Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has announced several major welfare measures for the people of the state.
The biggest announcement is a five-fold increase in health insurance under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme.
Eligible families will now get health insurance coverage of up to ₹25 lakh per year, instead of the earlier ₹5 lakh.
The government says the move will help families manage the high cost of treatment for serious illnesses and ensure that quality healthcare is available to everyone.
Health Insurance Cover Increased to ₹25 Lakh
The Chief Minister said healthcare should be a basic right, not a privilege.
By increasing the insurance limit, the government aims to reduce the financial burden on families facing expensive medical treatments.
The higher cover can be useful for major surgeries, critical illnesses, and long-term treatment.
However, the exact list of treatments and eligibility conditions will depend on the official scheme guidelines.
New Benefits Announced for MLAs
The government has also introduced new facilities for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
Under the announcement made in the Assembly, MLAs will receive official vehicles and a monthly allowance.
These benefits are meant to help them visit their constituencies more often, solve public grievances, and monitor government projects more effectively.
According to the government, this will improve public service and strengthen local administration.
Maternity Leave Extended to One Year for Third Child
The Tamil Nadu government has also announced a major relief for women government employees.
Eligible women employees will now get 365 days of maternity leave even after the birth of their third child.
Earlier, women with two or more living children were entitled to only 12 weeks of maternity leave for the third child.
With the new decision, maternity leave for the third child will now be the same as for the first and second child.
A Big Step for Women Employees
The Human Resources Management Department said the decision has been taken to support women employees and promote women’s welfare.
Tamil Nadu has gradually increased maternity leave over the years. It was raised from 90 days to six months in 2011, then to nine months in 2016,
and finally to one year in 2021. Now, the same one-year leave will also apply in the case of a third child.
These announcements focus on improving healthcare, supporting women employees, and strengthening public services.
The higher health insurance cover could provide major financial relief to families facing expensive medical treatment, while the extended maternity leave gives women government employees more time to care for their newborns.
The final benefits will be available according to the government’s eligibility rules and official guidelines.
