"The Bill, primarily aimed at states where Public Distribution System is non-functional, would have a definite negative impact on Tamil Nadu's Universal PDS," the Governor said, adding, the state government will continue voicing its opposition to the Bill in its present form.

Rosaiah said the Bill needs "drastic modifications," incorporating the provisions for exempting those states which already have a well-functioning system like that of Tamil Nadu.

Expressing serious concern over the shortage of power, the Governor said non-addition of generating capacity by the previous DMK government and the "lackadaisical response" from Centre for Tamil Nadu's request for additional power from Central pool had put the people of Tamil Nadu in a "state of fix."

However, there was no mention in the speech about the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant, which remains stalled following protests by the anti-nuclear lobby, even as the government has been betting on the completion of the Indo-Russian joint venture to address the state's power woes.

Holding that the government was "deeply concerned about the continuing attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan navy," he said the incidents were repeating despite protests.

"I urge the Government of India to take up this issue strongly with Sri Lanka.All efforts must to be taken to protect the traditional fishing rights of Tamil Nadu fishermen in Palk Bay and ensure their safety and security," he said.

He reiterated the state government's "resolve" to regain Katchatheevu, ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974 by India by way of an agreement, so as to restore the fishermen's "lost rights".