Tamil Nadu Autonomy Committee: Stalin’s Move for State Rights

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin announced a panel for state autonomy and rights.
Former SC Judge Kurian Joseph will chair the Tamil Nadu Autonomy Committee.
This follows the Supreme Court’s remarks on the TN Governor delaying bills.
The committee will advise on Centre-State relations and enhancing state powers.
Panel to submit interim report by Jan 2026, final within two years.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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Tamil Nadu Autonomy Committee: Stalin Forms Panel to Bolster State Rights

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday announced the formation of a significant high-level panel. This committee will examine the rights and state autonomy of states concerning the Centre. Stalin revealed that former Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph will chair the panel. The Chief Minister moved a resolution in the Assembly, escalating an ongoing clash between Tamil Nadu and the Centre. The formation of the Tamil Nadu Autonomy Committee marks a key development.

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Committee Formation and Mandate
Making the announcement in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, CM Stalin stated, “To protect the rights of the state and to enhance the relationship between the Union and state governments, a high-level committee has been formed.” He explained that this committee will conduct research and provide recommendations. The Tamil Nadu Autonomy Committee also includes former bureaucrats Ashok Shetty and Mu Nagarajan as members. Crucially, the committee must suggest ways to reclaim governance and policy-making subjects. These subjects were originally under state jurisdiction but are now jointly administered by the state and Centre.

Background: Governor Row and Supreme Court
Stalin’s decisive move comes just days after a notable Supreme Court intervention. The apex court had pulled up the Tamil Nadu Governor. The criticism was for ‘sitting’ on bills passed by the state assembly without decision. Stalin hailed this court order. He termed it a “huge victory” for states and their quest for state autonomy. This Governor row has strained Centre-State relations.

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Stalin’s Allegations Against the Centre
During his Assembly address, Chief Minister Stalin accused the Centre of progressively taking away the “powers of states”. He specifically cited issues like the NEET examination, the New Education Policy (NEP), and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. Stalin emphasized his goal was to protect the rights of all states, including Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu Autonomy Committee is presented as a tool for this purpose.

NEET, NEP, and Linguistic Imposition Claims
Stalin renewed his sharp criticism of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and the National Education Policy (NEP). He accused the Centre of attempting linguistic imposition through the NEP. The Chief Minister claimed the NEP is being used to promote Hindi across India. He also reiterated allegations about funding. Stalin claimed the Union government withheld Rs 2,500 crore in funds. He stated this was punishment for Tamil Nadu’s refusal to implement the NEP. News agency ANI quoted him: “We have lost many students due to the NEET exam. We have continuously opposed the NEET exam. In the name of the triple language policy, the Union Government is trying to impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu. Since we have denied NEP, Rs 2500 cr to the state has not been released by the Union government.” These issues impact Centre-State relations.

Use of Assembly Rule 110
Stalin made the announcement under Assembly Rule 110. This rule permits a Chief Minister or minister to make a statement without allowing immediate opposition response or opinion. This effectively prevents the opposition from raising objections or highlighting perceived shortcomings at the outset.

Committee’s Timeline
The Tamil Nadu Autonomy Committee, formed by MK Stalin, has a clear timeline. It is expected to submit its interim report by January 2026. The final report, containing detailed recommendations for enhancing state autonomy, is expected within two years from its formation.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

CM Stalin established the Tamil Nadu Autonomy Committee to study state rights.
Former SC Judge Kurian Joseph chairs the panel; includes bureaucrats Shetty and Nagarajan.
The committee will recommend ways to improve Centre-State relations and state autonomy.
The move follows the Supreme Court’s criticism regarding the Governor row.
The panel aims for an interim report by Jan 2026 and a final report within two years.