Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday (March 29, 2026) made a slew of election promises for the welfare of the youth. He promised collateral-free education loans of up to ₹20 lakh for students pursuing higher education, a monthly unemployment allowance of ₹4,000 for graduates, and ₹2,500 for diploma-holders aged above 29, if his party is voted to power.

Mr. Vijay, before releasing the list of his party’s candidates for the Assembly election, said through the Namadhu Ooril Namakae Velaivaippu scheme, a Tamil employment credit system would be introduced, offering incentives to companies that employ at least 75% Tamil workers, including a 2.5% SGST subsidy and a 5% subsidy on electricity charges.

He said internship opportunities would be created for 5 lakh youth by collaborating with public sector units, private companies, and MSMEs, with a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 for graduates and ₹8,000 for ITI and diploma students, Mr. Vijay said.

Under the Vetri Entrepreneurship Scheme, collateral-free loans of up to ₹25 lakh will be offered to encourage entrepreneurship. A Tamil Nadu Recruitment Accountability and Transparency Act will be enacted to ensure fairness and transparency in recruitment processes for various government posts. The selection process for recruitment examinations conducted by TNPSC, TRB, and TNEB will be completed within one year without any delays, he said.

Mr. Vijay said a new post titled Mudhalvar Makkal Sevai Nanbar would be created to deliver services at people’s doorsteps, generating 5 lakh jobs with a salary of ₹18,000. A Tamil Nadu Youth Advisory Council will be established as a platform for policy-related ideas and suggestions to the Chief Minister and officials, making Tamil Nadu a pioneering State in youth participation.

Under the ‘Creatreprenur’ Initiative, Tamil Nadu’s culture will be promoted globally through digital collaboration with 1.5 lakh ‘creatrepreneurs’, and the establishment of 500 ‘creatreprenur’ schools to train them, he said. Dedicated efforts will be taken to curb drug abuse and the inflow of narcotic drugs into the State through community policing and the establishment of Anti-Narcotic Drug Clubs in schools and colleges, he said.

Assembly election updates on March 29, 2026

Mr. Vijay said: “TVK candidates are protectors of the people. They may say our candidates are inexperienced, but they are from humble backgrounds. An MLA should not loot in the name of experience by running illegal quarries. An MLA should function like a frontier guard.”

TVK announces candidates for Tamil Nadu polls, Vijay to contest 2 seats

TVK announces candidates for Tamil Nadu polls, Vijay to contest 2 seats | Video Credit: The Hindu

“This election is a battle between the common people and slaves who are serving one family. This election is between the poor and fraudsters; between the working class and those who exploit their labour; between good and evil forces; between those who serve the poor and those who deceive them; between honesty and those steeped in corruption. Simply, it is an election between the TVK and the DMK. It is a democratic battle between Vijay and [Chief Minister] Stalin sir,” he added.