It is reported that the fiscal budget for Tamil Nadu for the financial year 2018-19 would be tabled in State Legislative Assembly by O. Panneerselvam, the deputy chief-minister who also holds the Finance portfolio. The Budget session of the Assembly is also likely to pass a resolution urging the Centre to constitute the Cauvery Management Board at once in line with Supreme Court’s directions in this regard.

The Session commences at 10:30 in the morning when OPS would present the fiscal budget for the State. As the State, like the rest of the country, might have voted by next March to elect a new Lok Sabha (Prime Minister Modi’s tenure ends next May), it is expected that the budget would have ‘several sops’ for everyone. Sops might also be intended to influence people ahead of local body polls to be held in the State soon.

The AIADMK-led Govt.’s fiscal position is not in a great position and it is expected that the budget might have many measures aimed at increasing the Govt.’s revenue.  Govt. might also decide to take over mineral and granite quarries from private operators and may make a special announcement in this regard in its budget, it is perceived.

Many other ‘freebie’ schemes may also face ‘shutdown’ because of budgetary constraints. In totality, the budget is likely to be ‘people-friendly’. The Session may also pass unanimously an all-important resolution urging the Centre to set up a Cauvery Management Board soon in accordance with Supreme Court’s directions issued a few weeks back.