In a bold move to assert greater state autonomy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced the formation of a high-level committee during his address in the state assembly on Tuesday.
The panel will be headed by Kurian Joseph, a former Supreme Court judge and ex IAS officers – Ashok Vardan Shetty and Mu Nagarajan.
The panel will be tasked with recommending measures to enhance Tamil Nadu’s powers within the federal framework and improve its relationship with the Union Government.
The committee will be chaired by former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph, and include former IAS officers Ashok Vardan Shetty and Mu Nagarajan. Its mandate is to submit an interim report by January 2026 and a final report by 2028.
CM Stalin emphasized the need to strengthen federalism and push back against what he described as central overreach. “To ensure a stronger relationship between the state and the Union government, this panel will conduct research and submit vital recommendations,” he said.
Key Concerns Highlighted:
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NEET & Education Policy: Stalin reiterated Tamil Nadu’s staunch opposition to the NEET exam (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), claiming it has cost many student lives and is unfair to rural and underprivileged aspirants.
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Language Imposition: He also criticized the National Education Policy (NEP), accusing the Centre of trying to impose Hindi through a “triple language policy”. Tamil Nadu has historically resisted such attempts to preserve the Tamil language and identity.
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Financial Withholding: Stalin claimed the Union Government withheld ₹2,500 crore meant for the state as a consequence of Tamil Nadu’s rejection of NEP.
Tamil Nadu has long advocated for greater state rights, especially under Dravidian political ideologies. The state’s repeated clashes with the Governor, perceived language imposition, and central policies like NEET have added fuel to the demand for increased autonomy.
This move by Stalin marks a significant institutional step toward redefining Centre-state dynamics and could set a precedent for other states facing similar challenges.
The panel’s findings are expected to influence both policy and political discourse in the run-up to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
