Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, presenting a memorandum that includes requests for the release of central funds under the Samagara Siksha Scheme and the approval of the Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase-II on a 50:50 equity sharing basis.

Stalin emphasized the need for a permanent solution to secure the traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen and to expedite the release of apprehended fishermen and their crafts. Describing the approximately 40-minute meeting as productive, Stalin stated, “It was a pleasure to meet with PM Modi. PM Modi also expressed happiness to us. All in PM Modi's hands only to make this happy meet as useful meet.”

In his address to reporters, Stalin elaborated on the memorandum, stating, “Like how the Union and State governments together implemented the first phase of the Chennai Metro Rail Project, similarly, the second phase of the Chennai Metro also should be implemented. That is the Tamil Nadu stance.” He noted that during the 2021-22 budget, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that funds would be allocated for the Chennai Metro Rail Phase II, and the Union Government had approved it in 2022. However, Stalin highlighted that due to pending approval from the Union Minister, Tamil Nadu has not received the necessary funds, which has hindered progress on the Metro Rail Project.

Additionally, the Chief Minister called for the release of funds under the Samagara Siksha Scheme. He mentioned that while the Tamil Nadu government has implemented several beneficial suggestions from the National Education Policy (NEP), including free breakfast schemes, the state does not support the three-language policy outlined in the NEP. Stalin urged for changes in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), emphasizing the issues faced by Tamil fishermen.

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