Chennai allocates funds for student laptop scheme

Chennai: Tamil Nadu's Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu announced a budget of 19,287.44 crore for the fiscal year 2024-2025 in the state assembly on Friday. The budget includes 12,639.36 crore for revenue, 6,429.36 crore for capital expenses, and 218.88 crore for loans. The supplementary budget seeks approval for new services and expenditures since the last estimate was presented on December 9. Key expenses include 2,000 crore for food and consumer protection support and 1,400 crore for rural housing projects. Additionally, 1,036 crore is allocated for electricity dues and 1,000 crore for new buses. The government will also spend 901.84 crore for disaster relief following Cyclone Fengal and heavy rains last year. Thennarasu emphasized Tamil Nadu's historical independence from northern influences during the assembly discussions. The assembly passed the Tamil Nadu Appropriation Bill, which allows the government to withdraw around 3.29 lakh crore from the state’s consolidated fund for the upcoming financial year starting April 1, 2025. In a notable announcement, Thennarasu committed 2,000 crore for a laptop scheme for students, expecting to match this amount next year. He said that laptops would cost about 20,000 each. Chief Minister M K Stalin praised Thennarasu's budget, stating it supports all sectors equally and ensures quality for students.