Dr P Thiaga Rajan – Minister, TN Govt.:

The past two years have been the most fulfilling in my life. Under the leadership of CM MK Stalin, I presented one revised budget (’21 – ’22) during the pandemic, and two annual budgets (’22 – ’23, ’23 – ’24) post-pandemic.

Despite inheriting record deficits and debt ratios, we have invested in a record number of social welfare schemes as well as record capital spending, all while delivering record-setting fiscal improvements. This is the epitome of my public service, and indeed of my life.

While fiscal consolidation and social spending are necessary steps for an equitable society, the drivers of development and growth are investment, enterprise expansion and job-creation.

I am grateful that CM MK Stalin has now assigned me the portfolio of Information Technology – globally the #1 industry for investment and job-creation today. We know that technology shapes the future. Though Tamil Nadu was a pioneer in this field in Thalaivar Kalaignar’s time, we have unfortunately lagged our true potential in this sector in the last decade or so. I plan to build on the great efforts of my predecessor Mano Thangaraj to attract more investments, accelerate job-creation, and deliver growth at a pace that will re-establish Tamil Nadu as a leading state in IT. I hope my own experience in establishing and managing a pioneering Global Capability Centre 15 years ago, and the connectivity with the IT & ITES Industry gained during my professional career, will enrich my efforts in this new role.

I wish the incoming Finance Minister T Thenarasu great success and many more achievements as he assumes responsibility today. I am sure he will accelerate the progress already made and deliver new records in his tenure.

I thank my leader CM MK Stalin again, both for providing me with the previous portfolio for two years, and this exciting new role to serve the people.