The Tamil Nadu government has approached the Supreme Court accusing the Union government of unlawfully withholding over ₹2,151 crore in education funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme for the financial year 2024–2025. The state alleges that the Centre is coercing it into implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the PM SHRI Schools Scheme, both of which the state has consistently opposed.
Filed under Article 131 of the Constitution, which grants the Supreme Court exclusive jurisdiction in disputes between states and the Union government, the lawsuit names the Union Ministry of Education as the respondent. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led state government contends that the Centre’s actions are “unconstitutional, illegal, arbitrary, and unreasonable.”
Key Allegations
The state government claims that although the Project Approval Board (PAB) of the Ministry of Education approved a total outlay of ₹3,585.99 crore for Tamil Nadu under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme for FY 2024–25 — with the Centre’s share being ₹2,151.59 crore — no instalments have been released to date.
The plea accuses the Centre of unilaterally linking the release of these funds to Tamil Nadu’s acceptance of NEP 2020 and its participation in the PM SHRI Schools Scheme, despite these not being original conditions of the Samagra Shiksha Scheme. The state particularly objects to the three-language formula under NEP, which conflicts with its existing two-language policy.
Reliefs Sought
The Tamil Nadu government has sought the following reliefs from the top court:
- A declaration that NEP 2020 and the PM SHRI Schools Scheme are not binding on the state without a formal agreement.
- A declaration that the Centre’s letters dated February 23 and March 7, 2024, which link funding to NEP and PM SHRI, are null and void.
- A direction to the Centre to release ₹2,291.30 crore (inclusive of dues and additional claims), along with interest at 6% per annum on the principal amount of ₹2,151.59 crore from May 1, 2025, until realisation.
Impact on Education
The petition highlights the practical consequences of the Centre’s alleged inaction, pointing out that delayed funding has disrupted the payment of salaries to teachers and staff — a vital component for maintaining a motivated and competent education workforce.
“It directly impacts the quality of education provided to students and contributes to overall societal development by nurturing the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed for success,” the plea states.
Background
The Samagra Shiksha Scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at integrating various school education schemes to provide equitable and inclusive quality education across the country. Traditionally, the Centre contributes 60% of the approved funds, while the remaining 40% is borne by the state.
Tamil Nadu’s move to the Supreme Court comes amid broader debates over the implementation of NEP 2020, with several non-BJP-ruled states expressing concerns over its perceived attempts to centralise education policy.
