Mahabalipuram, Aug 20: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Thursday called for greater cooperation among southern states to tackle drug trafficking, strengthen economic integration, expand the Blue Economy and protect the region’s interests on issues ranging from fiscal federalism to water sharing.
Addressing the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council, Vijay said the southern states collectively contribute more than 30 per cent of India’s GDP and have emerged as major centres of manufacturing, exports and services. He called for the region to function as an integrated economic bloc through coordinated development of manufacturing zones, logistics parks and freight corridors.
Welcoming the proposed extension of Bengaluru Metro from Bommasandra to Hosur, Vijay described the project as an important example of interstate cooperation and urged authorities to expedite its implementation.
Calling for a “Drug-Free South India”, the Chief Minister sought greater intelligence-sharing and coordinated enforcement among states to tackle the interstate movement of narcotic and psychotropic substances. He also called for tighter regulation of online sales of prescription medicines and action against unauthorised distribution networks.
Vijay said the Blue Economy should become a key component of the South’s development strategy. He pointed out that Tamil Nadu has a coastline of 1,076 km and said the state was ready to work with neighbouring states on a comprehensive regional framework covering ports, coastal shipping, fisheries, marine industries, maritime services and tourism.
On fiscal federalism, Vijay said the next Finance Commission’s devolution formula should adequately balance need and performance. States that have achieved economic growth, maintained fiscal discipline and successfully stabilised population growth should not be disadvantaged, he argued. He also sought greater flexibility for states in determining tax rates following the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax regime.
The Chief Minister also raised interstate river disputes and stressed that the interests of lower riparian states must be protected through timely implementation of court judgments, tribunal awards and statutory mechanisms.
Referring to the Cauvery water issue, Vijay called for prompt enforcement of judicial directions. On the Mullaperiyar dam, he said questions concerning its safety and storage level, including the proposed increase to 152 feet, should be governed by judicial decisions and established legal mechanisms.
Reiterating Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), Vijay urged the Centre to permit admissions to state-quota medical, dental and AYUSH seats on the basis of Class 12 marks. He argued that the entrance examination places rural and economically disadvantaged students at a disadvantage.
He also sought a legislative assurance that delimitation would not reduce the percentage share of parliamentary representation of states that have successfully implemented population-control measures.
“Public policy must not penalise states for fulfilling national objectives,” Vijay said, emphasising the need for a balanced approach to national development and representation.
Concluding his address, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said stronger states would contribute to a stronger India and reaffirmed the state’s willingness to resolve differences through dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to the rule of law.
