Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has announced a major increase in the annual coverage under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme, raising the limit from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
The announcement was made as part of a wider set of measures aimed at improving healthcare access and strengthening the state’s welfare system.
Vijay said medical treatment should be treated as a fundamental right rather than a privilege. He stressed that the government wants to remove financial and geographical barriers that prevent people from accessing quality healthcare.
Higher Health Insurance Coverage
Under the revised scheme, eligible beneficiaries will now receive annual health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh, five times the earlier limit of Rs 5 lakh.
The government said the move is intended to provide greater financial support to families facing major medical expenses and improve access to treatment.
More Support for Women Employees
The Tamil Nadu government has also increased maternity leave for women government employees having a third child.
The leave has been extended from 12 weeks to 365 days, bringing it in line with the maternity leave available for the first two children.
Previously, women government employees with fewer than two surviving children were eligible for 365 days of maternity leave, while those with two or more surviving children were entitled to up to 12 weeks.
Vehicles and Allowance for MLAs
The chief minister also announced that MLAs will receive official vehicles and a monthly allowance to help them address public grievances in their constituencies.
The measures were announced under Rule 110 in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. Vijay said the support would allow legislators to travel across their constituencies, monitor government projects and respond to public concerns without depending on others.
Focus on Welfare and Healthcare
The announcements are part of the state government’s broader focus on healthcare, social welfare and public services.
The higher health insurance limit, expanded maternity leave and additional support for MLAs are aimed at improving access to essential services and strengthening welfare measures across Tamil Nadu.
