Vijay rolls out slew of perks for TN MLAs: Car, monthly allowances, increased health cover

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay unveiled a series of benefits for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) on Wednesday. Each MLA will be granted a government vehicle, along with a monthly allowance of Rs 75,000 to cover driver wages and car-related costs. An additional Rs 25,000 per month will be allocated to hire an MLA assistant. Vijay emphasized the importance of providing government vehicles and resources to enable MLAs to carry out their public service duties without obstacles.

Following a request from VCK MLA Jothimani regarding logistical support for legislators, the CM Health Insurance coverage was increased from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh. This expanded coverage will assist MLAs in carrying out their responsibilities more efficiently. Additionally, the Tamil Nadu government allocated Rs 351 crore for expanding student admission capacity in government medical colleges and bolstering medical and nursing education.

This initiative will create 6,098 new seats, including 660 BSc Nursing positions, 1,925 extra nursing college seats, 2,778 seats in 12 paramedical courses, and 735 additional spots in medical courses.

To further enhance healthcare infrastructure, seven new government nursing colleges will be established, bringing the total to 12 across the state. A 400-bed multi-specialty hospital will be built in Perambalur at a projected cost of Rs 300 crore, providing advanced medical treatment and healthcare services in the district. The government also proposed raising the annual treatment limit under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.

This scheme will cover medical and surgical services for transgender individuals at government hospitals in Chennai, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Chengalpattu, Thiruvarur, Karur, and Kanyakumari.