Tamil Nadu Government Announces Farm Loan Waiver, Approves Fifth Show for Films
The Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister Vijay on Monday announced a series of major policy decisions, including a farm loan waiver for small farmers and permission for five movie shows during the first week of film releases. The latest update came after a high-level cabinet review meeting held in Chennai.
In a move expected to benefit lakhs of farmers and the Tamil film industry, the government also reviewed the Mekedatu project dispute and reiterated its stand on women’s safety following a recent POCSO court verdict. Officials said the decisions were taken after detailed discussions with departments concerned.
Tamil Nadu Farm Loan Waiver to Benefit 14.22 Lakh Farmers
The Tamil Nadu government announced a crop loan waiver for farmers who borrowed through cooperative banks. Under the scheme, loans up to Rs 50,000 taken by small and marginal farmers will be fully waived.
For farmers who borrowed above Rs 50,000, the government said a 50 per cent waiver would be applicable. According to the official statement, the relief applies only to crop loans taken between May 1, 2025 and February 28, 2026.
Chief Minister Vijay stated that around 14.22 lakh farmers across the state are expected to benefit from the farm loan waiver scheme. The government also acknowledged that the decision would place an additional financial burden of Rs 2,044 crore on the state treasury.
The announcement is being seen as a major relief measure for the agriculture sector amid rising input costs and debt concerns among farmers.
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Government Approves Fifth Show Permission for Tamil Films
In another key decision, the Tamil Nadu government approved five daily movie shows for newly released Tamil films during the first week of release.
Earlier, theatre owners and producers were required to seek prior government approval for additional screenings. Under the revised system, producers, distributors and theatre managements can now decide on extra screenings internally without seeking separate permission from authorities.
Industry stakeholders have long demanded simplified procedures for additional shows, especially during major festival releases and big-budget film openings. The latest update is expected to provide operational flexibility to theatres and distributors across the state.
Mekedatu Project Issue Reviewed by Tamil Nadu Government
The cabinet meeting also reviewed the ongoing Mekedatu project dispute involving Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the Cauvery river water-sharing issue.
Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the proposed project, arguing that it could affect the state’s share of Cauvery water and impact farmers dependent on irrigation.
Officials briefed Chief Minister Vijay about the present legal status of the dispute, including recent developments related to the project. The government has directed authorities to speed up legal consultation and further action after examining court observations and related documents.
The Mekedatu issue remains a sensitive inter-state water dispute between the two southern states.
CM Vijay Welcomes POCSO Court Verdict
Chief Minister Vijay also welcomed the recent judgment delivered by a POCSO special court in the sexual assault and murder case of a Class 12 student in Vilathikulam.
The court awarded double death penalty to the accused identified as Dharma Muneeswaran. Vijay said the completion of the investigation and trial within three months reflected swift judicial action.
He stated that the Tamil Nadu government remains committed to women’s safety and child protection. The administration also reiterated that strict legal action would continue in crimes against women and minors.
The latest decisions announced by the Tamil Nadu government are expected to have political and administrative significance, particularly in agriculture, cinema regulation, legal affairs and public safety.