Tamil Nadu government’s expanded Vettri Payanam Thittam (VPT) — the no-fare bus travel for women — which alone is expected to cost an additional ₹1,600 crore a year and a total of ₹6,000 crore, has brought to focus the social return on investment (SROI) versus fiscal cost.

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay seems to have mastered the art of welfare politics by including the gratis within the State’s about ₹4-lakh-crore revenue spending framework.

However, the question is can the government convert the estimated 84 lakh daily journeys into measurable gains in employment of women, productivity, household income, and mobility?

Tamil Nadu’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), estimated at ₹40.67 lakh crore for 2026-27, is large enough to accommodate VPT; even as its outstanding liabilities are projected at about 27% of GSDP in 2026-27. Debt servicing is about ₹1.28 lakh crore or 37% of the estimated revenue receipts.

The latest initiative, launched on Gandhi Jayanti, is an extension of the existing women’s zero-fare bus scheme, Vidiyal Payanam, covering a wider range of public transport buses. The government expects around 84 lakh women to benefit every day.

Cost to exchequer

Tamil Nadu’s 2025-26 Budget allocated as much as ₹3,600 crore as subsidy for Vidiyal Payanam (started by previous DMK regime), alongside ₹1,782 crore for concessional student fares and ₹1,857 crore as diesel subsidy.

The expanded VPT is about 1.7% of revenue receipts and 0.15% of GSDP in isolation, but the concern is the State’s budgeted ₹55,775-crore revenue deficit, meaning current revenues are insufficient to meet the current expenditure. There is no longer a specific Finance Commission cushion for States whose revenue expenditure exceeds revenue receipts.

Rising concerns

The recurring burden of the scheme, which may appear to be small in terms of GSDP, is that it is not targeted, which means part of the subsidy goes to those who may not need any assistance.

The higher the ridership, the larger will be the reimbursement needs. To ensure sustainability, the State should have a clear formula linking the reimbursement to actual passenger journeys and route costs. Otherwise, it may put pressure on transport funding.

If reimbursement does not fully compensate Tamil Nadu’s State Transport Undertakings (STUs), it would further weaken the financial metrics of them, which has been incurring daily average losses of ₹19 crore.

The existing arrangement is that the State compensates transport undertakings for zero-fare journeys. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reported that the government reimbursed the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) at ₹16 per zero-value ticket, implying revenue loss is effectively shifted from the transport corporations to the State Budget.

A yearly ₹6,000-crore commitment is not a one-off theatrics, rather the State government has to transparently quantify the benefits of unstringed subsidy to show mobility efficiency, labour market efficiency, income generation efficiency, cost-benefit ratio, and long-term sustainability (at the end of current term of the TVK).

The ultimate fare for its success is measurable SROI, not the electoral mileage.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led regime’s experiment of co-habitation in administration — two Advisers to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay alongside Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar — is creating mixed vibes in official circles.

It is not for the first time that the State government has appointed Advisers. At different points of time, since 1989, various regimes had Advisers to Chief Ministers, starting from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). But, Tamil Nadu’s experiences were not pleasant all the time. Invariably, differences have cropped up between Advisers and Chief Secretaries.

In late January 1989, former Finance Secretary S. Guhan, who had a stint with the Willy Brandt Commission, was made Adviser to Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. He remained in the post till June 1990, when he was made a Member of the State Planning Commission, a decision taken by Karunanidhi himself after the then Chief Secretary M.M. Rajendran, according to his memoirs published in 2020, had twice complained to the Chief Minister about Guhan’s “interference.” In May 1998, the outgoing Chief Secretary K.A. Nambiar was offered the post, but he did not take up the assignment.

During the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)’s government (2011-17) when Jayalalithaa and her successor O. Panneerselvam were at the helm of affairs, Debendranath Sarangi, on retirement, functioned as Adviser for a couple of months in 2013. Sheela Balakrishnan, who succeeded Mr. Sarangi as Chief Secretary, went on to serve as Adviser nearly for three years after her retirement in March 2014. She was perceived to be so powerful that, many officials felt then, she had overshadowed Chief Secretaries of the period. Not only that, in September 2014, at the time of the conviction of Jayalalithaa in a disproportionate assets case, Ms. Balakrishnan’s name did the rounds as a possible successor. Former Director General of Police K. Ramanujam had also functioned as Adviser for about nine months before being appointed State Chief Information Commissioner in August 2015. During February-April 2021, former Chief Secretary K. Shanmugam held the post. As per the government’s rules of business, files do not pass through Advisers.

Given this background, the appointment of Vishnu Reddy and John Arockiasamy as Advisers to the present Chief Minister in May had evoked scepticism in certain circles, whether this arrangement would be a smooth affair. Apart from the two Advisers, the Chief Minister is aided by a team of four IAS officers, one of whom has 30-odd years of experience.

