At his first NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting on Thursday, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay raised a wide range of demands before the Centre, including exemption for Tamil Nadu from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), release of pending central funds, recognition of Thirukkural as a national literature, and enhanced infrastructure support for the state.
Addressing the Governing Council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vijay said his government would maintain a constructive relationship with the Union government while firmly protecting the interests, aspirations, and rights of Tamil Nadu.
The Chief Minister submitted a detailed list of demands covering education, healthcare, infrastructure, fisheries, climate resilience, rural development, and space manufacturing, highlighting several issues that the state believes require urgent attention from the Centre.
Vijay Seeks Release of Over Rs 5,500 Crore in Pending Funds
One of the key issues raised by Vijay was the release of pending central funds earmarked for important development schemes in Tamil Nadu.
He urged the Union government to immediately release Rs 3,284 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, which supports school education and related initiatives across the state. According to the Tamil Nadu government, these funds are crucial for strengthening educational infrastructure and improving learning outcomes.
The Chief Minister also sought the release of Rs 2,284 crore for the Hogenakkal Phase-II Combined Water Supply Scheme. The project is considered vital for improving drinking water supply and enhancing water security in several regions of the state.
Vijay emphasized that timely release of funds would help ensure the smooth implementation of developmental projects and welfare programmes benefiting millions of residents.
Tamil Nadu Reiterates Demand for NEET Exemption
The Chief Minister once again raised Tamil Nadu’s long-standing demand for exemption from NEET.
Vijay argued that the state’s existing educational model has historically enabled students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds to access medical education. He maintained that admissions based on school performance provide a more equitable system for students, particularly those from rural areas and government schools.
According to the state government, a uniform national entrance examination may not adequately reflect regional educational realities. Therefore, Vijay appealed to the Centre to consider Tamil Nadu’s position and grant the state an exemption from NEET.
The issue remains one of the most significant educational concerns in Tamil Nadu and continues to attract widespread public attention.
Call to Declare Thirukkural a National Literature
Among the cultural demands raised by the Chief Minister was the recognition of the ancient Tamil classic Thirukkural as a national literature.
Authored by Thiruvalluvar, Thirukkural is widely regarded as one of the greatest literary works in Indian history. Its teachings on ethics, governance, morality, and human values have earned global recognition.
Vijay argued that the timeless relevance and universal appeal of Thirukkural make it deserving of national recognition. He said such a move would acknowledge the contribution of Tamil literature to India’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
The Chief Minister stressed that celebrating literary treasures from different regions strengthens the country’s diverse cultural identity.
Demand for Highway Projects and Second AIIMS
The Chief Minister also sought approval for six national highway projects aimed at improving road connectivity across Tamil Nadu.
According to Vijay, enhanced transportation infrastructure is critical for supporting economic growth, reducing travel time, and improving connectivity between urban and rural regions. He urged the Centre to expedite approvals and funding for these projects.
In addition, Vijay requested the establishment of a second AIIMS in Tamil Nadu, preferably in Coimbatore. He argued that another premier healthcare institution would strengthen medical education, improve healthcare access, and support advanced medical research in the state.
The proposal reflects Tamil Nadu’s emphasis on expanding healthcare infrastructure to meet growing demand.
Fishermen’s Safety and Livelihoods Raised
Vijay also highlighted the recurring issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen being detained by the Sri Lankan Navy.
He stressed the importance of protecting the livelihoods and safety of fishing communities that depend on the Palk Bay region. The Chief Minister urged the Union government to safeguard the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen and ensure their security.
“I urge the Union government 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,” he said.
The Chief Minister further called for urgent diplomatic intervention to secure the release and safe return of Tamil Nadu fishermen currently detained in Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
According to state officials, the issue continues to affect hundreds of fishing families and remains a major concern for coastal communities.
Focus on Climate Resilience and Flood Mitigation
With Tamil Nadu possessing a coastline of approximately 1,076 kilometres, Vijay also stressed the need for long-term climate resilience measures.
He urged the Centre to support permanent flood mitigation infrastructure in Tamil Nadu’s coastal cities under the proposed Climate Resilient Master Plan 2045.
The Chief Minister noted that extreme weather events and climate-related challenges increasingly threaten coastal populations and infrastructure. Therefore, proactive investments in flood management systems are necessary to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and economic assets.
Officials believe that climate-resilient infrastructure will help reduce future risks while supporting sustainable urban development.
Push for National Space Manufacturing Hub
Another major proposal presented by Vijay involved the development of a National Space Manufacturing Hub at Kulasekarapattinam.
The Chief Minister requested the Centre to recognize the facility, being developed in association with IN-SPACe, as a national-level hub capable of supporting end-to-end space manufacturing activities.
According to Vijay, the project has the potential to manufacture everything from propellants to launch vehicles, positioning India to benefit from the rapidly expanding global space economy.
He stated that such recognition would attract investment, create employment opportunities, and strengthen India’s capabilities in the space sector.
The proposal aligns with the state’s broader ambition to become a significant player in emerging technology and advanced manufacturing industries.
Employment and Rural Development
Vijay also sought support for employment generation initiatives under the VB-G RAM-G programme for rural housing schemes in Tamil Nadu.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of creating jobs while improving housing infrastructure in rural areas. He argued that targeted support can simultaneously enhance living standards and stimulate local economic activity.
The state government believes that employment-linked development programmes are essential for achieving inclusive growth and reducing regional disparities.
Vijay Meets PM Modi
Following the NITI Aayog meeting, Vijay met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signaling continued engagement between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre.
Officials described the interaction as an opportunity to discuss key developmental priorities and reinforce the state’s demands. The meeting also underscored Vijay’s stated approach of maintaining constructive relations with the Union government while strongly advocating for Tamil Nadu’s interests.
Looking Ahead
At his maiden NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting as Chief Minister, Vijay presented an extensive agenda covering education, healthcare, infrastructure, fisheries, climate resilience, rural development, and cultural recognition.
From seeking exemption from NEET and the release of over Rs 5,500 crore in pending funds to demanding a second AIIMS, recognition of Thirukkural, and stronger protection for fishermen, the Chief Minister outlined several priorities that he believes are critical for Tamil Nadu’s future.
As discussions between the state and the Centre continue, attention will remain focused on how these demands are addressed and what impact they may have on Tamil Nadu’s development trajectory in the coming years.