Chennai, August 19: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced on Wednesday a significant enhancement to the ‘Chief Minister Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme.’ The annual coverage for each beneficiary family has been increased from ₹5 lakh to ₹25 lakh.
While addressing the assembly under Rule 110, Chief Minister Vijay emphasized that access to medical facilities is a fundamental right. He stated that it should not be limited to those who can afford it. This increased coverage is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the state’s healthcare system and ensure that financial or geographical barriers do not prevent people from receiving better treatment.
Additionally, Chief Minister Vijay unveiled a substantial assistance package for all 234 members of the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Under this initiative, each legislator will be provided with a government vehicle to facilitate easier travel within their constituencies and address residents’ grievances.
Vijay noted that legislators often need to travel to meet constituents, inspect development projects, and coordinate with government officials. Providing government vehicles will enable them to fulfill these responsibilities more effectively while promoting transparency and corruption-free governance.
The government highlighted that many current assembly members are first-time elected officials and some come from economically modest backgrounds. CM Vijay acknowledged that such legislators may lack the financial resources or logistical support necessary for extensive travel and fulfilling their duties as representatives.
This announcement came after a request from VCK legislator Jothimani, who informed the house that without adequate logistical support, legislators cannot work efficiently. She urged the government to provide vehicles for their use.
In addition to the government vehicle, each legislator will receive a monthly allowance of ₹75,000 to cover expenses related to drivers, fuel, and vehicle maintenance. The government will also grant each legislator ₹25,000 per month to appoint a secretary for assistance with constituency-related correspondence and other official tasks.
However, the government has not disclosed the total financial cost of providing vehicles and allowances to all legislators or when these new benefits will take effect.
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