Tamil Nadu intensifies fight against central govt; MK Stalin sets up committee to achieve more autonomy

CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin maneuvered moves to grant Tamil Nadu autonomy in more areas, including education and language. He presented a resolution in this regard in the Legislative Assembly. The Supreme Court has appointed a high-level committee headed by former Chief Justice Kurian Joseph to recommend the conditions and proposals for the state's autonomy.

The committee will submit an interim report by 2026 and a final report within two years. In 1974, the then Chief Minister K Karunanidhi had also presented a resolution on autonomy. MK Stalin said he would intensify the fight against the Center's usurpation of the state's rights.

The committee has been tasked to examine and bring back issues that were under the purview of the state, which was later transferred to the concurrent list. The committee will examine and evaluate laws in a way that does not affect the integrity of the states. MK Stalin also clarified that states should not be subordinate to the center but should work with mutual respect and based on certain principles.

Chief Minister Stalin is also seeking conditions not to implement the three-language formula, which is being implemented as part of the Center's National Education Policy. It is reported that Tamil Nadu will also be considered for exemption from the NEET exam, which falls under the purview of the central government.