146 cars for first-time MLAs in Tamil Nadu? Vijay government considering proposal

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government is considering providing cars and assistants to first-time MLAs to help them manage their constituency and legislative responsibilities. The proposal came up during a debate on the state Budget in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, with VCK MLA L.E. Jothimani pointing out the financial burden faced by newly elected legislators. She said travelling across large constituencies for public and constituency-related work could be difficult for first-time MLAs and urged the government to provide them with a car and an assistant. Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar subsequently assured Jothimani that the matter would be brought to the attention of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

The proposal is now being considered by the government, taking into account the financial position of the state as well as the responsibilities of newly elected MLAs. If approved, first-time legislators could be provided with cars for constituency work along with assistants to support them in carrying out their responsibilities.

The 17th Tamil Nadu Assembly has 234 members, of whom 146 are first-time MLAs. If the proposal covers all first-time legislators, the government would therefore have to provide 146 cars. A formal announcement, however, is yet to be made. The government is expected to take a final call after considering the financial implications of the proposal.