sc Nursing seats, 1,925 seats in nursing colleges and schools, 2,778 seats across 12 paramedical courses and another 735 seats in medical courses. Seven new government nursing colleges are also planned. The move comes as demand for trained healthcare professionals continues to grow, while expanding government institutions could provide more students with opportunities to enter medical and allied health professions. 

The milk procurement decision comes amid concerns over supplies to Aavin, the state-run dairy cooperative. Recent reports had indicated a decline in daily procurement, putting pressure on the cooperative to encourage farmers to supply more milk. The higher procurement rate is intended to improve returns for producers and strengthen the supply chain. The government incentive for procurement is also being increased from Rs 3 to Rs 5 per litre, adding another layer of support for dairy producers. The decision is significant because Aavin’s procurement network directly affects both farmers and the availability of milk through the cooperative system. 

Taken together, the announcements cover several areas of public policy rather than a single sector. Higher milk procurement prices are aimed at producers, while the proposed health insurance expansion targets patients facing major medical expenses. The additional medical and nursing seats focus on building the state’s healthcare workforce, and the new hospital is expected to strengthen treatment capacity. The scale of the measures will now depend on implementation, including the rollout of the insurance changes, creation of the additional seats and construction of the Perambalur hospital. For now, the announcements mark a broad welfare and healthcare push by the Tamil Nadu government, alongside steps to address concerns in the state’s dairy procurement system.

As India marks its 80th Independence Day, the country enters its ninth decade with one of the world's largest working-age populations. With an estimated population of around 1.46 billion and a median age of about 29 years, India has a significant demographic advantage. But the opportunity is not evenly distributed across the country.

Around 68 per cent of Indians, or nearly one billion people, are between 15 and 64 years of age. This large working-age population could support economic growth through manufacturing, services and domestic consumption. However, India now faces a widening demographic divide between an ageing South and a younger North, along with the challenge of creating enough jobs and increasing women's participation in the workforce.

South India Starts Ageing

Several southern and western states entered the demographic transition earlier after decades of investment in education, healthcare and family planning.

States such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu now have fertility rates well below the replacement level of 2.1 births per woman. Kerala, in particular, is experiencing a rapid increase in its elderly population, with people aged 60 and above accounting for a significant share of the state's population.

For these states, the demographic challenge is changing. Governments will increasingly have to prepare for a larger elderly population, smaller school-age cohorts and a reduced pool of young workers.

Industries in the South and West could also face greater competition for labour in the coming decades.

North Has Young Workforce

The demographic picture is markedly different in several northern states.

Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh continue to have relatively young populations and are expected to contribute a substantial share of India's labour-force growth in the years ahead.

Bihar's median age is below 23, while its fertility rate remains higher than the national average.

This creates a potential economic connection between two parts of India. Industrial centres in the South and West will increasingly need workers, while younger populations in the North will need skills, employment and opportunities.

Migration Could Bridge Gap

Interstate migration and vocational training could therefore become increasingly important to India's economic future.

Workers from states with large young populations could be connected with employment opportunities in manufacturing, construction, logistics and services in states facing labour shortages.

However, migration will require more than employment opportunities. Affordable housing, transportation, healthcare, social security and access to public services will also be important for workers moving between states.

Women Remain Underused

India's demographic challenge is not limited to regional differences. Women's participation in the workforce remains another major gap.

Female labour force participation is significantly below male participation, particularly in urban areas. Women continue to face barriers including safety concerns, unpaid domestic responsibilities, limited childcare facilities and a shortage of flexible employment options.

Rural women have relatively higher participation, partly because of their involvement in agriculture and family-based economic activities. Urban female participation, however, remains considerably lower.

Increasing women's participation could significantly expand India's effective workforce and add to economic growth.

Job Creation Is Critical

A large working-age population does not automatically translate into a demographic dividend.

India must create enough productive employment to absorb millions of new entrants into the labour market. The focus will need to extend beyond low-productivity informal employment towards manufacturing, services, technology, green industries and export-oriented sectors.

