PMK Unveils Shadow Budget Proposing 1 Lakh Jobs and LPG Subsidy
Pattali Makkal Katchi President Anbumani Ramadoss presented the party's General Shadow Budget for Tamil Nadu for 2026-27 in Chennai on Monday. The proposal outlines measures including one lakh government jobs in its first phase, a Rs 300 subsidy on domestic LPG cylinders, total prohibition across the state from October 2, and free travel for all passengers on MTC buses in Chennai.
In the financial overview for 2026-27, the shadow budget projects Tamil Nadu's revenue receipts at Rs 6,71,891 crore against an estimated total expenditure of Rs 6,96,149 crore. The party projected a revenue surplus of Rs 61,179 crore alongside a fiscal deficit of Rs 24,258 crore.
Under its employment plan, the party proposed recruiting one lakh individuals for government positions during the remaining six months of the 2026-27 financial year. The plan includes appointing 25,000 teachers, 5,000 assistant professors, and recruiting 17,000 candidates through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission.
Addressing public welfare, the PMK proposed a Rs 300 subsidy per domestic LPG cylinder for up to six cylinders annually, citing rising LPG prices caused by international conflicts. The plan also includes raising monthly financial assistance for women heads of families to Rs 2,000 and extending the benefit to all rice ration card holders. Additionally, the party proposed offering lunch at Amma Canteens for Rs 10, with non-vegetarian lunch on Sundays priced at Rs 25.
For Chennai specifically, the budget details plans to expand MTC services by increasing the fleet to 7,000 buses while offering free bus travel to all passengers. It also proposes shifting operations out of the Koyambedu bus terminus and converting the site into a public park.
On state policy and social administration, the PMK pledged complete prohibition starting October 2, promising alternative employment for TASMAC workers and cancelling manufacturing licences for liquor and beer units. The party announced a Social Justice Survey starting September 17 following house-listing for a caste-based census, alongside an additional Rs 500 crore allocation for the Backward Classes Commission.
To combat corruption, the proposal details five special courts targeting sand mining, mineral extraction, recruitment scams, and contract corruption. It also mandates annual public asset disclosures for the Chief Minister, Ministers, and MLAs, while bringing top leadership under a strengthened Lokayukta. Agriculture provisions feature Rs 68,000 crore for the department, crop loan waivers, assistance for agricultural labourers, opposition to the Mekedatu Dam, and raising the Mullaperiyar Dam level to 152 feet.
