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Tamil Nadu Budget 2024 prioritises rural development for inclusive growth

To create a 'Hut-Free Tamil Nadu' by 2030, the government plans to construct 8 lakh concrete houses in rural areas.

Published Feb 19, 2024 | 4:37 PM ⚊UpdatedFeb 19, 2024 | 4:37 PM

TN Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presented the state Budget on 19 February. (Screengrab)

In the state Budget presented by Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu on Monday, 19 February, the state government has focused on rural development, intending to address the persistent issue of hut-dwellings that continue to symbolise poverty in the state.

“Even in the 21st century, huts persist in rural areas as an enduring symbol of poverty. In the Indian society plagued with disparity, this transition to safe and permanent houses accords an opportunity for people to live with dignity,” the Finance Minister said.

Continuing the initiative started by Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar in 1975, the “Kalaignar Veedu Vazhangum Thittam” scheme and subsequent efforts have laid the groundwork for a hut-free Tamil Nadu, Minister Thennarasu said.

To create a “Hut-Free Tamil Nadu” by 2030, the government plans to construct 8 lakh concrete houses in rural areas, with the first phase involving the construction of 1 lakh houses at a unit cost of ₹3.50 lakh each in the upcoming year.

Also Read: TN gets ‘healthy’ Budget with ₹20,198 crore allocation

Other allocations

Here are the other allocations for schemes/initiatives to empower rural development:

₹3,500 crore has been allocaed for the “Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam” scheme, ensuring transparent selection processes and providing opportunities for the landless poor to build their dream homes.
The “Mudhalvarin Grama Salaigal Membattu Thittam” aims to enhance rural connectivity, with ₹1,000 crore allocated for road development covering 2,000 km.
The “Anaithu Grama Anna Marumalarchi Thittam–II” will receive ₹1,147 crore to provide basic amenities to all 2,482 village panchayats.
The significance of safe piped drinking water in Erode in 1919 is acknowledged in the budget, with ₹365 crore earmarked for the construction of 2,000 new overhead tanks in rural areas, replacing old ones.
A landmark initiative costing ₹500 crore will be launched to restore 5,000 water bodies, focusing on rehabilitating minor irrigation tanks, ponds, and feeder channels in Panchayat Unions.
Tamil Nadu, already a leader in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, will see a further allocation of ₹3,300 crore for this scheme.

As Tamil Nadu emerges as a model for inclusive rural development, these budget allocations reflect a commitment to uplift the rural populace and create a sustainable future for the state.