Labour-intensive manufacturing could play an important role by creating jobs for workers with different levels of education and skills.

The challenge is particularly important for states such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where large numbers of young people will enter the workforce over the coming decades.

Demographic Window Closing

India's demographic advantage also has a time limit.

Demographers expect the country's dependency ratio to reach a historic low around 2041, after which population ageing is likely to increase the proportion of dependants relative to the working-age population.

This gives India roughly the next 15 years to maximise the benefits of its demographic structure.

The priority will be to ensure that today's young population becomes a skilled and productive workforce before the window begins to narrow.

Three Priorities Ahead

India's demographic strategy will require action on three broad fronts.

First, stronger interstate skill and employment corridors can connect young workers with regions where labour demand is growing.

Second, investment in urban care infrastructure, including childcare, safe public transport and workplace support, can help more women enter and remain in paid employment.

Third, India needs job creation at scale, particularly in labour-intensive manufacturing and emerging industries.

India’s Demographic Test

India enters its 80th year of Independence with a rare demographic opportunity: a huge population, a relatively young workforce and a growing economy.

But population size alone will not guarantee prosperity.

The country must bridge the demographic gap between its younger North and ageing South, bring more women into productive employment and create millions of quality jobs.

If India manages this transition effectively, its demographic dividend could become one of the country's strongest economic advantages. If the opportunity is missed, the same demographic pressures could eventually become a constraint on growth.

Facing growing opposition from political parties, State governments and civil society groups, the Centre is likely to move a resolution in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed examination.

The development comes amid mounting demands for the withdrawal of the Bill in its current form. The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday passed a unanimous resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the legislation and conduct wider consultations with stakeholders. In Mizoram, large numbers of Christians also participated in a mass rally against the proposed changes.

Centre Considers JPC Route

According to sources, the Union government has informed its allies and other political parties that it intends to move a resolution in the Lok Sabha seeking referral of the FCRA Bill to a JPC.

The move could provide the government with an opportunity to examine the contentious provisions in greater detail and hear representations from affected organisations and stakeholders before the legislation progresses further.

Congress general secretary and Rajya Sabha Chief Whip Jairam Ramesh pointed out that the Bill was not listed in the day's agenda and said the Opposition wanted the legislation withdrawn.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Resolution

The Tamil Nadu Assembly's resolution has added to the political pressure surrounding the proposed legislation.

Moving the resolution, Tamil Nadu Minister Rajamohan said the Assembly was "deeply concerned" about provisions dealing with the transfer, management and sale of assets belonging to charitable organisations.

The concerns specifically relate to situations in which an organisation's FCRA registration expires, is not renewed, is cancelled or is surrendered.

Concerns Over Charitable Organisations

The Tamil Nadu government has argued that the proposed provisions could affect the autonomy of charitable organisations operating in the country.

The Assembly resolution particularly highlighted educational and social welfare institutions run by minority communities, saying the provisions could adversely affect their functioning.

It urged the Centre to undertake comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders, including State governments, before proceeding with the legislation.

Mizoram Witnesses Mass Rally

The proposed amendments have also triggered protests in Mizoram, where Christians held a mass rally in the State capital.

The mobilisation reflects concerns among sections of the Christian community and organisations that the proposed changes could have implications for institutions and organisations that receive foreign contributions for charitable, educational and social welfare activities.

The protests have added a regional dimension to the debate over the Bill.

Opposition Seeks Withdrawal

The Opposition has criticised the proposed legislation and questioned the government's decision to introduce changes to the FCRA framework.

Congress leaders have maintained that the Bill should be withdrawn rather than being pushed through without adequate consultation.

The Opposition is also expected to raise concerns over provisions that could potentially affect the functioning and assets of organisations dependent on foreign contributions.

What Happens Next

If the government moves the resolution in the Lok Sabha, the JPC will examine the Bill and can seek views and submissions from political parties, government departments, State governments, experts and other stakeholders.

