CHENNAI: The Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government’s maiden Budget for 2026-27 rolled out several welfare measures across education, healthcare and family support.From student-focused initiatives to benefits for brides, newborns and expectant mothers, here are five announcements that could directly impact households across Tamil Nadu.Vetri laptop scheme gives students a digital boostThe government has allocated Rs 2,000 crore for the Vetri Laptop Scheme, aimed at improving digital access for students. The initiative seeks to equip young learners with laptops to support higher education, skill development and better learning opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven world.Free bicycles to make school commute easierUnder the ‘Puthiya Payanam, Puthiya Vegam’ scheme, 5.3 lakh Class XI students in government and government-aided schools will receive bicycles along with helmets and water bottles. With an allocation of ₹277 crore, the scheme aims to make travel to school safer and more convenient.Gold coin and silk saree for eligible bridesThe Budget earmarks ₹812 crore for the ‘Annan Seer Thittam’, under which eligible brides will receive an eight-gram (one-sovereign) gold coin and a silk saree. The welfare measure is intended to provide financial support to families during marriage.Government to gift gold ring to every newbornThe government will launch the ‘Thai Maaman Thanga Mothiram Thittam’, under which every baby born in a government hospital will receive a one-gram gold ring. The scheme, backed by an allocation of ₹560 crore, aims to encourage institutional deliveries while supporting new mothers and families.‘Thai Care’ centres aim to make pregnancy saferThe state will establish ‘Thai Care’ maternity support centres where pregnant women can stay before delivery and receive free accommodation, nutritious meals, medical care and continuous health monitoring. The government has allocated ₹23 crore for the initiative to strengthen maternal healthcare services.The Budget places a strong emphasis on education, maternal healthcare and family welfare. If implemented effectively, these schemes could benefit lakhs of students, women and households across Tamil Nadu while expanding access to key public services.
