TN CM Stalin Sets Up High-Level Committee To Explore Greater State Autonomy & Improve Centre-State Ties

According to CM Stalin, the committee will present an initial report with recommendations by January next year, followed by a comprehensive final report within two years. 

The findings will serve as the basis for Tamil Nadu’s renewed push for enhanced state powers and self-governance.

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In a move underscoring Tamil Nadu's longstanding demand for greater autonomy, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Tuesday announced the formation of a high-level committee to examine and recommend measures aimed at safeguarding the constitutional rights of states and improving Centre-State relations.

The announcement was made in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly under Rule 110.

High-Level Committee

The newly formed committee will be chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Kurian Joseph. It includes a panel of eminent experts such as Vice Chancellor of Indian Maritime University and former IAS officer Ashok Varadhan Shetty, and Dr M Naganathan, Vice President of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission.

The primary mandate of the committee is to study the evolving dynamics between the Union and state governments and propose measures to protect and revive the autonomy guaranteed to states under the Constitution.

According to the Chief Minister, the committee will present an initial report with recommendations by January next year, followed by a comprehensive final report within two years. "The committee will study, as per the law, to transfer those subjects that went from the State List to the Concurrent List," the Chief Minister said, as per PTI.

"We are not stressing for devolution of power and funds merely considering Tamil Nadu's welfare but are keeping in mind the interests of the people of the vast expanse of the country stretching from Gujarat to the northeastern parts; from Kashmir to Kerala," Stalin said, as per the report.

"The voice for state autonomy will begin in Tamil Nadu," CM said.  

The findings will serve as the basis for Tamil Nadu’s renewed push for enhanced state powers and self-governance.

Revisiting Key Commissions

The panel will review past reports and constitutional interpretations relating to Centre-State relations, beginning with the Rajamannar Committee (1971) — which was Tamil Nadu’s first formal step toward asserting autonomy — and extending to the MM Punchhi Commission (2004), as per a report on DT Next.