Share

Tamil Nadu's NEP Rejection Over Language Policy Blocks Funds

Tamil Nadu's NEP Rejection Over Language Policy Blocks Funds

The Hindu

The Hindu

The Union government has reiterated that release of *Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan* (SSA) funds to Tamil Nadu remains contingent on the state's implementation of the *National Education Policy (NEP) 2020*. The Centre emphasized that only the Right to Education (Entitlements) component would be released in due time.

Tamil Nadu has refused to implement the three-language formula stipulated under NEP and declined to sign an MoU for the *PM Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI)* scheme. The Centre argued that "implementation of Samagra Shiksha is the implementation of NEP," making compliance mandatory.

For 2026-27, Tamil Nadu has been allocated ₹3,041.81 crore under SSA funds, with the Centre's share at ₹1,825 crore. However, the state has not received the Centre's full share since 2024. Allocations have progressively declined from ₹3,586 crore in 2024-25 to the current amount.

Last year, following Supreme Court notice, the Centre released ₹538.39 crore under RTE entitlements. This year, ₹624.19 crore has been allocated for the same component.