Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday (August 4, 2026) chaired the first meeting of the Tamil Nadu State Council for the Development of the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and the Scheduled Tribes (STs) for 2026-27 at the Secretariat in Chennai. During the meeting, the Development Action Plan for the financial year was approved.

According to an official release, the State Council, formed under the Tamil Nadu Development Action Plan for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Act, 2024, was constituted to ensure funds earmarked for the development of SCs and STs are utilised exclusively for their welfare.

During the meeting, Mr. Vijay reviewed measures taken in line with the government’s ‘Vetri Tamilagam’ vision to ensure the funds allocated for the welfare of SCs and STs fully reach the intended beneficiaries. In the 2026-27 Interim Budget Estimates, a total of ₹5,903.51 crore was allocated for the welfare of SCs and ₹349 crore for the welfare of STs in 23 government departments under various heads. The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure that the funds allocated are fully utilised for the benefit of SCs/STs.

Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu, Minister for Finance N. Marie Wilson, Minister for Forests R.V. Ranjithkumar, MPs, MLAs, and Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar were among the participants.

Published - August 04, 2026 07:30 pm IST