No new schemes or fiscal consolidation measures in the Budget, says Palaniswami

Edappadi K. Palaniswami, AIADMK general secretary, stated on Tuesday that the Revised Budget 2026-27 did not include any fiscal consolidation efforts or new schemes. During the general discussion on the revised budget, Palaniswami highlighted the state's outstanding debt of ₹13.18 lakh crore, a high revenue deficit, and lower State's Own Tax Revenue compared to other states, yet the budget did not contain concrete plans to increase financial resources or address these issues.

Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson mentioned that the new government had brought ₹15,000 crore to the exchequer, but this was not reflected in the revenue receipts. Palaniswami questioned why the allocation for the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS) was not listed in the revenue expenditure and why only 10,000 schools were selected under the 'Super Clean, Super Campus' scheme instead of the planned 40,000 government schools.

He also emphasized the need to fill 13.3 lakh vacancies in various departments and 1.5 lakh vacancies in public sector undertakings, citing that 5% to 7% of government employees retire annually. Palaniswami called for the government to waive crop loans for all farmers, including marginal, small, and large farmers, due to the current drought situation affecting farmers.

He further demanded steps to eradicate 'Seemai Karuvelam' (Prosopis juliflora) and urged the government to implement the 'Nadandhai Vaazhi Cauvery' scheme.