CHENNAI: At his first NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting on Thursday, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay sought the release of pending central funds, including Rs 3,284 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme and Rs 2,284 crore for the Hogenakkal Phase-II Combined Water Supply Scheme, while presenting a range of demands for Tamil Nadu.
Key Demands Presented
Addressing the council chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vijay stated that his government would work constructively with the Union government while firmly safeguarding Tamil Nadu's interests and aspirations. He appealed to the Union government to exempt Tamil Nadu from the NEET examination and to declare Thirukkural as a national literature.
Infrastructure and Development
Vijay submitted a list of demands, including approval for six national highway projects to enhance road connectivity in the state and the establishment of a second AIIMS in Tamil Nadu, preferably in Coimbatore. He also urged support for permanent flood mitigation infrastructure in Tamil Nadu's coastal cities under the Climate Resilient Master Plan 2045, noting that the state has a 1,076-kilometer coastline.
Fishermen's Safety
Referring to the frequent arrest of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan navy, Vijay emphasized the importance of the livelihoods and safety of fishing communities. He urged the Union government to protect the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen in the Palk Bay, ensure their safety and security, and secure the release of their fishing boats. He sought urgent diplomatic intervention to secure the release and safe return of Tamil Nadu fishermen from Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Space and Employment
Vijay requested the Union government to declare the Space Manufacturing Hub at Kulasekarapattinam, set up with IN-SPACe, as a National Space Manufacturing Hub, enabling end-to-end manufacturing from propellants to launch vehicles and helping the nation tap into the global space economy. He also sought employment generation under VB-G RAM-G for state rural housing schemes.
After the meeting, Vijay met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
