Centre using fund release as 'pressure tactic' to coerce states, PM should intervene and release SSA funds to Tamil Nadu: M K Stalin

He expressed ‘deep concern’ over the recent remarks of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan indicating that SSA funds for Tamil Nadu would not be released until the state implemented NEP in its entirety and adopted the three-language policy.

Chennai: Terming it as a "blatant violation" the Union government using release of funds as a “pressure tactic” to coerce a state into adopting Centrally mandated programmes, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Thursday said such an action grossly undermine the states’ rights to shape their own education policies.

Stalin wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to complain about the statement by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan that Samagra Shiksha funds for Tamil Nadu will not be released until the state implements the National Education Policy 2020 in its entirety and adopts the three-language policy.

“This has created immense anxiety and unrest among students, political parties and the general public in our State. For many decades, Tamil Nadu has always been steadfast in its two-language policy, which is deeply rooted in our educational and social milieu,” Stalin told Modi. He also reminded the prime minister that Tamil Nadu has been exempted from implementing The Official Languages Act, 1963 as mentioned in The Official Languages Rules, 1976.

The tremendous strides made by Tamil Nadu in the last half century and its trendsetting initiatives can be traced back to our progressive policy making, built on this two-language policy and social justice, Stalin said, adding that any change in our two-language policy is non-negotiable for the state and its people.

“Due to non-release of funds under the ongoing scheme, several vital components towards teacher salaries, student welfare programs, inclusive education initiatives, RTE reimbursements for underprivileged students and transport for students in remote areas have been jeopardised,” Stalin said.

He also urged Modi to release Rs 2,152 crores of Samagra Shiksha funds for Tamil Nadu for 2024-25.