In his Independence Day speech, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday (August 15, 2025) reiterated that the Union government has been attempting to snatch the rights of the State governments.

“The State Governments are forced to depend on the Union government due to the discrimination in devolution of funds and in welfare programmes though Central Acts and court judgments,” Mr. Stalin contended.

Finding a Constitutional remedy was only solution for this issue, Mr. Stalin said adding that would help in getting due authority and devolution of funds from the Union government. The existing situation of moving the courts to get the funds due to the State was not in line with the federal principles of the country, he said.

“This would affect the State’s development. It would also affect India’s integration,” Mr. Stalin said. While the States increasingly needed more power, the rights of the State governments were indeed being snatched in key sectors such as education, medicine, among others.

Nine announcements

The chief minister also made nine announcements, including expansion of free bus travel for persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen, children of construction workers, among others. Earlier, Mr. Stalin hoisted the national flag.

During his speech, Mr. Stalin said that the Vidiyal Payanaathittam (free bus travel) would be expanded to benefit persons with disability in routes in hilly areas. In a bid to benefit ex-servicemen from Tamil Nadu, a hostel would be constructed in Madhavaram in Chennai spread over 33,000 sq.ft. at a cost of ₹22 crore.

The State government would impart the skill training programme at a cost of ₹15 crore for the benefit of college-going children of construction workers who are registered members of the welfare board, Mr. Stalin said. The monthly aid for ex-servicemen from the State who served during the World War II would be increased to ₹15,000, he said.

The monthly pension for freedom fighters would be increased to ₹22,000 and the monthly family pension for families of freedom fighters would be increased to ₹12,000, Mr. Stalin said.

A driving school would be set up in each of the districts, he said. Besides, two driving academies in every zone and a State-level driving academy would be set up.

Later, the Chief Minister presented various awards. IUML leader K.M. Kadhar Mohideen received the ‘Thagaisal Thamizhar Award’ and ISRO chairman V. Narayanan received the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award.

Arjuna Award recipient Thulasimathi Murugesan received the Kalpana Chawla Award for Courage and Daring Enterprise.