Vijay’s big boost for Tamil Nadu MLAs: Cars, ₹75,000 allowance, ₹25,000 for assistants

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has announced a package of benefits for all 234 MLAs, including government vehicles, a monthly allowance of ₹75,000 for driver, fuel and maintenance expenses, and ₹25,000 a month to hire an assistant.

The announcements were made in the Legislative Assembly under Rule 110. Vijay said the measures would help MLAs travel to their constituencies and carry out their public service responsibilities more effectively.

“In order to enable all Members of the Legislative Assembly to carry out their public service work without any hindrance, and to perform their constituency duties efficiently, a government vehicle will be provided to all MLAs,” Vijay said.

Cars for all 234 MLAs

Under the new arrangement, every MLA will be provided a government vehicle for constituency-related travel. The state will also provide ₹75,000 per month towards the driver's salary, fuel and vehicle maintenance.

The announcement came after VCK MLA Jothimani raised the issue of logistical support for legislators and said MLAs could not work effectively without the necessary resources.

The legislators appeared pleased with the announcement when Vijay discussed the issue with senior colleague N Anand after Jothimani raised the demand in the House.

₹25,000 monthly assistant allowance

In addition to the vehicle-related support, each MLA will receive ₹25,000 per month to hire an assistant or secretary for official work.

The government said the measures would improve the ability of legislators to handle constituency responsibilities. Supporters also argued that the move could create employment opportunities for drivers and assistants.

Congress MLA and TVK ally Tharagai Cuthbert welcomed the announcements, saying legislators were happy with the decision and suggesting that even opposition MLAs would appreciate the move.

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Health cover increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh

The government has also announced a major increase in the annual treatment limit under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme.

The coverage will rise from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh.

The scheme will also provide additional medical and surgical services for transgender persons at government hospitals in Chennai, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Chengalpattu, Thiruvarur, Karur and Kanyakumari.

₹351 crore for medical education

The Tamil Nadu government has allocated ₹351 crore to expand medical, nursing and paramedical education.

The initiative will create 6,098 additional seats, including:

• 660 BSc Nursing seats
• 1,925 additional seats in nursing colleges and schools
• 2,778 seats across 12 paramedical courses
• 735 additional medical seats

The government will also establish seven new government nursing colleges.

Read more | Tamil Nadu CM Vijay announces full waiver of cooperative farm loans up to Rs 75,000

₹300 crore hospital planned in Perambalur

A 400-bed multi-speciality hospital will be established in Perambalur at an estimated cost of ₹300 crore.

The facility is intended to provide advanced medical treatment and expand access to specialised healthcare services in the district.

DMK calls MLA package an unnecessary expense

The package for MLAs has drawn criticism from the opposition DMK.

DMK spokesperson A Sarvanan questioned the need to provide government cars to all 234 MLAs, arguing that the decision, along with the additional allowances, would impose a significant financial burden on the state.

School Education Minister Raj Mohan defended the move, saying the facilities would help MLAs perform their duties while also generating employment for drivers and assistants.

The announcements combine increased logistical support for legislators with wider measures covering healthcare, medical education and hospital infrastructure across Tamil Nadu.