After the conclusion of the 11th Governing Body meeting of NITI Aayog, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Joseph Vijay, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi
Deviating from the erstwhile Dravidian Model government’s confrontational approach towards the Central Government, the new TVK government led by CM Joseph Vijay has made its position clear, saying it would work constructively with the Modi government while safeguarding the state’s interests and aspirations.
This was CM Vijay’s second visit to Delhi after assuming office and his first NITI Aayog meeting. After attending the meeting, he listed the priorities of his government and the assistance needed to carry out developmental projects.
In a five-page statement issued later in the evening to the media, CM Vijay said, “Tamil Nadu wholeheartedly supports the nation’s aspirations.” He added, “I believe a developed India can be built only through empowered States, cooperative federalism and inclusive development.”
TN CM Joseph Vijay said, “The people of Tamil Nadu have entrusted our government with a historic mandate for transparent governance, social justice, inclusive growth, youth empowerment and equitable development. We remain committed to working constructively with the Union Government while firmly safeguarding the interests and aspirations of Tamil Nadu.”
On an ambitious and positive note, CM Vijay underlined that Tamil Nadu, India’s second-largest economy, would continue to demonstrate resilience and sustained growth.
He said, “The State is working to become a 1.5 trillion-dollar economy by 2036, reflecting the strength of our diversified economy and the productivity of our workforce, and underscoring our commitment to a Developed India by 2047. This vision is anchored on our four pillars — youth, the poor, women and farmers — and Tamil Nadu’s priorities are closely aligned with each of them. I wish to place before this august Council a few key priorities central to both our development and India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.”
CM Vijay Reiterates Opposition to NEET
The TN CM said his government is committed to protecting the rights of students. The State is opposed to NEET for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses, as its introduction has adversely affected students from rural and socio-economically disadvantaged families. “In view of the above, the Tamil Nadu Government may be permitted to fill all seats under the State quota in MBBS and AYUSH courses based on Class XII marks.”
Push for AI
Joseph Vijay said, “Our government is committed to leveraging AI for citizen-centric services and efficient governance. We need GoI support in creating world-class start-up incubators, a venture capital ecosystem for deep-tech enterprises and enhanced funding for applied research.”
The TN Government envisages a Youth Skill and Employment Mission under which five lakh youth annually will receive stipend-supported internships and industry-linked training.
He said, “We request the Centre to set up emerging technology skills centres in every district and train five lakh youth in AI, deep technology, cybersecurity, cloud computing, EV technology and semiconductor sectors.”
Hogenakkal Phase-II Combined Water Supply Scheme
TN CM Vijay has urged the Centre to provide the committed Central Government assistance of Rs. 2,283.40 crore for the Hogenakkal Phase-II Combined Water Supply Scheme and permit employment-generation activities under VB-GRAM for the State Government’s rural housing schemes.
Vijay has sought the declaration of ISRO’s Space Manufacturing Hub at Kulasekarapattinam as a National Space Manufacturing Hub, facilitating end-to-end manufacture of propellants and launch vehicles, among other products, and helping the nation tap into the global space economy.
The TN Government has requested the establishment of a second AIIMS in Coimbatore, for which it said the government would provide land.
Regarding National Highways
CM Vijay has requested the Centre to declare the Thirukkural as the National Literature and sanction six-laning of the Chengalpattu–Tiruchi section of GST Road (NH32), the Tiruchi (Panjapur)–Jeeyapuram–Karur section of NH81, and the Karur–Coimbatore section of NH81, besides the elevated corridor from Madhavaram to Sholavaram on NH87 and high-speed rail corridors from Chennai to Kanyakumari.
Samagra Shiksha funds
Vijay said, “I request the Government of India to release the pending Samagra Shiksha funds of Rs. 3,284 crore without any conditionalities and without linking the same to the NEP or the three-language policy, in the larger interest of students’ welfare, continuity of education services and cooperative federalism.”
The TN CM has urged the Centre to protect the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay, ensure their safety and security, and secure the release of their fishing boats held by Sri Lanka.
