Clearance for several schemes announced in the Tamil Nadu Assembly is facing delays, with Finance Department officials raising repeated queries on project proposals, according to Secretariat sources.
During the first Budget session after the alliance government led by Chief Minister Vijay took charge, 17 announcements were made on behalf of the Chief Minister and 1,117 announcements were issued across 51 departments. However, officials say translating these announcements into implementable schemes is proving difficult.
Sources said departments must prepare detailed project reports and send them to the Finance Department for approval. Only after financial clearance can a government order be issued to roll out a new scheme. When doubts arise over estimates or valuations, the Finance Department returns files with questions.
In many cases, officials have sought clarifications on feasibility and costs, including for some “flagship” schemes announced after senior ministers obtained the Chief Minister’s consent. Over the past two weeks alone, more than 200 files have reportedly been sent back to departments.
While the Finance Department maintains that approvals can be granted once proper replies are provided, departmental officials argue that withholding clearance for schemes aligned with the Chief Minister and ministers is not appropriate. With the next Budget expected in February or March 2027, departments have flagged the issue to the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister’s private secretaries, sources added.