The committee's recommendations could lead to changes in the legislation before it is brought back for parliamentary consideration.

The proposed referral is therefore likely to delay the Bill's immediate legislative progress while providing a formal mechanism to examine the concerns raised by different sections.

The controversy surrounding the FCRA Bill has meanwhile widened beyond Parliament, with State-level opposition in Tamil Nadu and street protests in Mizoram putting additional pressure on the Centre to address concerns over the proposed changes.

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a government resolution making the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, the state song, mandatory at the beginning of official programmes across the state.

The resolution, moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, extends the requirement to government offices, educational institutions, state-run bodies and other public establishments. The move received support from ruling and opposition parties, including the DMK, AIADMK and Congress.

The decision comes amid a wider debate over protocol at official functions and the place of Tamil language and cultural symbols in public life.

CM Vijay Highlights Tamil Identity

Chief Minister Vijay said the decision was aimed at preserving Tamil Nadu's linguistic and cultural identity and should not be viewed through a political lens.

Addressing the Assembly, he said Tamil represents more than a means of communication for the people of the state, describing it as closely connected with their identity, emotions and sense of pride.

Vijay also appealed to political parties to keep the issue above partisan differences. According to the Chief Minister, giving the state song a formal place at public programmes should be seen as a cultural matter rather than a political contest.

The unanimous passage of the resolution means the government and opposition have backed the formal expansion of the song's use across state institutions.

Institutions Covered Under Resolution

The resolution provides for Tamil Thaai Vazhthu to be rendered at the beginning of official programmes conducted by a broad range of government and publicly funded institutions.

These include state government departments and offices, schools, colleges, universities and technical education institutions. Municipal bodies and other local government establishments will also come under the arrangement.

State public sector undertakings and autonomous institutions functioning under the government are also covered.

The measure is intended to bring greater uniformity to the use of the state song during official events.

History of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu

Tamil Thaai Vazhthu is an invocation dedicated to Mother Tamil. The song was written by poet and playwright Manonmaniam Sundaranar in 1891.

Its use at government functions in Tamil Nadu dates back several decades. The state government issued an order on November 23, 1970, providing for the song to be played at official events.

The song was subsequently formally designated as Tamil Nadu's state anthem in December 2021.

Monday's resolution further strengthens its institutional status by making its rendition part of official programmes conducted by state institutions.

Political Parties Back Move

The resolution received unanimous support in the Assembly, including from opposition parties.

The backing from multiple political parties is significant because questions involving language and cultural identity have historically played an important role in Tamil Nadu's political discourse.

The Chief Minister's appeal to keep the issue away from political differences also underlined the government's attempt to present the measure as a broader cultural decision.

Comes Amid Protocol Debate

The resolution comes at a time when questions over protocol at public functions have attracted attention.

A recent advisory from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs on following prescribed national protocol at public events has added to the backdrop against which Tamil Nadu's decision has been taken.

The state government's resolution, however, specifically focuses on the use of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at programmes conducted by institutions under the state administration.

With the Assembly now having unanimously approved the proposal, the song is set to have a more clearly defined place at official functions across Tamil Nadu.

The move also reflects the continuing importance attached to Tamil language and cultural identity in the state's public institutions, while the government has stressed that the initiative should remain separate from political differences.

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.

The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed that DMK leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin be released on the same day after questioning, following his detention over controversial remarks allegedly made during a public rally in Tamil Nadu.

The Tamil Nadu government informed the High Court that it had no intention of keeping Udhayanidhi in custody and that he would be granted station bail after the required questioning.

The development came hours after police detained the senior DMK leader in connection with a case registered over comments allegedly referring to actor Trisha Krishnan, which sparked political outrage and protests across the state.

Government Assures Court of Release

During the hearing before Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan, Advocate General Vijay Narayan informed the court that the detention was temporary and that the State would release Udhayanidhi after questioning.

The Advocate General told the court that the police action had been taken in the interest of women and clarified that there was no proposal to keep the DMK leader in judicial custody.

