Tamil Nadu Govt Plans Cars, Fuel and Driver Allowances for All MLAs

The Tamil Nadu government is preparing to provide official cars to all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), irrespective of their political party affiliation. Alongside the vehicles, legislators will also receive monthly allowances to cover fuel costs and driver salaries.

The initiative comes after a formal request was raised in the state assembly by Kattumannarkoil VCK MLA L E Jothimani, who highlighted the transport challenges faced by elected representatives.

According to a senior government official, several legislators across the state currently commute using public buses or private hired taxis to travel between their constituencies and Chennai. The official noted that the Chief Minister is expected to make an announcement regarding the provision of vehicles and related allowances during the upcoming assembly session.

The state government is likely to procure the vehicles through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), the Union government's digital portal for public procurement used by ministries, departments, public sector units, and local bodies.

The move is set to benefit a significant portion of the house. Out of the 234 members in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, around 146 are first-time legislators, including several members representing the TVK.