Strengthening Federalism: Tamil Nadu’s High-Level Committee on State Autonomy and a Call for Telangana to Follow Suit

Strengthening Federalism: Tamil Nadu’s High-Level Committee on State Autonomy and a Call for Telangana to Follow Suit

On April 16, 2025, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the formation of a High-Level Committee on State Autonomy, a bold step toward reinforcing India’s federal framework. Chaired by former Supreme Court Judge Justice Kurian Joseph, alongside retired IAS officer K. Ashok Vardhan Shetty and economist Professor M. Naganathan, the committee aims to examine Centre-State relations and propose reforms to enhance state powers. This initiative, rooted in the Dravidian Movement’s legacy of self-respect and federalism, responds to growing concerns about Union Government overreach and gubernatorial delays, as validated by the Supreme Court’s April 8, 2025, ruling on timely bill assent. As Tamil Nadu takes this historic stride, Telangana, a state with its own rich history of regional pride and federal aspirations, must consider forming a similar committee to safeguard its autonomy and contribute to a stronger federal India.

Tamil Nadu’s Pioneering Move

Tamil Nadu’s committee builds on the state’s long-standing advocacy for federalism, exemplified by the 1969 Rajamannar Committee under former CM M. Karunanidhi, which recommended shifting subjects like education to the State List and increasing states’ fiscal powers. The 1974 Assembly resolution adopting these suggestions laid the groundwork for modern federalism discourse. Today, Stalin’s initiative addresses contemporary challenges—centralized policies like NEET, the three-language policy, and delays in gubernatorial assent—that undermine state authority. The committee, tasked with submitting an interim report by January 2026 and a final report by April 2027, will review constitutional provisions, propose administrative reforms, and advocate for maximum state autonomy while preserving national unity.

This move is particularly timely given the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, which criticized Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi’s delay in assenting to ten bills as “illegal and erroneous,” setting a three-month deadline for Governors and the President to act on re-enacted legislation. Stalin has framed the committee as a defense of all states’ rights, invoking India’s “unity in diversity” and citing grievances like the rejection of Tamil Nadu’s NEET exemption request as a “dark chapter in federalism.” By positioning Tamil Nadu as a leader in cooperative federalism, the DMK aims to influence national policy and inspire other states to assert their constitutional rights.

Why Telangana Needs a Similar Committee

Telangana, born out of a decades-long struggle for self-determination, shares Tamil Nadu’s commitment to regional identity and governance tailored to local needs. Since its formation in 2014, the state has made remarkable strides in agriculture, IT, and social welfare under leaders like Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. However, Telangana faces similar challenges to its autonomy, including centralized policies, fiscal constraints, and occasional tensions with the Union Government. A High-Level Committee on State Autonomy in Telangana could address these issues, strengthen federalism, and amplify the state’s voice in national discourse.

1. Centralized Policies and Regional Aspirations: Like Tamil Nadu, Telangana has resisted policies perceived as imposing uniformity, such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the three-language formula, which clash with the state’s linguistic and cultural ethos. A committee could propose state-specific frameworks for education and cultural preservation, ensuring policies align with Telangana’s unique identity.
2. Fiscal Autonomy: Telangana’s economic growth relies on its ability to generate and retain revenue, yet the state’s share of central taxes and grants often falls short of its contributions. A committee could advocate for greater fiscal devolution, echoing the Rajamannar Committee’s call for increased state taxing powers, enabling Telangana to fund ambitious welfare and infrastructure projects.
3. Gubernatorial and Administrative Challenges: While Telangana has not faced gubernatorial delays as acute as Tamil Nadu’s, the potential for such conflicts remains. A committee could recommend safeguards to protect the state legislature’s authority, ensuring Governors act within constitutional bounds and respect elected governments.
4. Historical Resonance: Telangana’s statehood movement was rooted in the demand for self-governance, much like Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian Movement emphasized self-respect. Forming a committee would honor this legacy, positioning Telangana as a proactive contributor to India’s federal evolution.
5. National Impact: By aligning with Tamil Nadu’s efforts, Telangana could help build a coalition of states advocating for federal reforms. This collective push could influence constitutional amendments, such as shifting education to the State List, and challenge the Union’s centralizing tendencies, fostering a more equitable Centre-State relationship.

A Blueprint for Telangana’s Committee

Telangana could model its committee on Tamil Nadu’s while tailoring it to local priorities. A proposed structure might include:

• Chair: A retired judge from the Telangana or Andhra Pradesh High Court, or a constitutional scholar with a deep understanding of federalism.
• Members: A retired IAS officer with experience in Telangana’s administration and an academic expert in economics or public policy, preferably with ties to the state’s planning or development boards.
• Mandate: Review Centre-State relations, propose reforms to enhance fiscal and legislative autonomy, address region-specific issues like irrigation and industrial policy, and draw on past commissions (e.g., Sarkaria, Punchhi) for context.
• Timeline: An interim report within six months to address urgent issues, followed by a comprehensive report within two years.

The committee could engage with stakeholders—farmers, educators, industry leaders, and civil society—to ensure its recommendations reflect Telangana’s diverse needs. Public consultations, as seen in Tamil Nadu’s approach, would enhance legitimacy and build grassroots support.

Potential Challenges and Opportunities

Forming such a committee in Telangana would not be without challenges. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the main opposition, might frame it as a political ploy by the ruling Congress, especially with the 2028 Assembly elections on the horizon. The BJP, which has a growing presence in Telangana, could oppose it as a threat to national unity, as seen in their reaction to Tamil Nadu’s initiative. Overcoming these requires bipartisan support and a clear communication strategy emphasizing the committee’s benefits for all Telanganites.

On the opportunity side, a committee could galvanize Telangana’s federal aspirations, strengthen its bargaining power with the Centre, and inspire other states like Karnataka or Andhra Pradesh to follow suit. It would also align with Chief Minister Reddy’s vision of inclusive governance, reinforcing Telangana’s role as a progressive state. By collaborating with Tamil Nadu’s committee, Telangana could amplify its impact, potentially shaping national policy on federalism.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Tamil Nadu’s High-Level Committee on State Autonomy is a clarion call for states to reclaim their constitutional rights and strengthen India’s federal fabric. Telangana, with its history of resilience and commitment to self-governance, is uniquely positioned to join this movement. By forming a similar committee, Telangana can protect its autonomy, address region-specific challenges, and contribute to a more balanced Centre-State relationship. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and the Telangana government should seize this moment to establish a High-Level Committee on State Autonomy, ensuring the state’s voice resonates in India’s federal future. Together, Tamil Nadu and Telangana can lead the charge for a stronger, more equitable Union—one that truly embodies “unity in diversity.”