New Delhi, June 13:Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay urged the Centre to strengthen cooperative federalism, release pending education funds, and sanction a second AIIMS in Coimbatore while addressing the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog.
Speaking at the meeting chaired by Narendra Modi, Vijay said Tamil Nadu aims to become a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036 and sought greater support for youth skill development, emerging technology training, startups, and research.
Reiterating the state's opposition to NEET, he requested permission to admit students to medical courses based on Class XII marks, arguing that the exam disadvantages rural and underprivileged students. He also demanded the release of Rs 3,284 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme without linking it to the National Education Policy.
Vijay sought central assistance for housing, flood mitigation projects, climate-resilient infrastructure, and the Hogenakkal Phase-III Water Supply Scheme. He also called for the establishment of a second AIIMS in Coimbatore and proposed declaring the Space Manufacturing Hub at Kulasekarapattinam a national hub.
The Chief Minister highlighted Tamil Nadu’s achievements in women’s empowerment, agriculture, and digital connectivity, while urging the Centre to safeguard the rights of fishermen in the Palk Bay and secure the release of those detained in Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Concluding his address, Vijay said empowering states and ensuring equitable resource allocation are essential for building a prosperous, inclusive, and developed India by 2047.
