Tamil Nadu Moves Supreme Court Over Centre’s ₹2,151 Crore Fund Block Due to NEP Disagreement: In a suit filed on Tuesday, Tamil Nadu said funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme (SSS) for 2024-25 were withheld due to the state’s refusal to adopt the NEP. Tamil Nadu has moved the Supreme Court against the Union government’s withholding of ₹2,151 crore under a centrally sponsored education scheme, alleging it was done to “coerce” and “force” the state to implement the National Education Policy (NEP).
Tamil Nadu Moves Supreme Court Over Centre’s ₹2,151 Crore Fund Block
In a suit filed on Tuesday, the state sought release of funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme (SSS) for 2024-25. It said the funds were withheld due to the state’s refusal to adopt the NEP and opposition to the three-language policy, which includes Hindi. This scheme has been withheld as retaliation for the state’s refusal to implement the three-language formula recommended in the National Education Policy (NEP).
Centre accused of coercive federalism
In its petition, the MK Stalin-led DMK government claimed that the central government linked the disbursal of education funds to the state’s acceptance of the NEP, including the controversial three-language formula. Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the inclusion of Hindi as a mandatory language, advocating instead for a two-language policy involving Tamil and English.
Project approval but no funds
Tamil Nadu stated that the Centre’s project approval board under the Ministry of Education had approved an expenditure of ₹3,585.99 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme in a meeting held in February 2023. crore was the Centre’s committed share under the 60:40 funding formula and was due to be released from April 1, 2023.
The state argued that this delay is not administrative but punitive, linked to Tamil Nadu’s rejection of the NEP and its associated schemes like PM SHRI Schools.
In its petition, Tamil Nadu accused the Centre of withholding funds as leverage to compel the state to adopt provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly the controversial three-language formula, which includes Hindi, reported ANI. The state has long maintained its opposition to Hindi imposition, insisting on continuing its two language system
According to PTI, the plea, as a result, sought a direction to the Centre to pay “Rs 2,291,302,476 (two thousand two hundred and ninety-one crore thirty lakhs twenty-four thousand seven hundred and sixty-nine) within a time frame to be fixed by this court along with a future interest of 6 per cent per annum on the” principal sum of Rs 2,151,596,100 from May 1, 2025, until realisation of the decree.”
Three language formula at core of dispute
The three-language formula has remained a contentious issue between the centre and several southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu, which sees the policy as an attempt to promote Hindi. The Centre has denied this, claiming that the policy aims to rejuvenate Indian languages and improve linguistic diversity.
Chief Minister MK Stalin had earlier written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, objecting to the linkage of funds with NEP implementation.
The state also cited its legislative resolution against the three-language formula from January 1968, which mandated teaching only Tamil and English in schools. “Furthermore, the NEP-2020 does not mandate implementation as a condition for receiving financial assistance under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme,” said.
Tamil Nadu has voiced strong objections to Clause 4.13 of the NEP, which proposes a three-language formula. The state, which follows a two-language policy, has consistently opposed Hindi imposition and the Tamil Nadu Tamil Learning Act, 2006, which mandates compulsory teaching of Tamil from Class 1 to 10.
Fresh Flashpoint after earlier SC win
The Supreme Court suit marks a new chapter in the ongoing tussle between Tamil Nadu and the Centre. It comes just a month after the state secured a legal victory when the Supreme Court ruled that Governor RN Ravi’s delay in assenting to 10 state bills was illegal and “arbitrary”.
Tamil Nadu has also sought a direction to the Union Government to disburse its statutory share of 60% of the funds required under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2010, before the start of each academic year.
Conclusion
In this article we discussed the Tamil Nadu Moves Supreme Court Over Centre’s ₹2,151 Crore Fund Block Due to NEP Disagreement. Tamil Nadu has moved the Supreme Court against the Union government’s withholding of ₹2,151 crore under a centrally sponsored education scheme.
