Mahabalipuram: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay called for cooperation among southern states to combat drug trafficking, build economic corridors, expand the Blue Economy and safeguard the region’s interests.
Addressing the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting, CM Vijay said the southern states contribute more than 30 per cent of India’s GDP and rank among the centres of manufacturing, exports and services.
He said the region should function as an integrated economic bloc through manufacturing zones, logistics parks and freight corridors.
The Chief Minister welcomed the extension of Bengaluru Metro from Bommasandra to Hosur, describing it as a model for interstate cooperation, and urged authorities to expedite it.
Calling for a “Drug-Free South India”, he sought intelligence-sharing and enforcement against interstate trafficking of narcotic and psychotropic substances. He urged tighter regulation of online prescription medicine sales and action against unauthorised distribution.
CM Vijay said the Blue Economy should occupy a place in the South’s development agenda. Tamil Nadu, with a 1,076-km coastline, was prepared to work with other states on a strategy covering ports, coastal shipping, fisheries, marine industries, maritime services and tourism.
On fiscal federalism, he said the next Finance Commission’s devolution formula must recognise need and performance. States achieving growth, fiscal discipline and population stabilisation should not be penalised, he said, while seeking flexibility in setting tax rates following GST.
On interstate river disputes, CM Vijay said the rights of lower riparian states must be protected by implementing court judgments, tribunal awards and statutory mechanisms. He sought timely enforcement of directions concerning Cauvery water and said Mullaperiyar’s safety and storage level, including its increase to 152 feet, should be governed by judicial decisions.
Reiterating Tamil Nadu’s opposition to NEET, CM Vijay asked the Centre to permit admissions to state-quota medical, dental and AYUSH seats based on Class 12 marks, arguing that the examination disadvantages rural and underprivileged students.
He also demanded a legislative assurance that delimitation would not reduce any state’s percentage share of parliamentary representation because of successful population control.
“Public policy must not penalise states for fulfilling national objectives,” he said.
CM Vijay concluded that strong states make India stronger and pledged Tamil Nadu’s cooperation in resolving differences through dialogue, mutual respect and the rule of law.
(IANS)
