On September 27, 2024, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to present a memorandum with three key demands. These included the 50:50 equity sharing for the Chennai Metro Rail Phase-II project, the release of funds for the Samagra Shiksha initiative, and the protection of Indian fishermen’s traditional rights. Stalin highlighted fiscal constraints that have delayed the Metro project, pushing its completion date to December 2028. He also expressed concerns about the National Education Policy’s three-language formula, advocating for Tamil Nadu’s two-language system. Additionally, he requested urgent dialogue between Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen to address ongoing disputes.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to present a set of important demands focused on infrastructure, education, and fishermen’s rights. The meeting took place on September 27, 2024, where Stalin submitted a memorandum that included three key requests.
Firstly, he sought a collaborative funding approach for the Chennai Metro Rail Phase-II project, proposing a 50:50 equity sharing arrangement between the Tamil Nadu government and the Union government. Stalin highlighted that financial constraints were slowing down the project, pushing the expected completion date from December 2027 to December 2028 due to fiscal management laws in place.
Secondly, Stalin emphasized the urgency of releasing funds under the Samagra Shiksha program. Despite a considerable allocation approved for Tamil Nadu, the Chief Minister voiced his frustration over the lack of released funds from the central government, which he believes hampers the state’s educational progression.
Lastly, he stressed the need for a permanent solution to protect the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen. With negotiations planned between India and Sri Lanka on fisheries, he stressed the importance of engaging fishermen from both nations to foster dialogue that has not occurred since 2016.
Stalin’s visit included discussions with other key political figures as well, such as Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, reinforcing the significance of state-federal cooperation in these critical areas.
Overall, these discussions reflect Tamil Nadu’s ongoing efforts to advocate for its interests, ensuring that infrastructure projects, educational funding, and the rights of fishermen are prioritized in national policies.
Tags: Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, Prime Minister Modi, Chennai Metro, Samagra Shiksha, fishermen’s rights, education policy.
What was the main reason for CM Stalin’s meeting with PM Modi?
CM Stalin met PM Modi to discuss important issues for Tamil Nadu, like the Chennai Metro Rail project and funds for education.
What did CM Stalin ask for regarding the Chennai Metro Rail?
He requested more support and funding from the central government to help complete and expand the Chennai Metro Rail project.
How does the Samagra Shiksha program relate to the meeting?
CM Stalin emphasized the need for more funds from the central government for the Samagra Shiksha program, which focuses on improving education in Tamil Nadu.
Did PM Modi respond positively to CM Stalin’s demands?
While the meeting was productive, it’s not clear how PM Modi will respond to the specific requests yet.
Why are these demands important for Tamil Nadu?
These demands are important because they aim to improve public transport and education, which can boost the economy and quality of life in the state.
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