Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that the committee will be headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph.
Published Apr 15, 2025 | 12:24 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 15, 2025 | 1:09 PM
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Justice Kurian Joseph..
Synopsis: The DMK government in Tamil Nadu announced the formation of a high-level committee to examine and recommend measures to strengthen federalism in India. The committee has been formed to devise measures to enhance Centre-State relations in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
Subsequent to raising concerns over the Union government allegedly curtailing the rights of the states, the DMK government in Tamil Nadu on Monday, 15 April, announced the formation of a high-level committee to examine and recommend measures to strengthen federalism in India.
The committee has been formed to devise measures to enhance Centre-state relations in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
Chief Minister MK Stalin announced that the committee will be headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph.
Stalin introduced the newly formed high-level committee in the state Assembly under Rule 110 to study and improve Centre-State relations.
During the debate that followed, all parties expressed their views on the committee, except the Opposition, AIADMK and BJP, which did not participate in the discussion and staged a walkout.
Concluding the discussion, Stalin stated, “I wholeheartedly welcome the views and suggestions shared by all parties. Though the DMK and AIADMK have historically differed in terms of political reasons, when it comes to state rights, both parties have stood united and fought for the cause. Leaders like MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa have both raised their voices in support of state rights.”
He further added, “The current Leader of the Opposition often says ideology is one thing, and alliance is another. But now, I wonder what has happened to that ideology. This is an issue concerning state rights, and they too must come forward and join hands with us to protect those rights.”
BJP opposed the committee aimed at protecting the rights of the state government. Speaking to the media, BJP Tamil Nadu President Nainar Nagendran said, “The chief minister’s announcement is not appropriate. The DMK government is bringing such resolutions with elections in mind.”
He further argued that strengthening state autonomy would weaken the unity and strength of the nation.
The panel will also include retired IAS officer and former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University Ashok Vardhan Shetty and former vice-chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission Professor M Naganathan.
The committee is tasked with reviewing constitutional provisions, existing laws, and government orders related to Union-state relations. It will submit its preliminary report by January next year and a comprehensive report within two years.
Stalin also highlighted that education should be shifted to the state list.
Recently, the Tamil Nadu chief minister had condemned the Union government’s rejection of the state’s NEET exemption bill, calling it a “black chapter in India’s federal history”.
Speaking in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Stalin criticised the decision as an attack on the state’s democratic rights and the aspirations of its students.
Tamil Nadu has been accusing the BJP-led Union government of not adhering to the principles of federalism mandated by the Indian Constitution. The DMK has been demanding an equal voice for the states while establishing policies concerning their rights and functioning.
Southern states have also been demanding autonomy for states and the allocation of funds equitably.
Recently, the DMK had also organised a Joint Action Committee (JAC) meeting in Chennai demanding a pause on the upcoming delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, highlighting that the move would affect the federal structure of the country.
“In our country, each state has its unique characteristics. For a true federal system to thrive in India, states must have autonomy. This will pave the way for comprehensive development,” said Stalin.
Speaking at the meeting, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had noted that “federalism is not a mere administrative arrangement but a fundamental feature of the Constitution.”
The chief minister also cautioned against the centralisation of power, arguing that it would stifle state-specific innovations crucial for India’s diverse fabric.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose.)
