Chief Minister N. Rangasamy unveiled the first NDA‑led budget for 2026‑27, pledging free tablet PCs for Class 9‑10 students, ₹3,000 worth of newborn gift kits, and a steep rise in marriage assistance for BPL families. A Master Infrastructure Plan will also map long‑term development for the Union Territory.

  • Free tablet PCs for all Class 9‑10 students in government schools
  • ₹3,000 newborn gift kits to be distributed across the UT
  • Marriage assistance for BPL brides and widows increased dramatically

Chief Minister N. Rangasamy presented the Puducherry Union Territory’s 2026‑27 budget, marking the first financial plan of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government after its 2026 electoral victory. The ₹14,300 crore budget allocates ₹12,115 crore to revenue expenditure and ₹2,185 crore to capital expenditure, signaling a clear shift toward infrastructure‑driven growth.

In the education segment, the administration will supply free tablet PCs to roughly 16,250 students studying in Classes 9 and 10 across government and aided schools. The initiative, aimed at bolstering preparation for national competitive exams such as NEET and JEE, carries an estimated cost of ₹16.25 crore.

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Social welfare measures feature a new scheme that provides newborns with gift items worth ₹3,000 at birth. Additionally, the pension for freedom‑fighters will rise from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000, incurring an annual outlay of about ₹6.46 crore.

Marriage assistance has been substantially enhanced. Financial aid for brides from Below‑Poverty‑Line (BPL) families will jump from ₹35,000 to ₹75,000, while support for widows seeking remarriage rises from ₹75,000 to ₹1 lac. For daughters of destitute families and widows, assistance climbs from ₹40,000 to ₹1 lac, and for Adi Dravidar and Scheduled Tribe brides, it increases from ₹1 lac to ₹1.25 lac, requiring an extra ₹4.9 crore per year.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that these measures aim to bridge the digital divide in Puducherry’s public schools, boost demographic health indicators, and reinforce social equity ahead of the 2027 local elections, positioning the AINRC‑BJP alliance as a pro‑people government.

"Free tablets for early‑class students can significantly improve their performance in national competitive exams," says education analyst Dr. S. Mehta.

The government also announced the preparation of a comprehensive Master Infrastructure Plan for the UT. The plan will prioritize projects across sectors such as urban development, transport, water‑sanitation, and energy, engaging reputed consultants to ensure an integrated, sustainable roadmap.

Did You Know?: Puducherry saw a 45% rise in digital‑learning enrollment during the 2025‑26 fiscal year, laying a solid foundation for this tablet initiative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who qualifies for the free tablets?

A: All students in Classes 9 and 10 enrolled in government‑run or government‑aided schools across Puducherry.

Q2: When will the newborn gift scheme be rolled out?

A: The scheme is slated for implementation within the current financial year, ensuring newborns receive the kits at birth.