2 weeks ago
Vijay Announces Cars, Allowances and Health Cover for MLAs
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced new support for all 234 state MLAs.
Each MLA will receive a government vehicle for visiting constituencies and meeting residents.
The government will provide ₹75,000 each month for fuel, a driver and vehicle maintenance.
MLAs will also receive ₹25,000 each month to hire an assistant or secretary.
Vijay said this would help legislators work in remote areas and respond to people’s problems.
The government also proposed raising health insurance coverage from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
New healthcare seats, nursing colleges and a hospital in Perambalur were also announced.
Supporters said the measures would improve public service and create jobs, while the DMK said they would cost the state too much.
All 234 Tamil Nadu MLAs will be provided government vehicles for constituency-related work.
Each MLA will receive ₹75,000 monthly for fuel, a driver and vehicle maintenance.
The government will provide ₹25,000 monthly for an office assistant or secretary.
Health coverage under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme is proposed to rise from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
Supporters backed the package, while the opposition DMK called the vehicle and allowance plan an unnecessary expense.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay announced the measures for all 234 state MLAs.
- What
- The government announced vehicles, monthly vehicle and assistant allowances, higher health coverage and healthcare expansion.
- Where
- The announcement was made in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in Chennai; healthcare projects include a proposed hospital in Perambalur.
- When
- The announcement was made on a Wednesday in August 2026; reports differ between August 19 and August 20.
- Why
- Vijay said MLAs need logistical support to travel to constituencies, address public grievances and help government schemes reach residents.
Supporters
Critics
Need for vehicles and staff
Supporters
Vijay and supporters said frequent constituency travel, inspections and public meetings make vehicles and office assistance necessary, particularly for first-time MLAs without financial means.
Critics
The DMK questioned the need to provide a government vehicle and additional allowances to every MLA.
Public service versus cost
Supporters
Supporters said the package would help MLAs perform their duties, promote transparent and corruption-free governance, and create employment for drivers and assistants.
Critics
DMK spokesperson A Sarvanan said cars for all 234 MLAs and the related allowances would require substantial public spending and were an unnecessary expense.
Legislative response
Supporters
Congress MLA Tharagai Cuthbert and School Education Minister Raj Mohan welcomed the announcement, with Raj Mohan highlighting possible employment benefits.
Critics
The opposition DMK criticized the package, although one report said a DMK legislator acknowledged that similar logistical demands had been raised previously.
Key facts
- Beneficiaries
- All 234 Tamil Nadu MLAs
- Government vehicle
- One vehicle for each MLA for constituency-related work
- Vehicle allowance
- ₹75,000 per month for fuel, a driver and maintenance
- Assistant allowance
- ₹25,000 per month for an office assistant or secretary
- Health coverage
- Proposed increase from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh annually
- Healthcare expansion
- ₹351 crore for 6,098 additional medical, nursing and paramedical seats
- Perambalur hospital
- A proposed 400-bed multispeciality hospital costing an estimated ₹300 crore
- Nursing colleges
- Seven new government nursing colleges were announced
Quotes
Chief Minister Joseph Vijay
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
“"There has been a substantial increase in the number of first‑time MLAs who have no political or financial background and have been elected with the massive support of the people. MLAs have to travel continuously as part of their constituency work. They should not have to depend on others for their work and should be able to function honestly in villages and remote areas, meet people and address their grievances."”
freepressjournal.in
“"This decision will need a lot of money. Car for all 234 MLAs will cost a lot to the state and then there are additional allowances announced. What was the need?"”
NDTV
Sources
Tamil Nadu MLAs To Get New Cars, ₹75,000 Monthly Allowance Under Vijay Government
Car, Allowances, Hike In Health Cover: Vijay's Bonanza For Tamil Nadu MLAs
CM Vijay’s big bonanza: Tamil Nadu MLAs get Rs 1 lakh allowances for cars, assistants
Car, Rs 75,000 fuel allowance, driver, health cover: Vijay's announces BIG perks for all Tamil Nadu MLAs
CM Vijay’s MLA Bonanza: Cars, ₹75,000 Monthly Maintenance And ₹25,000 Assistant Allowance For All 234 Tamil Nadu Legislators | Video
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