MAHABALIPURAM — Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay presented a broad-ranging economic and inter-state agenda during the 31st Southern Zonal Council conference in Mahabalipuram, led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
In his address as Vice-Chair of the Council, Vijay focused on safeguarding regional autonomy and federal equity, addressing critical issues including the Cauvery and Mullaperiyar water allocation frameworks, national medical entrance testing (NEET), parliamentary delimitation, and state fiscal powers.
Key Priorities & Strategic Proposals
-
Meeting Leadership: 31st Southern Zonal Council in Mahabalipuram, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
-
Economic Footprint: Urged closer alignment among Southern states—which generate over 30% of the national GDP—through shared industrial and freight corridors.
-
Water Dispute Frameworks: Called for full adherence to Supreme Court rulings and Cauvery Water Management Authority orders on the Cauvery river and Mekedatu proposals, alongside legal compliance regarding Mullaperiyar dam levels.
-
Medical Admissions (NEET): Reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s demand for exemption from NEET, proposing that state-quota seats for MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH programs be allotted based on Class XII academic performance.
-
Parliamentary Delimitation: Requested a legislative guarantee that states succeeding in population control measures will not face a reduced percentage of representation in the Lok Sabha.
Cross-Border & Fiscal Initiatives
-
Anti-Narcotics Cooperation: Proposed a joint enforcement strategy among Southern states to disrupt drug trafficking networks and tighten regulations on online prescription sales.
-
Inter-State Transit: Highlighted cross-border transit initiatives, such as the proposed extension of the Bengaluru Metro to Hosur, as models for regional connectivity.
-
Fiscal Federalism: Urged joint representation ahead of the next Finance Commission to ensure high-performing states are not penalized, while advocating for greater flexibility in state tax policy post-GST implementation.
Institutional Significance
Vijay’s presentation emphasizes a unified policy push among Southern states to tackle common economic, environmental, and administrative challenges. By framing inter-state cooperation around shared maritime policies, infrastructure corridors, and constitutional protections, the address underscores Tamil Nadu’s commitment to cooperative federalism and balanced regional growth.
