Centre Rebuts Tamil Nadu CM's Claims: Development Funds Under Spotlight

The Centre has refuted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin's claims of withholding development funds, citing significant investments in the state's infrastructure, social schemes, and rural development over the last decade. The central government highlighted increased funding for railways, highways, airports, and various welfare schemes in Tamil Nadu.

The Centre has disputed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin's claims that it is withholding funds meant for development projects in the state.

According to Union government sources, funding for projects in sectors such as Railways, Highways, Airports, and various social and rural schemes has seen a substantial increase in the past decade.

The sources pointed to a dramatic rise in the budget for Tamil Nadu's railways, from an annual average of Rs 879 crore between 2009 and 2014 to Rs 6,331 crore in the 2024-25 budget. They noted record progress in railway infrastructure, such as new lines, electrification, and station enhancements.

The length of highways in the state has expanded significantly, with projects worth roughly Rs 64,704 crore awarded since 2014. The Centre is investing Rs 2 lakh crore into developing Tamil Nadu's national highways.

Notable investments have also been made in major ports, fisheries, and aquaculture infrastructure. Under the PM Awas Yojana, Rs 20,000 crore has been released for building over 15 lakh houses in the state.

The Centre said notable funds have also been allocated under various agricultural and housing schemes, including significant sums for the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Ujjwala, and PM Matru Vandana Yojana.

Additionally, the MNREGA scheme has seen Rs 13,392.89 crore spent in Tamil Nadu, forming a substantial portion of the national expenditure. Eleven new medical colleges have been sanctioned and are now fully functional, backed by Rs 2,145 crore in funds.