Chennai: Amidst a raging controversy over the three-language policy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking the immediate release of Samagra Shiksha funds (Central share) for the State without linking it to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the three-language policy.
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Expresses Depp Concern Over Union Education Minister’s Recent Remarks
In his letter, Stalin expressed deep concern over Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s recent remarks, indicating that the funds would be withheld unless Tamil Nadu fully adopted NEP in letter and spirit. The Chief Minister said this stance has caused anxiety among students, political parties, and the general public in the state.
Reiterating Tamil Nadu’s firm commitment to its two-language policy of teaching only Tamil and English, Stalin pointed out that the State has historically opposed the three-language formula and has been exempted from provisions of The Official Languages Act, 1963, as well as The Official Languages Rules, 1976. The absence of Navodaya Vidyalayas in Tamil Nadu, despite their presence in other states, was also cited by him as an example of the State’s steadfast position on the matter.
Stalin emphasised that Tamil Nadu’s progressive educational policies and social justice initiatives have driven significant development over the past half-century. He argued that linking Samagra Shiksha funds—meant for essential educational programs such as teacher salaries, student welfare, inclusive education, and rural student transport—to the adoption of NEP 2020 is “an unacceptable violation of cooperative federalism.”
The Chief Minister recalled that the State had previously raised concerns regarding NEP 2020 in a letter dated August 27, 2024, followed by a detailed memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister on September 27, 2024. Despite these representations, the funds for the 2024-25 financial year remain unreleased.
Stalin strongly criticised the Union Government’s approach, calling it a coercive tactic that undermines state autonomy in shaping education policies. He urged the Prime Minister to intervene and ensure the immediate disbursement of Rs 2,152 crores under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, independent of any NEP-related conditions.
