New Delhi/Chennai, Jun 11: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Thursday urged the Centre to release pending Samagra Shiksha funds worth ₹3,284 crore without attaching conditions related to the National Education Policy or the three-language formula.
Making his maiden address at the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog after assuming office last month, Vijay said his government remains committed to constructive engagement with the Union Government while firmly safeguarding the interests of Tamil Nadu.
The Chief Minister outlined a range of priorities, including educational reforms, youth empowerment, healthcare expansion, welfare measures, fishermen’s welfare and infrastructure development.
Emphasising the importance of education, Vijay reiterated the state’s opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), arguing that the examination has adversely affected students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. He sought permission for Tamil Nadu to admit students to state quota medical and AYUSH courses based solely on Class 12 examination marks.
Calling for the immediate release of pending education grants, he said uninterrupted funding was essential to ensure continuity of academic programmes and student welfare initiatives across the state.
Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s economic ambitions, Vijay said the state is working towards becoming a USD 1.5 trillion economy by 2036 and remains committed to contributing to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The Chief Minister also announced plans to provide annual stipend-based internships to five lakh youths and sought central support for establishing emerging technology skill centres in every district. He proposed specialised training in sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, semiconductor technology, deep tech and electric vehicles.
On healthcare, Vijay requested the establishment of a second AIIMS in Coimbatore, assuring the Centre that land required for the project would be provided by the state government.
He further sought greater financial assistance for affordable housing programmes and permanent flood mitigation projects, while highlighting ongoing efforts aimed at poverty reduction, women’s empowerment and social welfare.
Raising concerns over the plight of fishermen, Vijay urged the Centre to take diplomatic initiatives to secure the release of Tamil Nadu fishermen detained in Sri Lanka and Pakistan and ensure the return of their boats. He also called for stronger measures to protect traditional fishing rights in the Palk Bay region.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister proposed that the ancient Tamil classic Thirukkural be accorded the status of national literature, describing it as a work that embodies values relevant to modern India.
Following the NITI Aayog session, Vijay met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reiterated the state’s key concerns, including the release of education funds and other development priorities.
The Chief Minister asserted that empowering states would strengthen the nation and reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s commitment to cooperative federalism and inclusive growth.