The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coimbatore (ICCIC), has welcomed the interim Budget presented on Tuesday by Thangam Thennarasu, Finance Minister of the Tamil Nadu Government, stating that it contains several welfare measures and significant allocations across various departments.
The Chamber specifically welcomed and thanked the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for placing greater emphasis on welfare schemes and education in the Budget.
It also welcomed the allocation of ₹28,687 crore for the Rural Development Department, ₹285 crore for the construction of new museums across Tamil Nadu, and ₹718 crore for Sports and Youth Welfare.
The Chamber further welcomed the following initiatives and thanked the Chief Minister for announcing them:
- The Tamil Nadu Shipbuilding Policy, aimed at promoting investments in shipbuilding and marine ancillary manufacturing. SIPCOT, in association with the VOC Port Authority, will establish a new shipbuilding cluster at Thoothukudi through a special purpose vehicle, which is expected to boost the industrial sector in the State.
- The allocation of ₹1,943 crore for MSMEs, which is expected to generate more employment opportunities in the western part of Tamil Nadu.
- The establishment of mini TIDEL Parks at Karur, Namakkal, and Hosur, which is expected to significantly contribute to Tamil Nadu’s development.
- The first phase of works for a Gold Jewellery Park in Coimbatore district and the allocation of funds for the same.
- The setting up of new libraries in five districts—Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli, Cuddalore, Salem, and Tirunelveli—which is expected to enhance knowledge and foster an intellectually vibrant society.
“We wholeheartedly welcome the Coimbatore and Madurai Metro Rail projects and are confident that the Tamil Nadu Government will once again urge the Centre to grant approvals for these projects,” the Chamber said.
