Government of Tamil Nadu - Archives

Speech of Prof. K. Anbazhagan, Minister for Finance, Government of Tamil Nadu, presenting the Budget for 2008-2009 to the Legislative Assembly on 20th March, 2008.

Hon’ble Speaker Sir,

The Hon’ble Chief Minister, who was also the then Minister in charge of Finance, commenced his Budget Speech for the year 1997-1998 on 5.3.1997 by stating that in accordance with the Kural of Saint Thiruvalluvar,

"Who pulls forth like a bullock throughout every way and place,
Will surely cause his griefs themselves to grieve and flee apace"

the Government would function with the determination of an ox pulling its burden over an uneven path full of obstacles, with the firm belief that the relentless efforts will result in an end to difficulties and ultimately in success. He concluded his speech by stating that (and I quote)

"In the southern part of India, Thanjavur was the capital of the mighty Chola empire where their imperial flag with the Tiger insignia was flying high. In this Thanjavur region, I was born and brought up in a village called Thirukkuvalai, in a most backward family engaged in agriculture with proficiency in music. Even as a young boy, I had a deep sense of self-respect and love for the Tamil Language. I became a true disciple of Thanthai Periyar and then the affectionate younger brother of Arignar Anna and eventually a kin of the Tamil people dedicating myself to work for their betterment. In my public life, I have made a vow that "Even if I were to fall, let Tamil live" and my sense of duty is such that even if I am thrown into the sea, I shall stay afloat as a catamaran for the Tamil people to ride upon. In my whole life I have had only one thought foremost in my mind, day in and day out, that is the rights of the people belonging to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and Most Backward Classes to live with dignity. I have considered myself fortunate to be a humble soldier in their formation. I have identified persons among the forward communities who have the ability and concern for the rights and progress of these people. With their help, I have strived for the prosperity of the downtrodden. Even in my dream my yearning is to fulfill my vow to see God in the smile of the poor. This budget was prepared to transform that dream into reality and out of my unquenchable zeal to see in my lifetime a peaceful and prosperous and intellectually vibrant Tamil Society."

The very same person who wrote the above lines has been devoting most of his time for the past one month for preparing this Budget for 2008-2009 with me and is the author of most part of it. May I gladly place this Budget before this august House after thanking the Hon’ble Chief Minister for leading us as a guiding force and for being a pillar of support in our endeavor to fulfil our promises vigorously in a constructive manner.

Agriculture and Co-operation

Animal Husbandry

Irrigation and Flood control

Public Distribution System

Law and Order

Road Safety

Courts

New Legislative Assembly complex

Sethusamudram Project

School Education

Libraries

Higher Education