Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, Dec 13: Chief minister M.K. Stalin on Saturday expressed strong confidence that Tamil Nadu is on a clear path to becoming the leading State in the country across all sectors by 2031, when he said the next phase of the “Dravidian Model” would fully unfold.
In a post on social media platform X, Stalin pointed to Tamil Nadu’s robust economic performance, noting that the State recorded the highest Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth rate in India at 16 per cent. He underlined that this achievement was particularly noteworthy as Tamil Nadu is neither among the largest States by size nor population, and does not receive substantial financial backing from the Centre.
The Chief Minister said the State has maintained steady and strong economic growth over the past three years, a trend supported by Reserve Bank of India data. Between 2021 and 2025, Tamil Nadu’s economy expanded by around Rs 10.5 lakh crore, taking its total GSDP to Rs 31.19 lakh crore.
Stalin highlighted that Tamil Nadu has outperformed economically advanced States such as Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat, while also sustaining healthy growth in per capita income — a sign, he said, that economic progress is translating into improved living standards.
Reaffirming his faith in the governance approach adopted by his government, Stalin said the State’s performance demonstrates the strength of the Dravidian model, which he described as balancing economic growth with social justice and inclusive development.
He said sustained investments in education, healthcare, welfare schemes, industrial expansion and employment generation have helped Tamil Nadu navigate national and global economic challenges without losing momentum.
According to the chief minister, the ambition of “Dravidian Model 2.0” goes beyond competing with other States. “By 2031, Tamil Nadu will not only keep pace with the best-performing States but will emerge as a benchmark for development across India,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when debates around fiscal federalism, Centre–State relations and alternative development models are gaining prominence, with Tamil Nadu projecting itself as an example of growth driven by strong State-level policy and governance.