Tamil Nadu CM Stalin forms high-level panel on state autonomy, slams Centre’s interference

Amid growing friction with the Union government, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has constituted a high-level committee to examine and protect state autonomy. Headed by retired Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph, the panel is tasked with reviewing Centre-state relations, including the transfer of subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List.

The committee formation follows the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict on April 8, which struck down Governor RN Ravi’s decision to withhold assent to 10 state bills. The court declared the Governor’s actions as "illegal and arbitrary," paving the way for the bills—some pending since 2020—to be deemed valid from the date they were re-presented.

Stalin welcomed the verdict in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, calling it a “historic judgment” and a “victory for all state governments.” He reiterated concerns over increasing centralisation of power and the need for constitutional clarity to uphold true federalism.

The committee, which includes retired bureaucrat Ashok Vardhan Shetty and former State Planning Commission vice-chairman M Naganathan, will study how certain powers—especially over education—were shifted to the Concurrent List through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment. It aims to make a case for their return to exclusive state control. The interim report is due by January 2026, with the final report expected by 2028.

The NEET exam and the National Education Policy remain major points of contention. Stalin criticised the Centre for denying the state’s repeated resolutions seeking NEET exemption, alleging that the exam has contributed to multiple student suicides and restricted state authority over education. He also slammed the imposition of Hindi through the three-language formula, and said the Centre withheld ₹2,500 crore in funds due to Tamil Nadu’s refusal to implement NEP.

Stalin’s push to reclaim state powers is being seen as part of a broader assertion of federal rights. The move comes at a time when opposition-ruled states across India are voicing similar concerns over the erosion of their legislative authority.