Samagra Shiksha Scheme is a centrally sponsored programme for school education, covering pre-primary to higher secondary levels to improve quality, inclusivity, and accessibility.
Tamil Nadu yet to receive ₹2,152 crore for 2024-25, impacting teacher salaries, student transport, and welfare programmes.
Centre-State Conflict over Education Policies
CM M.K. Stalin opposes linking Samagra Shiksha funds to NEP 2020 implementation.
Argues that conditional fund release is coercion, forcing states to adopt centrally mandated policies.
Calls it a "blatant violation of cooperative federalism" and urges PM Modi to intervene.
Challenges & Implications
Delays in fund release jeopardize key education programmes, affecting students and teachers.
Federalism Concerns: States demand autonomy over education policy decisions.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 remains contested by non-BJP ruled states, particularly on language policy.
Analysis & Way Forward
Unconditional fund release is essential for maintaining education continuity.
Dialogue between Centre & States needed to balance national goals with state autonomy in education policies.
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