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
Health
and Family Welfare
Industries
Information
Technology
Small
Industries
Development
of Roads
Electricity
Transport
Municipal
Administration
Metro
Rail Project
Drinking
Water
Housing
Rural
Development
Revenue
Administration
Tsunami
Relief Works
Welfare
of Women
Welfare
of Elderly and Destitute Persons
Welfare
of the Disabled
Welfare
of Mentally Retarded Persons
Welfare
of the Transgenders
Welfare
of Narikkuravas
Welfare
of Weavers
Welfare
of Fishermen
Welfare
of Unemployed Youth
Welfare
of Unorganized Labourers
Welfare
of Palm Workers
