Fri Mar 28 09:26:34 UTC 2025: **Tamil Nadu Launches ₹1,000 Crore Rural Development Scheme**
Chennai, March 28, 2025 – The Tamil Nadu government announced a significant expansion of its rural development initiatives today. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin unveiled Vazhndhu Kattuvom 3.0, a ₹1,000 crore scheme aimed at boosting rural economies across 120 blocks in the state. The project, supported by the World Bank, builds upon the success of its predecessor program.
Further announcements included a ₹66 crore skill development program targeting 42,000 youth, ₹25 crore in funding for 2,500 women-led self-help groups, and the organization of food festivals across five zones.
Significant investments were also made in sports development. The state will host the 2025 Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup in Chennai and Madurai (₹55 crore), launch a statewide Chief Minister Youth Sports Festival (₹45 crore), and develop new sports infrastructure, including futsal and box cricket arenas (₹19 crore) and para-sports facilities (₹7.5 crore). An insurance scheme for 25,000 sportspersons was also announced.
The government also detailed plans for improved policy making, including the establishment of a Policy and Governance Experiential Centre and an Economics and Statistics Wing within government departments. Modernization of the Economics and Statistics Department will receive a ₹2 crore investment, with an additional ₹2.7 crore allocated for staff training.
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