Accepting the submission, the court directed that he be released on station bail after the inquiry.

Controversy Over Rally Remarks

The controversy began during a rally on the Cauvery water dispute in Thanjavur on Monday.

While addressing the gathering and criticising Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, sections of the crowd reportedly chanted the name of actor Trisha.

According to the complaint, Udhayanidhi responded by saying, "Whether the water reaches elsewhere or not, it must definitely reach there."

Opposition parties alleged that the statement carried a double meaning and amounted to an insult to women.

Udhayanidhi, however, maintained that he was referring only to the waters of the Cauvery River and rejected the allegations of making an objectionable remark.

Case Registered Under Multiple Laws

Police registered a case against the DMK leader under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, and the Information Technology Act.

Following the registration of the FIR, Udhayanidhi had also approached the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail.

He was taken into custody by the Thanjavur East Police before being transported towards Thanjavur for questioning.

Political Reactions Intensify

The detention triggered sharp political reactions across Tamil Nadu.

Several DMK workers staged protests outside Udhayanidhi's residence and the Madras High Court, while some demonstrations reportedly turned violent, with protesters burning effigies and raising slogans against the police.

Senior DMK leaders defended Udhayanidhi, alleging that the controversy was being deliberately politicised to divert attention from the Cauvery water dispute and issues affecting farmers.

The party also claimed that the police action was politically motivated.

Opposition Demands Action

Leaders from opposition parties, including the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other political outfits, criticised Udhayanidhi's remarks.

Several leaders described the alleged comments as inappropriate and offensive to women, while BJP leaders demanded an unconditional public apology and strict legal action.

The controversy has also revived public discussion surrounding long-standing speculation linking actor Trisha Krishnanand actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, although neither has ever publicly commented on such reports.

Issue Likely to Continue

Although the High Court's intervention ensured Udhayanidhi's release after questioning, the legal proceedings in the case will continue.

With both the ruling DMK and Opposition parties hardening their positions, the controversy is expected to remain a major political issue in Tamil Nadu in the coming days.

Over 120 migrant workers from Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand were staying on factory premises; nine critical patients shifted to Chennai hospital

A worker died and at least 60 others were hospitalised after an ammonia gas leak at St Peter's Paul Seafoods Exports Private Limited in Kannigaipair, near Periyapalayam in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district on Sunday.

According to police sources, around 120 migrant workers, including women from Assam, Odisha and Jharkhand, were staying on the factory premises in accommodation provided by the company. The incident occurred on the unit's weekly holiday.

The ammonia leak is believed to have originated from the seafood processing unit and spread across the campus. Many workers reported breathing difficulties, while some suffered bleeding from the mouth and nose.

The affected workers were taken to nearby private hospitals for treatment. One worker died while undergoing treatment, police said. Nine workers in critical condition were later shifted to Government Stanley Medical College Hospital in Chennai in 108 ambulances.

Some reports indicated that seven workers had died and more than 60 had fainted, with the deceased all said to be from North India. Bulging of lungs due to excessive inhalation of the toxic gas was cited as the cause of death.

NDRF CBRN Team Deployed

Following a request from the district administration, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed a specialised Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) response team from its 4th Battalion in Arakkonam.

The 30-member team, equipped with gas detection devices, personal protective equipment and specialised rescue gear, was pressed into service to assess the impact of the leak, secure the area and assist rescue efforts.

Government Response

Teams from the police, Fire and Rescue Services, revenue department and health department reached the site and launched rescue operations.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay was "deeply pained" after hearing about the incident and directed the health department to provide the best treatment to the injured. The state government ordered a high-level probe headed by RGGGH Dean Dr Shantaram to investigate the reasons for the gas leak.

Tiruvallur district in-charge Minister Kumar rushed to the private hospitals, met the injured and enquired about their health condition. He said 60 women and four men affected by the gas leak were being treated.

Police have registered a case and an FIR against the firm. The owner was arrested while some more company officials were secured for interrogation.

Periyapalayam police have registered a case and further investigation is underway.