Overview

• The Tamil Nadu government has established a high-level panel to recommend measures for enhancing state autonomy and reclaiming subjects shifted to the concurrent list.
• The panel, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph, includes experienced bureaucrats Ashok Vardan Shetty and Mu Nagarajan.
• Interim recommendations are expected by January 2026, with a final report to be submitted by 2028.
• The move comes as Tamil Nadu faces ongoing disputes with the central government over the NEET exam, the National Education Policy, and allegations of withheld funds amounting to ₹2,500 crore.
• Chief Minister MK Stalin emphasized the need to protect Tamil Nadu’s cultural identity and policy-making rights, citing concerns over language imposition and the role of the Governor in state legislation.