Tamil Nadu CM Urges PM to Release Samagra Shiksha Funds Without NEP Condition

Text of the D.O. Letter from Thiru M.K. Stalin, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Thiru Narendra Modi, regarding the release of Samagra Shiksha funds for Tamil Nadu

I write to express my deep concern over the recent statement by the Hon’ble Union Minister for Education, indicating that ‘Samagra Shiksha’ funds for Tamil Nadu will not be released unless the State implements the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in its entirety and adopts the three-language policy. This has caused significant anxiety and unrest among students, political parties, and the general public in Tamil Nadu.

For decades, Tamil Nadu has remained steadfast in its two-language policy, which is deeply embedded in our educational and social framework. As a result, the State has been exempted from implementing The Official Languages Act, 1963, as per The Official Languages Rules, 1976. Even Central-run Navodaya Vidyalayas, which follow the three-language policy, have not been established in Tamil Nadu due to strong opposition. The State’s remarkable progress over the past fifty years is a testament to its progressive policymaking, rooted in this two-language policy and principles of social justice. Any change in this policy is non-negotiable for our State and its people.

Additionally, Tamil Nadu has raised strong concerns regarding various provisions of NEP 2020. These concerns were formally conveyed in my letter dated 27.08.2024, and a detailed memorandum was personally submitted to you on 27.09.2024. However, despite multiple representations, Samagra Shiksha funds for 2024-25 remain unreleased.

I reiterate that linking two distinct Centrally Sponsored Schemes—Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the NEP exemplar PM SHRI Schools—is fundamentally unacceptable. The Union Government’s use of fund releases as a coercive measure to impose centrally mandated policies on States undermines cooperative federalism and violates the States’ right to frame their own education policies based on their unique needs.

The non-release of funds has jeopardized crucial components of the ongoing scheme, including teacher salaries, student welfare programs, inclusive education initiatives, RTE reimbursements for underprivileged students, and transportation for students in remote areas. In the interest of cooperative federalism and the welfare of lakhs of students and teachers, I urge you to intervene in this matter. To address the unrest caused by this issue, Rs. 2,152 crores under Samagra Shiksha for 2024-25 must be released immediately, without being linked to the implementation of NEP 2020. Given the sensitivity of the matter, I look forward to your personal intervention at the earliest.