Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin intensified his call for greater autonomy for the State, moving a resolution in the Legislative Assembly to constitute a high-level committee that will examine ways to enhance state rights and recommend measures to redefine the relationship between the State and the Union government.
The resolution comes amid continued friction between the DMK-led State government and Governor R.N. Ravi, particularly over the delay in approving various bills passed by the Assembly.
The proposed committee will be headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Kurian Joseph and include former IAS officer Ashok Vardhan Shetty and academic Mu Nagarajan.
The panel is expected to submit an interim report by January 2026 and a comprehensive final report within two years. The mandate includes suggesting pathways to increase state autonomy and strengthen federal relations.
Addressing the Assembly, Stalin reiterated longstanding grievances against the Centre, including the imposition of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), the promotion of a three-language policy seen as a vehicle to impose Hindi, and the denial of funds due to Tamil Nadu’s rejection of the National Education Policy (NEP).
“We have lost many young lives due to NEET. The Union Government is trying to force Hindi through its language policy. Since we refused to implement the NEP, Rs 2,500 crore in central funds has been withheld. In such a situation, education must be brought back under the State List,” Stalin said.
However, the resolution drew sharp criticism from the opposition parties. AIADMK MLAs staged a walkout, accusing the Chief Minister of political posturing. The BJP also opposed the resolution.
