The Administrative Prowess of Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru M.K. Stalin

Since taking office on May 7, 2021, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin has ushered in a new era of governance, marked by progressive reforms, inclusive development, and data-driven administration. His leadership has earned national and international acclaim, as reflected in India Today’s survey reports, accolades from the UN, and commendations from the Union Government’s premier institutions.

From Lagging Behind to Leading the Nation

In stark contrast to its position under the previous regime, Tamil Nadu ranked last in infrastructure and bottom tier in agriculture, tourism, and inclusive growth in the India Today 2020 survey. However, by 2025, Tamil Nadu had surged ahead, emerging as the top-performing large state in overall performance according to India Today’s C-Voter Opinion Poll.

Raj Chengappa, Director of India Today, informed CM Stalin that Tamil Nadu now leads in overall governance. Speaking at an awards function in November 2021, Stalin said, “This recognition is not mine alone but belongs to the people of Tamil Nadu.”

Top Rankings and National Recognition

• NITI Aayog’s 2024 SDG Report: Tamil Nadu ranked first in India for poverty alleviation, climate action, and clean energy access, crediting the Dravidian Model’s effective schemes.
• RBI’s Growth Survey (2023-24): Tamil Nadu secured the top spot in human resource development, ahead of industrial giants like Maharashtra and Gujarat.
• NIRYAAT 2022-23: Tamil Nadu led the country with 22.58% of total textile exports.
• Export Survey 2022-23: The state topped in ready-made garment exports ($5.3 billion out of $16.19 billion) and leather goods exports (43.2%).
• AISHE Report: Tamil Nadu led the nation in higher education enrollment with 51.3%, far above the national average of 26%.
• State Planning Commission: The Pudhumai Penn Scheme significantly increased college enrollment among girls by 34%.
• Union Economic Survey 2025: Tamil Nadu contributes 38% to leather production and 47% to leather exports, creating over 2 lakh jobs.
• UN Recognition: The Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam doorstep healthcare scheme received the UN Interagency Task Force Award in September 2024.
• MoSPI: Tamil Nadu recorded a 9.69% real economic growth rate in 2024-25—the highest in India and the state’s best in a decade.

Endorsements from Experts and the Union Government

C-Voter’s founder Yashwant Deshmukh consistently ranked Stalin among India’s top 5 CMs, citing his popularity and performance. On July 21, 2025, Union Minister Pankaj Choudhary told Parliament that Tamil Nadu’s per capita income had soared to ₹1.96 lakh, well above the national average of ₹1.14 lakh, placing it second in India.

Economist Dr. K.R. Shanmugam of the Madras School of Economics emphasized that if the state sustains its 9.7% growth rate, it will become a $1 trillion economy by 2032-33.

The Driving Force: CM M.K. Stalin’s Tireless Work

Behind this transformation is Chief Minister Stalin’s relentless commitment—working day and night, undeterred by fatigue, criticism, or setbacks. His governance model, centered on social justice, inclusive growth, education, healthcare, and economic development, has made Tamil Nadu a model state and a national leader in governance.

Today, the people of Tamil Nadu—and indeed all of India—acknowledge Thiru M.K. Stalin not just as a leader, but as a visionary Chief Minister whose work defines modern governance.

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Issued by: Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Secretariat, Chennai – 9