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Stalin Tables Panel Report on Federalism, Demands Greater State Autonomy

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has tabled the first part of a high-level committee report on Union-State relations in the state Assembly. The report, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph, aims to address the imbalance of power and advocate for enhanced state autonomy. Stalin accused the BJP-led Union government of centralising authority and eroding states' constitutional rights by shifting subjects to the Concurrent List. He also highlighted issues of fiscal devolution, urging bipartisan support for a stronger federal framework.

Key Points: Stalin Tables Report on Centre-State Relations, Seeks More Autonomy

  • Report on Union-State relations tabled
  • Calls for constitutional amendments
  • Accuses Centre of centralising power
  • Raises concerns over fiscal devolution
2 min read

Stalin tables high-level panel report on Union-State relations, pushes for greater state autonomy

Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin tables high-level committee report, pushing for constitutional amendments to strengthen state powers and federal structure.

"Today is the day we take the initiative to amend the Constitution to ensure that state governments are vested with all necessary powers. - M.K. Stalin"

Chennai, Feb 18

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Wednesday tabled Part I of the report of the High-Level Committee on Union-State Relations in the state Assembly, reiterating the DMK government's long-standing demand for enhanced state autonomy and a stronger federal structure.

The committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph, with former bureaucrats K. Ashok Vardhan Shetty and M. Naganathan as members, submitted its report to the Chief Minister on Monday.

Presenting it in the House, Stalin described the moment as a significant step in redefining Centre-State ties.

"Today is the day we take the initiative to amend the Constitution to ensure that state governments are vested with all necessary powers. If we cannot do it, who else can?" he asked, drawing loud desk-thumping from members of the DMK and its alliance partners.

The Chief Minister alleged that the Union government was centralising authority and exercising its powers in an "autocratic manner" without due regard for the states.

"The Union keeps all powers with itself, and states are compelled to depend on it for everything. How long can this continue?" he asked, adding that the committee's report was aimed at offering a structured solution to this imbalance.

In a sharp remark, Stalin said: "To put it simply, we have now belled the cat", signalling what he described as a bold initiative to address long-standing federal concerns.

He further contended that several subjects originally under the State List were being shifted to the Concurrent List by the BJP-led Union government, thereby eroding the constitutional rights of states.

"The rights of states are being taken away one after another, and we are forced to fight even for the basic rights of our people," he said.

The Chief Minister also raised concerns over fiscal devolution, alleging that economically developed states were receiving reduced shares of central funds despite their significant contributions to national revenue. Calling for bipartisan support, Stalin urged political parties across the country to adopt states' autonomy as a guiding principle, ensuring that all languages, cultures, and communities could thrive with dignity and equal rights within a truly federal framework.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I support the principle of cooperative federalism, this feels like a political move ahead of elections. Every state has grievances, but the solution is dialogue, not confrontation. The language of "belling the cat" is unnecessarily aggressive. We need unity, not more division.
K
Karthik V
The point about fiscal devolution hits home. Why should industrious states be penalised for their success? We send more taxes to Delhi than we get back. This imbalance needs a fair, formula-based solution. Hope other CMs take note and build a consensus.
A
Anjali F
As someone from a smaller state, I'm wary. Too much autonomy for big states might mean neglect for the rest of us. The Centre plays a vital role in ensuring balanced development across all regions. The report must address this concern too.
S
Siddharth J
Finally! The shift of subjects from State to Concurrent list is a silent takeover of states' rights. This affects education, agriculture, public health... everything. This report should be discussed in Parliament, not just the TN assembly. Jai Hind, but also Jai Tamil Nadu!
M
Michael C
Interesting to see this development. Coming from a federal country myself, I can say a healthy balance is key. Over-centralisation kills local innovation. India's diversity is its strength; its governance should reflect that. Hope the report gets the serious debate it deserves.

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