Fri Mar 14 16:00:31 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26: Southern Districts Left Out, Claim Industry Leaders

**Madurai, March 14, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26, unveiled Friday, has drawn criticism from industry leaders in the state’s southern districts for its lack of concrete initiatives to boost industrial growth in the region. While the budget includes innovative schemes across various sectors and a significant allocation of ₹3,915 crore for the Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce Department, representatives from several trade bodies expressed disappointment over the perceived neglect of their regions.

The president of the Agri and All Trade Chamber, S. Rethinavelu, praised the early release of the Economic Survey Report, but highlighted the absence of proactive measures to develop the southern districts. Similarly, A. Kodeeswaran of MADITSSIA welcomed the ₹2.5 lakh-crore bank loan commitment for micro and small industries and the establishment of new industrial parks, but noted the absence of the previously announced Tamil Nadu Credit Guarantee Scheme and funding for the Madurai-Thoothukudi Industrial Corridor.

N. Jegatheesan of the Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry pointed to positive announcements such as a new Rameswaram airport and a footwear park, but criticized the lack of allocation for the Madurai Metro Rail project and the failure to declare Madurai as the second capital. Other concerns included insufficient focus on health, transport, and smaller-scale sectors. Representatives from Ramanathapuram district echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment over the lack of concrete plans for their region.

Despite the criticism, American College Professor C. Muthuraja acknowledged the budget’s ambitious goals within a challenging financial climate, aiming to reduce economic inequalities and boost employment. The budget’s overall focus on infrastructure development, education, and loan schemes for businesses was noted, though concerns remain about the equitable distribution of benefits across the state.

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