As Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Marie Wilson presented the Revised Budget in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, trade forums expressed mixed responses to the government’s economic roadmap for the year.Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the Budget fell short of industrial expectations, terming it largely disappointing. Chamber president N. Jegatheesan criticised the allocation of only ₹2,142 crore to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises sector as inadequate, and pointing out the lack of announcements for new industrial estates.Apart from a new special government law college for Madurai, the Budget lacked standout development projects for southern Tamil Nadu, he said and expressed deep disappointment over the absence of allocations for long-pending Madurai and Coimbatore Metro Rail projects, as well as Madurai– Thoothukudi and Chennai– Kanyakumari industrial corridors.Further, he considered the ₹8,393 crore allocated to higher education insufficient to support the growing student population.The recommendation to implement three new metro rail corridors in Chennai — Chennai Airport to Kilambakkam; Koyambedu to Pattabiram; and Poonamallee to Sunguvarchatram — along with the announcement of Bengaluru– Hosur Metro Rail project, was a welcome initiative.In contrast, Agri and All Trade Chamber lauded the Budget as a meticulously crafted document designed to achieve ‘Vetri Thamizham’, aligning with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s vision of building a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036.S. Rethinavelu, founder and president of the Chamber, praised the allocation for school education and youth welfare, highlighting specific initiatives like free laptops, specially designed bicycles, introduction of AI and robotics in the curriculum, ‘Super Clean’ campuses, and anti-drug clubs.He welcomed a transparent open-tender system designed to eliminate cartels and aid MSMEs, alongside a ₹775 crore allocation dedicated to spiritual and heritage monument protection and pilgrim facilities.“While submitting our pre-budget recommendations, our forum had specifically urged the government to expedite tourism development projects, as the sector offers immense opportunities for inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” he said, adding they were delighted that budget included several initiatives relating to spiritual tourism, heritage tourism, river-based tourism, and other forms of tourism.“We particularly welcome the allocation of ₹775 crore for the protection of spiritual and heritage monuments and improving facilities for pilgrims,” he emphasised. Madurai District Tiny and Small-Scale Industries Association (MADITSSIA) welcomed the launch of Single Window Portal 3.0 to streamline new industries. V. Senthilkumar, president of MADITSSIA, praised the proposed Space Industrial Park in Thoothukudi– Tirunelveli region, establishment of SIPCOT parks in backward districts for balanced growth, and the use of AI to accelerate DTCP and local body approvals.S.V.S.S. Velshankar, president of Tamil Nadu Foodgrains Merchants Association Limited, welcomed the closure of 717 Tasmac outlets across the State. He urged the government to establish multi-level parking facilities in five locations in Madurai — as done in Chennai — and demanded the immediate opening of the shopping complex and car parking facilities built at the old Periyar Bus Stand site.“The Budget prioritised socio-economic progress through extensive welfare measures, backed by substantial investments for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and religious minorities,” said C. Muthuraja, former Dean and Head, Department of Economics, The American College.He said the key quality-of-life enhancements included upgraded healthcare services, student laptop distribution, and targeted support for senior citizens.Further, the fiscal plan drove rural empowerment and economic self-reliance through initiatives such as free livestock distribution for women, expanded rural housing programmes, and dedicated welfare packages for the fishing community, he noted.