Source Credit: Deccan Chronicle
M.K. Stalin wrote a letter to Prime Minister Modi asking him to assist in securing money for Tamil Nadu’s Samagra Shiksha program. This request comes after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that funding would only be available if Tamil Nadu fully accepted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the controversial three-language plan. Stalin expressed deep concerns regarding Pradhan's statements, which he believes have caused great anxiety among students, teachers, and political groups within the state.
In his letter to Modi, