Tamil Nadu Earmarks Rs 139.06 Crore for Tamil Development in 2026–27

CHENNAI — The Tamil Nadu government has earmarked Rs 139.06 crore for the Tamil Development and Information Department for 2026–2027, according to a Policy Note tabled in the state Legislative Assembly by Minister for School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Publicity Rajmohan.

The revised budget allocation outlines a roadmap aimed at preserving ancient Tamil heritage, expanding digital computing resources, and fostering youth engagement. The funds will be distributed across key institutions, including the Directorate of Tamil Development, the Tamil University in Thanjavur, the International Institute of Tamil Studies, the Directorate of Tamil Etymological Dictionary Project, and the World Tamil Sangam in Madurai.

A central focus of the policy is the digitisation and modernisation of linguistic tools. The state's online terminology repository, "Sorkuvai," has expanded to host over 1.55 million words, aiding the development of contemporary and technical glossaries. Alongside this, the International Institute of Tamil Studies is implementing several projects backed by the State Planning Commission, including an integrated digital palm-leaf manuscript database, video repositories for global higher education, and an international upgrade of its research library.

The blueprint also provides for targeted welfare measures for Tamil scholars and students globally, as well as the institution of new national literary honours. In addition, the policy prioritises the enforcement of the Tamil Nadu Official Language Act in administrative work and commercial signage, alongside expanding literary outreach initiatives across schools and higher educational institutions throughout the state.