Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin presented Part I of the High-Level Committee’s report on Union–State Relations in the state Assembly. The report emphasizes the DMK government’s call for increased state autonomy and a stronger federal structure. The committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph, submitted the report to the Chief Minister earlier this week.
Stalin highlighted the significance of the report in reshaping the ties between the Centre and states. He expressed the need to amend the Constitution to empower state governments with essential authorities. The Chief Minister criticized the Union government for centralizing power and accused it of autocratic behavior towards states.
Stalin emphasized the urgency of addressing the imbalance in power distribution between the Centre and states. He pointed out the shifting of subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List by the BJP-led Union government, which he claimed undermines states’ constitutional rights. The Chief Minister also raised concerns about reduced fiscal devolution to economically developed states, despite their substantial contributions to national revenue.
Stalin called for bipartisan support and urged political parties nationwide to prioritize states’ autonomy. He stressed the importance of upholding the dignity and equal rights of all languages, cultures, and communities within a truly federal framework.
