CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay, in his maiden address at the NITI Aayog meeting on Thursday, urged the Centre to release Rs 3,284 crore under Samagra Shiksha funds to the state without imposing any conditions.Addressing the 11th meeting of the Governing Council of the premier policy think tank, Vijay assured constructive cooperation with the Union government. He also sought exemption from NEET for Tamil Nadu, urged steps to secure the release of Tamil Nadu fishermen detained in Sri Lanka, and called for enhanced support for permanent flood mitigation measures.He said that the Thirukkural, an ancient treatise uniquely relevant to the secular values of modern India, should be declared national literature.After the meeting, the chief minister called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and underlined the state’s key priorities, including education funds, the state government said.This was Vijay’s second meeting with PM Modi after assuming office as chief minister on May 10, 2026.Taking part in the NITI Aayog meeting for the first time after assuming office as chief minister, Vijay said that the people of Tamil Nadu had given his TVK party a historic mandate to form the government.He said the verdict was based on the core principles of transparent governance, social justice, inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and balanced development.While fulfilling the people’s trust and firmly safeguarding Tamil Nadu’s welfare and aspirations, the state government remains committed to working in constructive cooperation with the Union government, Vijay said at the meeting.Amid prevailing global economic uncertainties, Tamil Nadu—India’s second-largest economy—continues to demonstrate resilience and sustained growth.Tamil Nadu is actively working towards becoming a 1.5 trillion dollar economy by 2036. It is a reflection of a robust economic framework encompassing various sectors, the productivity of the state’s workforce, and also underlining the commitment to building a developed India by 2047.He said: “I wish to outline key priorities that are essential for the progress of Tamil Nadu and for India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.”Emphasising youth empowerment, the chief minister underlined his government’s plan to roll out annual internships with stipends for 5 lakh young people, along with industry-aligned skill training under the ‘Youth Skill and Employment Mission.’He said: “Furthermore, we seek the support of the Union government to establish emerging technology skill centers in every district and to provide training in fields related to Artificial Intelligence, Deep Technology, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Electric Vehicle technology, and Semiconductors.”The state government stands firm in protecting the rights of Tamil Nadu students.He said: “The Tamil Nadu government opposes the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) conducted for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses. Since the introduction of this examination, rural students and students from socially and economically disadvantaged families have been adversely affected.”Therefore, taking all these aspects into account, the chief minister requested that Tamil Nadu be permitted to fill all state quota medical seats—including MBBS, BDS, Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) courses—based solely on Class 12 board examination marks.Further, he said: “I also request the Government of India to release the pending Samagra Shiksha Scheme funds amounting to Rs 3,284 crore early without conditionalities and without linking the same to the implementation of the New Education Policy or without insisting on the three language Policy, in the larger interest of students’ welfare, continuity of educational services, and the preservation of cooperative federalism.“Underlining all-inclusive growth, poverty reduction, women-led growth, he said his government proposed a comprehensive poverty-free Tamil Nadu Mission to identify vulnerable families and ensure the convergence of all welfare schemes for sustainable livelihood opportunities.He sought the Union Government’s financial assistance to realise the dream of affordable housing for all.To further strengthen tertiary healthcare, improve medical education, and bring quality care closer to people, he requested a second AIIMS for Tamil Nadu at Coimbatore, assuring that the state would provide the required land.On women’s safety, the chief minister referred to the launch of the ‘Singappen’ special force in the state police.On agriculture, he highlighted the cooperative crop loan waiver scheme of Rs 2,045 crore, which benefits marginal, small, and other farmers through structured debt relief.He said: “I urge the Government of India to ensure the protection of the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay, and to guarantee their safety, security, and the release of their fishing boats.I further request urgent diplomatic measures to secure the release of Tamil Nadu fishermen apprehended and jailed in Sri Lanka and Pakistan, and to ensure their safe return to their families.”Vijay also requested the Centre to permit employment generation under VB-G RAM-G for the state government’s rural housing schemes.He added that Tamil Nadu firmly believes that when states are empowered, India becomes stronger.(With agency inputs)