“There is absolutely no issue on the issue of Advisers to the Chief Minister,” says one group of officials, which is of the view that the demarcation of functions has been “so clear” that there is no room for any conflict. “The Advisers are for the Chief Minister. One takes care of political affairs and another, public events and general matters. It is quite natural that they examine any policy matter, on which decisions are to be taken, from the angle of political implications,” observe this section of officials. Secretaries take instructions from their Ministers and the Chief Secretary, they add.

However, there is another view in the bureaucracy that Dr. Sai Kumar, now on a six-month extension, is “in full control” of the administration, and he, at times, conveys the message that he is the boss, giving the impression that the position of the advisers is less important. In fact, during the recent Budget Session of the Assembly, his grip was considered so tight that some Ministers did not know beforehand of the Chief Minister’s statements made in the House under Rule 110. Even though sections of the media have written that the TVK-led regime is “peeved” with the Chief Secretary over the Navodaya school row, another group of officials dismisses the reports and says the Chief Secretary enjoys the “utmost confidence” of Mr. Vijay, and this is why he has been able to assert his position.

The Tamil Nadu government on Monday (September 14, 2026) signed a slew of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in London, including one with Samvardhana Motherson International Limited and its European and U.K.-based joint venture companies for an investment of approximately ₹11,000 crore.

Mr. Vijay is in London on his first official overseas visit, “with the aim of attracting investments to Tamil Nadu”. According to an official release, this investment will create employment opportunities for around 7,000 people across sectors including design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly and logistics facilities. The MoU was exchanged between Barry Painter, global head, marketing and communications, Samvardhana Motherson International Group, and Deepak Jacob, managing director, Guidance Tamil Nadu.

The State government also signed an MoU with Ernst & Young, headquartered in the United Kingdom, to facilitate the establishment of a Global Capability Centre (GCC) in the State. It involves an investment of around ₹1,000 crore aimed at creating 2,000 high-value jobs. The proposed GCC will be located in the newly announced ‘GCC corridor’ on Mount-Poonamallee Road in Chennai, the release said.

Further, Sweden-based Sigma Technology Group has signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government, committing to expand its GCCs in Tiruchi and Chennai through its Indian entity, Zriya Solutions, with the aim of creating 600 high-value jobs in the areas of embedded systems, electrification and industrial digitalisation. Michael Carlson, founder and chief executive officer of Sigma Technology Group, and Krishna Radhakrishnan, chief executive officer, Zriya Solutions (a part of Sigma AB Private Limited), exchanged the MoU with Mr. Jacob, said the release.

Another MoU was signed with Wilson Power Solutions for the next phase of growth of the electrical and electronic equipment manufacturing sector in the State, involving an investment of ₹300 crore in Tiruvallur district and creating 400 new jobs. Hari Krishna Malepati, group technical director of Wilson Power Solutions; Dennis Sorby, group finance director; Kumaran Periasamy, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom; and senior government officials were present, the release added.

The two women Ministers and MLAs of the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) attended the Assembly on Monday clad in red-tinted saffron sarees to mark the day Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay replied to the debate on demands for grants for the Police and Fire and Rescue Services departments.

After the Chief Minister completed his speech, they met him and appreciated his performance.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is expected to move a resolution in the Assembly on Wednesday (August 11, 2026) regarding the proposed delimitation exercise, urging the Union government to permanently maintain the existing strength of the Lok Sabha at 543 and retain the current inter-State distribution of seats.

Editorial | Case for consensus: On delimitation

Mr. Vijay had, on August 8, 2026, convened a meeting with Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu at Kalaivanar Arangam in Chennai. Of the total 57 MPs — 39 in the Lok Sabha and 18 in the Rajya Sabha — from Tamil Nadu, only 19 MPs participated. At the meeting, it was decided to adopt a resolution in the Assembly to protect the rights of Tamil Nadu and the southern States.

The resolution is also likely to emphasise maintaining the current Lok Sabha-Rajya Sabha ratio of 2.2:1, while simultaneously implementing 33% reservation for women in the 2029 Lok Sabha and subsequent Assembly elections without any delay, based on the existing 543 seats.

The Hindu e-Book on delimitation | The Delimitation Debate: The Union and its Units

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Saturday demanded that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay provide government jobs to family heirs of those persons killed in the police firing during the Vanniyar reservation agitation, just as his government had done for the family members of the Karur stampede victims.

In a statement, he said that while the compassion shown by Mr. Vijay was welcome, such relief should not be limited to one group alone, and it should be extended to everyone who had suffered in similar circumstances across different periods. Similar assistance should also be provided to the families of the 25 people — including 21 who were killed in the police firing and others who died due to various forms of repression — during the week-long road blockade agitation that began on September 17, 1987, he asserted.

Dr. Anbumani added: “The families of those who were shot dead during the reservation agitation have every right to receive government employment and other forms of assistance. The government has both the duty and responsibility to provide them.”

