Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu will present the state's Budget for the financial year 2025-26 on Friday, 14 March.
Published Mar 13, 2025 | 5:48 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 13, 2025 | 5:48 PM
A demand has been raised for better financial support for women in the informal sector. Most of them work without any job security. (Creative Commons)
Synopsis: With Tamil Nadu’s Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu set to present the state’s Budget for the financial year 2025-26 on Friday, 14 March, citizens are voicing their expectations, particularly in the areas of women and youth empowerment, social welfare and inclusive growth, and environment and disaster management.
Tamil Nadu’s Budget to be tabled in the Assembly on Friday, 14 March, is likely to introduce key financial measures to address issues related to women and youth empowerment, social welfare and inclusive growth, and environment and disaster management while balancing economic growth and welfare initiatives.
The state has implemented significant welfare schemes, such as the ‘Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam,’ benefiting 1.15 crore families with a monthly entitlement of ₹1,000.
This has helped in reducing poverty and improving women’s economic independence. However, there are growing demands for additional measures to enhance women’s safety, hygiene, and employment opportunities.
In Chennai, social worker Anitha R stressed the importance of women’s safety beyond urban centers. She noted that many bus stops and streets in small towns lack proper lighting and CCTV surveillance, making travel unsafe, especially after dark.
“Women’s safety should be prioritised beyond urban centers. The government should allocate funds for safer public spaces and better surveillance infrastructure,” she said.
Saranya, a working professional from Coimbatore living in Chennai, echoed similar concerns. She emphasised the need for stronger workplace harassment policies.
“While there are many schemes for women’s financial assistance, safety at workplaces is still a concern. The Budget should include stronger policies and funding for workplace harassment prevention,” she said.
Meanwhile, Revathi S, a homemaker from Madurai, urged the government to consider more crisis support initiatives.
“The government has done a lot in terms of financial aid for women, but what about crisis support? More shelters for women facing domestic violence and better helpline services would be a welcome addition,” she added.
Sanitary hygiene remains a major concern in government schools. Jayanthi, a former teacher from Trichy, pointed out that many girls drop out due to the lack of proper facilities.
“Sanitary hygiene is a major issue in government schools. Many girls drop out due to lack of access to proper facilities. The government should allocate funds to ensure clean toilets, sanitary pad dispensers, and awareness programmes,” she said.
Indu, a college student in Chennai, highlighted the economic burden of menstrual health. “Many students from economically weaker backgrounds cannot afford sanitary napkins regularly. Subsidised or free sanitary kits in schools and colleges should be announced in the Budget,” she suggested.
Maheshwari (name changed), a former government school teacher in Salem, stressed that no girl should miss school due to menstrual health issues.
“Girls should not miss school due to menstrual health issues. The state must set aside a larger portion of the budget for menstrual hygiene education and free distribution of sanitary products,” she added.
Financial aid and economic empowerment for women remain a key demand. Kavitha, an aspiring entrepreneur in Tirunelveli, said that financial backing is still a challenge for women trying to start businesses.
“Starting a business is still difficult for women due to a lack of financial backing. The government should introduce more grants and interest-free loans for women entrepreneurs,” she said.
Lakshmi S, a daily-wage worker in Vellachery, spoke about the lack of job security for women in informal labour.
“Women in informal labour should get better financial support. Many of us work without any job security. The government should ensure pension schemes or emergency funds for women workers,” she urged.
The Tamil Nadu Department of Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, and Minorities Welfare is working to enhance inclusive growth through various welfare schemes aimed at uplifting marginalised communities.
The initiatives focus on expanding educational opportunities, providing economic support, and ensuring social integration for Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, Denotified Communities, and Minorities.
Education initiatives
To support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, the department offers scholarships and financial aid, ensuring that economic hardship does not hinder their education.
Free coaching programmes have also been introduced to help students prepare for competitive exams, improving their chances of securing government jobs and admission into professional courses.
Additionally, the government operates hostels in urban centers to accommodate students from rural areas, providing them with access to better educational resources.
Economic support
The department has implemented several measures to promote economic empowerment among marginalised communities. Through entrepreneurship development programmes, individuals receive training and financial assistance to establish self-employment ventures.
In collaboration with financial institutions, the government also provides subsidised loans to support small businesses and agricultural activities, helping families achieve financial stability.
To promote social welfare, the department provides marriage assistance to girls from economically weaker sections, reducing the financial burden on families.
The government also funds the construction of community halls, which serve as venues for social gatherings and community events, fostering social cohesion.
While Tamil Nadu has a strong social welfare foundation, gaps remain in equitable access. Many citizens believe that welfare schemes should be expanded beyond urban centers.
Ravi Muthuswamy, a social worker pointed out that rural regions often lack awareness and access to key government benefits.
“Urban areas seem to benefit more from welfare schemes. Rural regions often lack awareness and access. The government should ensure that these schemes reach the most vulnerable communities,” he said.
Chennai-based social worker Parvathi stressed that marginalised communities still struggle to receive proper financial aid.
“Marginalised communities still struggle with getting proper financial aid. More targeted policies for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes would make a huge difference,” she emphasised.
Environment and disaster management
Tamil Nadu has demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability through initiatives like the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, which aims to increase the state’s green cover from 23.7% to 33% over the next decade. However, environmental activists and farmers opined that more need to be done to combat pollution and climate change.
Lakshmi, a resident of Chennai, called for stricter regulations on industrial pollution. “While tree-planting drives are commendable, we need stricter regulations on industrial pollution to make a tangible impact. Industries should be held accountable for waste management and carbon emissions,” she said.
Saravana from Trichy highlighted the impact of climate change on agriculture. “Climate change has made farming unpredictable. The government should invest in better irrigation systems and early warning mechanisms for floods and droughts. Many of us are struggling to cope with extreme weather conditions,” he said.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
