At the 11th Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog, held on June 11 and chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay called for stronger federal cooperation, greater autonomy for states, and increased financial support, arguing that a developed India can only be built through empowered states and inclusive growth.

He said Tamil Nadu is committed to working with the Union Government while protecting its own developmental priorities and aims to grow into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036 as part of India’s broader “developed nation by 2047” vision. A major focus of his speech was youth development, where he proposed a “Youth Skill and Employment Mission” offering annual paid internships and industry-linked training for five lakh young people. He also sought central support to set up advanced skill centres in every district, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, deep-tech, cloud computing, electric vehicles, and semiconductors, along with stronger startup incubators, venture capital support, and research funding.

On education, he reiterated the state’s opposition to NEET for medical admissions, saying it disadvantages rural and underprivileged students, and urged that Tamil Nadu be allowed to admit students in MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses based solely on Class 12 marks for state quota seats. He also requested approval for a second AIIMS in Coimbatore, support for affordable housing, and release of pending funds under schemes such as Samagra Shiksha without conditions tied to NEP or the three-language policy.

Other proposals included a poverty-free state mission, support for women-led development initiatives, enhanced disaster management infrastructure for cyclone and flood resilience, and recognition of the Thirukkural as a national literary work. On infrastructure and connectivity, he sought assistance for completing BharatNet Phase-II, funding for the Hogenakkal water supply project, and central backing for developing Kulasekarapattinam as a national space manufacturing hub.

He also raised concerns about Tamil Nadu fishermen detained abroad, calling for diplomatic efforts for their release and protection of traditional fishing rights. He concluded by emphasizing that strengthening states through cooperative federalism would ultimately strengthen the country and ensure balanced and sustainable national development.