'No Change In Two-Language Policy': Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Urges PM Modi To Release Rs 2,152 Crore Samagra Shiksha Funds Without NEP Condition

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has written a strong-worded letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging his immediate intervention for the release of Rs 2,152 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, as reported by The Indian Express.

He criticised the Union Government’s insistence on linking these funds to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, calling it a “blatant violation of cooperative federalism,” as quoted by The Indian Express.

The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, launched in 2018, is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme that integrates the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) programs.

The Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, recently indicated that Tamil Nadu’s funds would be withheld unless the state fully adopted NEP 2020 and implemented the three-language policy, a move that has sparked widespread concern in the state.

Tamil Nadu’s Strong Opposition to NEP’s Three-Language Formula

In his letter, Stalin reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s firm stance on its two-language policy—Tamil and English—which has been in place for decades.

He described the Union Government’s attempt to impose the three-language policy as a serious infringement on the state’s autonomy in shaping its education policies.

“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 wrote.

Tamil Nadu has consistently resisted the imposition of Hindi since the 1960s, refusing to implement the three-language policy.

The Navodaya Vidyalayas, which enforce the three-language model, have never been established in Tamil Nadu due to strong opposition from political parties and the general public.

Impact of Fund Delays on Schools and Students

The non-release of Samagra Shiksha funds has severely affected several essential education initiatives in the state. Stalin warned that teacher salaries, student welfare programs, inclusive education schemes, RTE reimbursements for underprivileged students, and transport services for students in remote areas have been put at risk.

Calling for immediate action, the Tamil Nadu CM urged the Centre to release the pending funds without any conditions attached to NEP implementation.

“In the interest of cooperative federalism and the welfare of lakhs of students and teachers, I urge you to intervene in this matter. To dissipate the unrest caused due to this issue, Rs 2,152 crore of Samagra Shiksha funds for Tamil Nadu for 2024-25 may be released immediately, without linking it to the implementation of NEP 2020,” Stalin wrote.

Tamil Nadu’s opposition to NEP 2020 and its insistence on preserving its two-language policy continue to be a major point of contention between the state and the Centre.