During the meeting, Mr Karunanidhi said the state was committed to social justice and inclusive growth. It had introduced the Kalaignar housing scheme to transform Tamil Nadu into a hutless state in six years and the health insurance scheme, introduced to provide relief to the poor, would benefit 1.44 crore families.

Mr Karunanidhi sought more funds for the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana to the state for new link roads for habitations with a population of over 250 as all habitations with 1,000 or more population have been provided link roads. “All new schemes would be announced later,” he quipped when reporters sought to know about the schemes on the anvil. “We had very good discussion on the power situation in the state,” he added.

Mr Ahluwalia said the state’s economic performance was “very impressive and better than the national average during 2004-05 to 2006-07. The state has an impressive record of improvement in human development indices and growth in industry and services. It has a dynamic services sector and relatively stagnant agriculture. The commission suggested the state lay more emphasis on agricultural growth and improve productivity by further developing dry lands. Water management was required to be optimised. “Schemes should be devised in the state sector and matching funds provided in order to avail of Central assistance under various schemes for industrial development,” he said. Earlier, Mr Karunanidhi held detailed discussions with Tamil Nadu cadre IAS officials.