Chennai: Budget preparation for Tamil Nadu’s 2026-27 financial year has been hit by delays as ministers are yet to be appointed for 22 departments, according to sources in the Finance Department.
The Assembly election was held on April 23, after the model code of conduct came into force with the poll announcement in March. An interim budget had been presented on February 17. Following the election, the DMK lost and the TVK formed the government. Chief Minister Vijay and nine ministers took oath on May 10, and portfolios were allotted to them recently.
Finance Department sources said the government now needs to present the full 2026-27 budget and allocate funds for both pending schemes and new initiatives. However, the absence of ministers for several key departments has made it difficult for officials to begin departmental review meetings and finalise proposals.
The departments without ministers include Forest and Environment, Agriculture, Revenue, Housing, Cooperation, Micro and Small Industries, Social Welfare, Fisheries, Dairy Development, Animal Husbandry, Tourism, Transport, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Higher Education, Labour Welfare, and Adi Dravidar Welfare, among others.
Officials warned that if the process is not started immediately, obtaining ministerial approvals and sending proposals to the Finance Department could become challenging, potentially pushing back the budget presentation date. They also flagged that delays in the separate agriculture budget could affect the timely rollout of farmer support measures, including those linked to the Kuruvai season.
