Unveiling what he described as a “celebrity” manifesto for the approaching Tamil Nadu Meeting election, DMK president and Chief Minister M.Ok. Stalin on Sunday (March 29, 2026) promised a ₹8,000 coupon to all “non-Earnings Tax paying” homemakers to purchase any digital residence equipment of their alternative from the closest shops.
The manifesto, launched on the social gathering headquarters Anna Arivalayam in Chennai, sought to strike a steadiness between welfare schemes backed by enough monetary help and severe political points equivalent to federalism, Centre-State relations, and the imposition of Hindi.
On the one hand, it promised to popularise the Justice Kurian Committee report on Centre-State relations, and on the opposite, it introduced a bunch of incentives.
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Claiming that the DMK’s manifesto had all the time been the “hero” of elections, Mr. Stalin stated the Illatharasi scheme — which can enable homemakers to purchase or exchange family home equipment, together with washer, fridges, mixers, grinders, ovens, induction stoves and tv units — could be the “heroine” of the 2026 election. “The manifesto will enter the fray as a celebrity,” he stated.
All guarantees stored
Requested whether or not the federal government had the funds to help such a scheme, he stated comparable doubts have been raised in 2021, however the DMK authorities stored all its guarantees and in addition carried out schemes not promised within the manifesto.
He stated the federal government would mobilise assets for the implementation of welfare schemes and infrastructure tasks launched up to now 5 years and generate funds by particular monetary administration measures.
Reiterating its dedication to securing Tamil Nadu’s due share from the Centre, in accordance with the suggestions of the sixteenth Finance Fee, the manifesto stated efforts could be made to determine deserving beneficiaries by decreasing pointless expenditure. “We’ve got achieved double-digit development,” he stated, thanking the manifesto drafting committee headed by DMK Parliamentary Social gathering chief Kanimozhi.
The manifesto additionally proposes to increase the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme as much as Class 8, for the advantage of a further 15 lakh college students.
Month-to-month proper grant to be elevated
Mr. Stalin stated the month-to-month proper grant for 1.31 crore ladies beneficiaries of the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai could be elevated to ₹2,000 from ₹1,000. The old-age pension could be raised from ₹1,200 to ₹2,000, whereas individuals with disabilities would obtain ₹2,500.
The earnings ceiling for the Chief Minister’s Complete Well being Insurance coverage Scheme could be ₹5 lakh a yr and the insurance coverage protection could be elevated to ₹10 lakh.
The manifesto promised to assemble 5 lakh new homes over the following few years underneath the Kalaignar Kanavu Illam scheme, along with 10 lakh homes underneath an city housing improvement scheme. It additionally proposed housing for Sri Lankan Tamils and the development of latest homes to interchange the broken ones.
10,000 new buses
Mr. Stalin additionally introduced the introduction of 10,000 new buses over the following 5 years, arguing that the ‘Dravidian Mannequin’ authorities’s Vidiyal Payanam had performed a big function within the socio-economic improvement of girls.
The manifesto additionally proposed schemes for farmers, together with the set up of motors with out meters for these receiving free electrical energy. This is able to profit 20 lakh farmers. It promised to extend the procurement value to ₹3,500 for a quintal of paddy and ₹4,500 for a tonne of sugar cane. A complete of 10,500 km of the C and D class irrigation canals within the Cauvery delta districts, together with 5,000 km of canals in different districts, could be desilted.
The social gathering additionally promised to extend the monetary help for fishermen through the fishing ban interval to ₹12,000 from ₹8,000, whereas particular reduction through the low-catch interval could be raised to ₹9,000 from ₹6,000.
Milking machines
As milking cows has turn into a tough process for farmers, the DMK proposed a scheme to distribute milking machines to suppliers throughout 3,000 milk cooperative societies. To make sure a good value for milk producers, the social gathering stated the procurement value could be elevated by ₹5. To help cattle care, 24-hour veterinary clinics could be established in all districts. Loans for sustaining cattle could be elevated to ₹5,000 from ₹3,000.
The manifesto promised to double the dialysis machines in any respect authorities hospitals.
Because the inhabitants improve has emerged as a significant subject in cities and suburban areas, the manifesto promised to create ‘international cities’ close to Tiruchi, Madurai, Coimbatore, and Salem.
Stating that ports are the engines of financial development, the social gathering stated new minor ports could be developed, together with enhancements to infrastructure and interconnectivity. The ports at Nagapattinam and Cuddalore could be upgraded to world-class requirements.
Cargo terminal at Thoothukudi
Declaring that the growth of the Coimbatore airport remained a non-starter even after land acquisition, the manifesto stated the social gathering would urge the Centre to begin work. “As Thoothukudi is rising as the economic capital of south Tamil Nadu, the contribution of ports, railways, and the airport is essential. A cargo terminal might be established in Thoothukudi, because the airport has already been expanded,” the manifesto stated.
Promising to carry a Classical Tamil Convention in Chennai with the participation of worldwide Tamil students and linguists, the manifesto stated it could press the Centre to grant Indian citizenship to Sri Lankan Tamils dwelling within the State for a few years.
Promising to make Tamil Nadu a State with zero college dropout, the manifesto stated a particular Act could be introduced in for the safety of kids. “We’ll create a toddler welfare State,” it stated.
Printed – March 29, 2026 07:25 pm IST
