Tamil Nadu MLAs to get cars, assistants for constituency work, CM announces

Chennai, August 19: All Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Tamil Nadu will be provided with a car and an assistant to carry out constituency work efficiently, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced in the Assembly on Wednesday.

Making a suo motu statement, the Chief Minister said ₹75,000 would be provided every month towards the maintenance of the car, fuel, and a driver. In addition, a monthly allowance of ₹25,000 would be given for an assistant. “Necessary amendments will be made to the law and orders will be issued,” he said.

The announcement followed a request by L.E. Jothimani, MLA representing the Kattumannarkoil constituency. On August 12, Mr. Jothimani had said that many MLAs did not have cars and were unable to undertake constituency work and inspections. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) legislator also urged the government to fulfil the basic needs of MLAs so that they could ensure corruption-free governance and administration.

The Chief Minister recalled Mr. Jothimani’s argument that MLAs without an economic or financial background were unable to afford an assistant and carry out constituency work. “There have also been representations in this regard. MLAs are one of the important pillars of democracy. There has been a substantial increase in the number of first-time MLAs who have no political or financial background and have been elected with the massive support of the people,” he said.

Mr. Vijay also noted that when the MLA candidates of the TVK were introduced on March 29, 2026, they had taken a pledge to work with transparency and honesty and provide corruption-free administration. According to him, the elected members were following their pledge.

Contending that the TVK government was providing honest and corruption-free governance for the benefit of people, particularly those at the lower rungs of society, the Chief Minister said MLAs had to travel continuously as part of their constituency work. They should not have to depend on others for their work and should be able to function honestly in villages and remote areas, meet people, and address their grievances, he added.