In a presentation highlighting his state’s developmental strides and elevating issues over the Centre’s fiscal insurance policies, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Okay Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to uphold the ideas of cooperative federalism within the march towards a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
Addressing the Niti Aayog assembly held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Stalin mentioned the “Dravidian Mannequin is devoted to the purpose of ‘Every part for Everybody’,” noting that Tamil Nadu has persistently recorded over 8% financial progress, touching 9.69% within the final fiscal 12 months — one of many highest within the nation.
He reiterated the state’s purpose of changing into a one-trillion-dollar financial system by 2030. “We’re marching forward with long-term plans. I guarantee you that Tamil Nadu will make a major contribution to India’s imaginative and prescient of a USD 30 trillion financial system,” Stalin mentioned, addressing the Prime Minister and fellow CMs.
However it was not simply statistics; the speech was additionally a political assertion. “To grasp that imaginative and prescient, cooperative federalism should be the sturdy basis. I strongly urge that the Union Authorities should prolong cooperation with out bias to all states, together with Tamil Nadu, to assist them obtain their growth objectives,” Stalin mentioned, drawing consideration to the rising pressure in Centre-State monetary relations.
He reserved a few of his most forceful criticism for the Centre’s choice to withhold funds beneath the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), citing Tamil Nadu’s refusal to signal a Memorandum of Understanding tied to the PM SHRI scheme.
“Roughly Rs 2,200 crore of Union funds have been denied to Tamil Nadu for 2024–2025. This adversely impacts the training of kids learning in authorities colleges and people learning beneath the Proper to Schooling Act,” he mentioned. “It’s not acceptable in a cooperative federal India for funds as a consequence of a state and already permitted to be withheld, delayed, or lowered,” he mentioned.
Stalin additionally took goal at tax devolution developments, stating that whereas the fifteenth Finance Fee had beneficial that states obtain 41% of the Centre’s web tax income, the precise share over the previous 4 years had been solely 33.16%.
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“On one hand, the shrinking tax devolution from the Union impacts state funds. However, the elevated monetary burden on states to co-fund centrally launched schemes locations twin strain on state budgets,” he mentioned. “I strongly urge the Union Authorities to extend the share of tax devolution to states to 50%, which is the one simply plan of action.”
Regardless of his pointed remarks, Stalin painted an image of Tamil Nadu as a hit story rooted in fairness, gender inclusion, and innovation. He listed signature welfare schemes just like the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, which affords Rs 1,000 month-to-month to 14 million girls; Pudhumai Penn and Tamizh Pudhalvan, which help increased training for women and boys respectively; and Naan Mudhalvan, a talent growth initiative reaching 4 million youth.
“41% of all girls working in factories in India are employed in Tamil Nadu,” he mentioned. “We now have established 694 hostels for working girls. Within the final 4 years, we’ve got launched 30 new industrial parks. Tamil Nadu can also be advancing in inexperienced hydrogen and different rising sectors.”
CM Stalin additionally known as for a brand new city regeneration program to complement AMRUT 2.0, specializing in infrastructure, mobility, and sanitation. He proposed a Clear Rivers Mission, highlighting the ecological and non secular worth of rivers such because the Cauvery, Vaigai, and Thamirabarani. On a cultural notice, Stalin requested that Union ministries enable states to current schemes in their very own languages alongside English.
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“Tamil Nadu ought to be capable to current our schemes in Tamil and English,” he mentioned. “We admire the Prime Minister’s imaginative and prescient, however that imaginative and prescient should accommodate India’s variety.” He concluded with a pitch for nationwide unity constructed on pluralism and equal partnership:
“Solely when every state prospers independently and with dignity, will the united and inclusive Indian Union stand tall within the international area. Tamil Nadu will all the time stand with this dedication. Lengthy reside Tamil! March ahead Tamil Nadu! Prosper India!” he mentioned.