Hindi heartland should follow Tamil Nadu model, says ex Chief Economic Advisor

Former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India Arvind Subramanian said that the Hindi heartland should follow the Tamil Nadu model of development, citing the State’s ability to attract investment and manage economic risks better than many others.

Speaking at an event in Chennai, Arvind Subramanian pointed to Tamil Nadu’s multi-city growth and talent base, adding that investors perceived lower risk in investing in the State compared to other regions. He said this confidence had helped Tamil Nadu draw sustained investments over the years.

The remarks were made during the launch of the ‘Ulagam Ungal Kayil’ (The World Is in Your Hands) programme, under which MK Stalin initiated the distribution of laptops to 20 lakh students across the State. The Tamil Nadu government has earmarked Rs 2,000 crore for the scheme.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Stalin said the allocation should not be seen as expenditure but as an investment in the future generation by strengthening access to education through technology.

Arvind Subramanian said India’s development depended on a mix of cooperative and competitive federalism, where leading States set examples for others to follow. “Some States lead and others follow because leading States like Tamil Nadu can be both a model and a magnet by attracting talent, technology and investment,” he said.

He added that if India was to develop further, the Hindi heartland would need to evolve along the lines of Tamil Nadu’s current economic and governance model.

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