Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday requested the Centre to increase the State’s share in Central taxes to 50 per cent, sought a dedicated urban transformation scheme for the State, and requested steps to clean Tamil Nadu’s rivers.
Stalin, along with other Chief Ministers, attended the 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi, which was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at the meeting, he highlighted Tamil Nadu’s contributions to the country’s economic growth and put forward a few key demands.
One was a request for 50 per cent share for States in Central taxes. “On one hand, reduced tax devolution from the Union government has impacted State finances. On the other, increased spending by States in implementing Union government schemes has added to the financial burden. Hence, it would be just to raise the States’ share in Central tax revenue to 50 per cent,” he said.
Citing growing urbanisation in the State, he pointed out the need for an urban development scheme with substantial funding. “The AMRUT 2.0 scheme is nearing completion. At this juncture, there is an urgent need for a new urban renaissance scheme focusing on quality infrastructure, efficient mobility, and sanitation. I urge you to introduce such a scheme soon,” he said.
Further, he requested for a scheme similar to the Swachh Ganga initiative to clean and rejuvenate rivers in Tamil Nadu such as the Cauvery, Vaigai, and Thamirabarani. “For all these schemes, I also request that names be given in English, which serves as the link language among all States,” he added.
The CM also submitted a memorandum to Modi detailing few key priorities for Tamil Nadu. Among other things, this includes approval for Coimbatore & Madurai metro, transfer of Chennai MRTS to Chennai Metro rail, expansion of Coimbatore & Madurai Airports, establishment of an AIIMS in Coimbatore, and safeguarding fishermen’s rights & expediting release of detainees.
“In recent years, we have maintained a growth rate above 8 per cent annually. Last year, we registered the highest growth rate in the country at 9.69 per cent,” he said, noting that the State is working towards a $4.5 trillion economy by the centenary of Indian independence in 2047.
More Like This
Published on May 24, 2025