Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged the Union government to release its share of over ₹2,100 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme (SSA), while reiterating the state’s firm commitment to the two-language policy of Tamil and English.
In a memorandum handed over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu on Saturday, Stalin highlighted the state's opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s three-language formula. According to an official release issued on Sunday, the memorandum reiterated that Tamil Nadu has consistently presented its "contrarian views" and will continue to follow its long-standing two-language formula.
The memorandum stated that the Centre’s delay in sanctioning the required SSA funds is adversely affecting the future of lakhs of students in the state. Stalin urged the Prime Minister to release the central share of ₹2,151.59 crore for the financial year 2024–25, along with the first instalment for 2025–26, without making it conditional on the state signing the PM SHRI agreement.
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Though Chief Minister Stalin is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai after experiencing dizziness on July 21, the memorandum, approved by him, was formally submitted to the Prime Minister during his two-day visit to Tamil Nadu. Apart from educational concerns, the Chief Minister also requested the Centre’s approval for the proposed metro rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai, which are planned on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis between the state and central governments.
Additional demands included the implementation of various pending railway projects and expansion of suburban rail services in Chennai to improve urban mobility. On the issue of frequent arrests of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu by Sri Lankan authorities, Stalin sought a permanent resolution to the matter. He urged the Centre to take immediate steps for the release of Indian fishermen and their boats currently in Sri Lankan custody.
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