In a presentation highlighting his state’s developmental strides and raising concerns over the Centre’s fiscal policies, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to uphold the principles of cooperative federalism in the march toward a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
Addressing the held at Bharat Mandapam in New , Stalin said the “Dravidian Model is dedicated to the goal of ‘Everything for Everyone’,” noting that has consistently recorded over 8% economic growth, touching 9.69% in the last fiscal year — one of the highest in the country.
He reiterated the state’s goal of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2030. “We are marching ahead with long-term plans. I assure you that Tamil Nadu will make a significant contribution to India’s vision of a USD 30 trillion economy,” Stalin said, addressing the Prime Minister and fellow CMs.
But it was not just statistics; the speech was also a political assertion. “To realise that vision, cooperative federalism must be the strong foundation. I strongly urge that the Union Government must extend cooperation without bias to all states, including Tamil Nadu, to help them achieve their development goals,” Stalin said, drawing attention to the growing strain in Centre-State financial relations.
He reserved some of his most forceful criticism for the Centre’s decision to withhold funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), citing a Memorandum of Understanding tied to the PM SHRI scheme.
“Approximately Rs 2,200 crore of Union funds have been denied to Tamil Nadu for 2024–2025. This adversely impacts the education of children studying in government schools and those studying under the Right to Education Act,” he said. “It is not acceptable in a cooperative federal India for funds due to a state and already approved to be withheld, delayed, or reduced,” he said.
Stalin also took aim at tax devolution trends, pointing out that while the 15th Finance Commission had recommended that states receive 41% of the Centre’s net tax revenue, the actual share over the past four years had been only 33.16%.
“On one hand, the shrinking tax devolution from the Union affects state finances. On the other hand, the increased financial burden on states to co-fund centrally launched schemes places dual pressure on state budgets,” he said. “I strongly urge the Union Government to increase the share of tax devolution to states to 50%, which is the only just course of action.”
Despite his pointed remarks, Stalin painted a picture of Tamil Nadu as a success story rooted in equity, gender inclusion, and innovation. He listed signature welfare schemes like the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thittam, which offers Rs 1,000 monthly to 14 million women; Pudhumai Penn and Tamizh Pudhalvan, which support higher education for girls and boys respectively; and Naan Mudhalvan, a skill development initiative reaching 4 million youth.
“41% of all women working in factories in India are employed in Tamil Nadu,” he said. “We have established 694 hostels for working women. In the last four years, we have launched 30 new industrial parks. Tamil Nadu is also advancing in green hydrogen and other emerging sectors.”
CM Stalin also called for a new urban regeneration program to supplement AMRUT 2.0, focusing on infrastructure, mobility, and sanitation. He proposed a Clean Rivers Mission, highlighting the ecological and spiritual value of rivers such as the Cauvery, Vaigai, and Thamirabarani. On a cultural note, Stalin requested that Union ministries allow states to present schemes in their own languages alongside English.
“Tamil Nadu should be able to present our schemes in Tamil and English,” he said. “We appreciate the Prime Minister’s vision, but that vision must accommodate India’s diversity.” He concluded with a pitch for national unity built on pluralism and equal partnership:
“Only when each and every state prospers independently and with dignity, will the united and inclusive Indian Union stand tall in the global arena. Tamil Nadu will always stand with this commitment. Long live Tamil! March forward Tamil Nadu! Prosper India!” he said.
