The Union Government is withholding Tamil Nadu’s share of Samagra Shiksha funds for not implementing the NEP 2020.
Tamil Nadu has warned that the funding shortfall (₹2,152 crore) is harming its school infrastructure, affecting 40 lakh students and 32,000 staff.
The Union insists Tamil Nadu adopt the NEP's three-language formula, which contradicts Tamil Nadu's long-standing two-language policy (Tamil and English).
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has criticized Tamil Nadu’s stance, calling it politically motivated and accusing the state of not following the Constitution.
Tamil Nadu’s political leaders, especially CM M.K. Stalin, have strongly opposed the imposition of the three-language formula and questioned its constitutional basis.
Cooperative Federalism: The article argues for more flexible, dialogue-driven policies rather than rigid national mandates to respect state autonomy and foster cooperative federalism.
The article suggests delinking Samagra Shiksha and the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme from the NEP and tying funding to generic performance indicators.
Alternative Proposal: Tamil Nadu should consider finalizing its own State Education Policy as a practical alternative to the NEP.
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