Synopsis
In a transformative step toward inclusivity, Tamil Nadu's Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu announced the inclusion of transgender persons in the Home Guard. This initiative aims to provide dignified livelihoods and training for traffic management during festivals, alongside educational scholarships for transgender students.Key Takeaways
- Transgender individuals to join Home Guard services.
- Training for traffic management and crowd control.
- Initial pilot project in Chennai, Tambaram, and Avadi.
- Scholarships for transgender students to support education.
- New housing and infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu.
Chennai, March 14 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking initiative for inclusivity, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu revealed the inclusion of transgender individuals into the Home Guard services. While addressing the Tamil Nadu legislative Assembly during the presentation of the 2025-26 budget, he mentioned that transgender persons will undergo proper training to aid in traffic management and crowd control during festivals.
Initially, a pilot project will see the appointment of 50 transgender individuals in Chennai, Tambaram, and Avadi, who will receive salaries, training, and uniforms equivalent to other Home Guards.
The Minister highlighted that this initiative is designed to provide transgender persons with a respectable livelihood and facilitate their integration into mainstream society.
Furthermore, the Puthumai Penn and Tamil Puthalvan scholarship programs, which offer Rs 1,000 monthly, will now be available to transgender students to support their higher education pursuits.
Thangam Thenarasu also stated that the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam scheme will lead to the construction of 100,000 new homes in rural regions at an estimated cost of Rs 3,500 crore, along with the rebuilding of 25,000 dilapidated houses at a cost of Rs 600 crore.
Additionally, a new international-standard city will be developed near Chennai to promote urban growth.
The finance minister announced the implementation of a circular pipe water distribution scheme in Chennai with an investment of Rs 2,423 crore to improve access to drinking water.
He also reported that 102 outdated drinking water schemes (over 40 years old) will be modernized at a cost of Rs 675 crore.
Upgrades to riverbanks in Tiruchi, Madurai, Erode, Coimbatore, and Tirunelveli will occur with an allocation of Rs 400 crore.
A 3-km bridge connecting Guindy and Guru Nanak College junction in Velachery will be constructed at a cost of Rs 310 crore, benefiting seven lakh commuters.
The finance minister stated that 6,100 km of rural roads will be constructed under the Chief Minister’s Rural Road Scheme.
Additionally, seven Sponge Parks will be developed within Chennai’s metropolitan areas to promote water conservation and urban greenery.
While addressing the assembly, Tamil Nadu’s finance minister announced that 10 new ‘Thozhi’ hostels will be established for working women in cities like Kancheepuram, Erode, Karur, and Ranipet.
This project will benefit 800 women. Furthermore, three modern hostels for female students will be built in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai, each accommodating 1,000 students, with a total investment of Rs 275 crore, Thangam Thenarasu added.
The government also plans to set up 25 ‘Anbusolai’ old-age homes with an investment of Rs 25 crore to provide shelter for elderly citizens.
Special hostels for girl students from Backward Classes, Most Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minority communities will be constructed and managed by the Tamil Nadu Working Women’s Hostels Corporation Limited.
The Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 emphasizes inclusivity, infrastructure, and welfare, aiming to enhance living conditions and economic opportunities for marginalized communities, students, and working professionals across the state.
