New Delhi: In his maiden address at the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay struck a balance between asserting the State’s interests and reaffirming its commitment to cooperative federalism. Emphasising that empowered States are essential to achieving the vision of a developed India, Vijay said Tamil Nadu remains committed to working constructively with the Union government while safeguarding the aspirations and welfare of its people.
Addressing the gathering of Chief Ministers and senior policymakers in New Delhi, Vijay stated that the people of Tamil Nadu had entrusted his government with a historic mandate based on transparent governance, social justice, inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and equitable development. He underscored that Tamil Nadu wholeheartedly supports the nation’s development goals and believes that a “Viksit Bharat” can only be achieved through strong States, cooperative federalism, and inclusive policymaking.
One of the key issues raised by the Chief Minister was the release of pending funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme. Vijay urged the Centre to immediately release ₹3,284 crore due to Tamil Nadu without imposing any conditions. He specifically opposed linking the release of these funds to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) or the adoption of the three-language policy, reiterating the State’s long-standing position on educational autonomy.
The Chief Minister also sought Central assistance of ₹2,283.40 crore for the Hogenakkal Phase-III Combined Water Supply Scheme. He requested the Union government to facilitate employment generation activities under the VB-G RAM-G programme for Tamil Nadu’s rural housing initiatives, stressing the need for continued support to improve rural infrastructure and livelihoods.
Reiterating Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), Vijay argued that the examination has adversely affected students from rural backgrounds and economically weaker sections. He urged the Centre to allow the State to fill all MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH seats under the State quota solely on the basis of Class XII marks. According to him, such a move would help ensure equitable access to medical education and reduce barriers faced by disadvantaged students.
In a major proposal aimed at boosting India’s space sector, Vijay requested the Centre to declare ISRO’s Space Manufacturing Hub at Kulasekarapattinam as a National Space Manufacturing Hub. He said such a designation would enable end-to-end manufacturing of launch vehicles, propellants, and other space-related components, strengthening India’s position in the rapidly expanding global space economy.
The Chief Minister also sought the establishment of a second All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Tamil Nadu at Coimbatore, assuring that the State government would provide the necessary land for the project.
Highlighting the importance of employment and skill development, Vijay proposed a Youth Skill and Employment Mission under which five lakh young people would receive stipend-supported internships and industry-linked training every year. The initiative would focus on emerging technologies and provide district-level opportunities to enhance employability among the youth.
On issues concerning coastal communities, Vijay urged the Centre to ensure the safety and security of Indian fishermen operating in the Palk Bay and work towards securing the release of fishing boats currently in Sri Lankan custody. He also called for greater support for flood mitigation infrastructure in coastal cities and proposed a Comprehensive Disaster Management Mission aimed at achieving zero casualties during natural disasters.
Looking ahead, Vijay said Tamil Nadu is working towards becoming a $1.5-trillion economy by 2036, a target that reflects the strength of the State’s diversified economy and skilled workforce. To support this growth, he requested the timely development of key infrastructure projects, including the six-laning of major national highway stretches, the construction of an elevated corridor from Madhavaram to Sholavaram, and a high-speed rail corridor connecting Chennai and Kanniyakumari.
In a cultural appeal, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to declare the Thirukkural as the National Literature of India. Vijay also met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the NITI Aayog meeting, marking an important interaction between the newly elected Tamil Nadu government and the Union leadership.