Leaders and politicians across political parties mourned the death of veteran playback singer S. Janaki and paid heartfelt tributes to her.

On X, Vice-President of India C.P. Radhakrishnan said her songs transcended linguistic and regional boundaries, uniting millions through the universal language of music.

“S. Janaki-amma’s passing is an irreparable loss to the world of music and to the nation’s artistic heritage. Through her immense contribution to Indian music, she left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire artists and music lovers alike,” the Vice-President said.

In his message, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay said the demise of Ms. Janaki brought immense sorrow.

“Having sung thousands of songs in various languages, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, and more, she has left an indelible mark on the music world. The recipient of countless prestigious awards, including multiple National Film Awards, she will forever remain etched in the hearts of fans through her sweet voice, exceptional ability to convey emotions and unwavering dedication to music,” he said.

DMK president M.K. Stalin said her demise was a great loss, not only to the people of Tamil Nadu, who would continue to let her “nectar-like” songs resonate in their homes from the radio to Spotify, but also to the people of south India and the Indian film industry as a whole.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami said she rendered many songs as a playback singer across 20 Indian languages, including Tamil, securing an indelible place in the hearts of the people.

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the passing of Ms. Janaki, the unparalleled playback singer of Indian cinema and the nightingale of Kannada films, had delivered a profound shock.

He added that her embodiment of simplicity inspired and nurtured countless singers, and her vocal charm would forever remain immortal in the cultural sphere of Karnataka.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said: “A daughter of Telugu soil, she built an unparalleled musical legacy spanning over six decades, touching generations with her timeless voice.”

YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy said Indian music had lost one of its brightest stars, but her melodies would live on forever.

The Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali called on Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay at the Secretariat in Chennai on Tuesday. Mr. Ali, along with his wife Begum Sayeeda Abdul Ali and family members, congratulated Mr. Vijay on his victory in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. They also held a discussion with the Chief Minister. Separately, Dheeraj G. Hinduja, chairman of Ashok Leyland, also called on the Chief Minister and held a discussion with him.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C. Joseph Vijay will be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday (May 10, 2026), putting an end to almost six decades of alternating rule by the State’s two dominant Dravidian parties—DMK and AIADMK.

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Saturday (May 9) appointed Mr. Vijay as Chief Minister-designate after he secured the support of 120 MLAs-elect in the 234-member House.

Mr. Vijay will take the oath at Nehru Stadium in Chennai at 10 a.m. on Sunday (May 10). Nine other Ministers, including some senior TVK leaders, will also be sworn in. Mr. Vijay will head a coalition government with the Congress as a partner.

Also read: Tamil Nadu government formation highlights

The Governor has also directed Mr. Vijay to seek a vote of confidence in the Assembly on or before May 13. The nail-biting political uncertainty that prevailed over the last few days ended on Saturday (May 9) evening, when the VCK and the IUML extended their support, taking the TVK’s tally to 120. Later, Mr. Vijay called on the Governor at Lok Bhavan in Chennai and handed over letters of support from the Congress, CPI, CPI (M), VCK and IUML.

The TVK, which won 108 seats in the recent Assembly election, has an effective strength of 107 as party president Mr. Vijay was elected from two constituencies. He will have to vacate one seat. The party secured the support of five Congress MLAs-elect and two each from the CPI, CPI(M), VCK and IUML, all of whom had contested as part of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).

Though the Congress snapped ties with the DMK to forge a post-poll alliance with the TVK, the other parties said that while they were extending support to the TVK for government formation, they would continue to remain part of the DMK-led alliance.

TVK cadre celebrated Mr. Vijay’s appointment as the Chief Minister by distributing sweets and bursting crackers at the party headquarters in Panaiyur and at several other places.

Support to TVK to avoid President’s rule

With the CPI and CPI (M) already expressing support for the TVK, the TVK had been awaiting the VCK’s decision. It was expected that the VCK would extend support around noon, but the formal letter was handed over to TVK general secretary (election campaign management) Aadhav Arjuna only in the evening.

Later, speaking to reporters at the VCK headquarters, party founder-president Thol. Thirumavalavan said, “Since the time of the People’s Welfare Front, the Left and the VCK have been functioning together based on ideology. Therefore, in the context of this political crisis, the Left and the VCK consulted and decided together, keeping a long-term vision in mind.”

Mr. Thirumavalavan said the decision to support the TVK was taken after consulting the party’s high-level committee. “The basis of this decision is to prevent President’s rule from being imposed in Tamil Nadu by using this political crisis, and we do not want to be an obstacle to the TVK forming the new government.”

Mr. Thirumavalavan also made it clear that his party would extend unconditional support to the government from outside. When asked if the alliance with the DMK would continue, he said, “We are still in the DMK-led alliance. But as a political party, we have used our independence to take this stand. I don’t think this will affect our relationship.”