Tamil Nadu Centre-State panel faces delays due to staff shortages

A high-level committee in Tamil Nadu tasked with examining Centre-State relations is facing operational delays due to an acute shortage of essential staff. The committee, chaired by Justice Kurian Joseph, is currently working on its second report regarding greater state autonomy, but the lack of office assistants, an accountant, and administrative support threatens its progress.

While the TVK-led government has approved an allocation of approximately Rs 1.5 crore for the committee, the sanctioned staff strength from the previous administration expired several months ago. The shortage has led to existing personnel managing increased workloads, and several research scholars have reportedly considered leaving the assignment due to inadequate support.

With the committee’s term set to end in a few months, there are concerns that the inability to collect sufficient data and conduct thorough research may narrow the scope of the upcoming report and dilute the findings on state autonomy. The government is currently processing a request to restore necessary staffing levels.