Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has called on the Union government to grant Tamil Nadu an exemption from the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), arguing that the examination disadvantages students from rural and government-school backgrounds.
Addressing a public gathering in Chennai, Vijay also urged the Centre to release pending financial allocations due to the state, stressing the need for timely funding to support welfare programmes, infrastructure projects and development initiatives.
In addition to education and fiscal issues, the Chief Minister renewed a long-standing cultural demand by seeking recognition of the Thirukkural as India’s national literature. He described the ancient Tamil text as a timeless guide on ethics, governance and human values with universal relevance.
The demand for a NEET exemption has remained a major political issue in Tamil Nadu, with successive state governments arguing that a common national entrance examination places students from the state at a disadvantage compared to those with access to specialized coaching.
Vijay’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions between the state and the Centre over education policy, fiscal allocations and federal relations. His speech also highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting Tamil cultural heritage alongside addressing contemporary governance challenges.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Tamil Nadu would continue to advocate for greater autonomy in education-related matters while seeking adequate financial support and national recognition for the state’s literary and cultural contributions.
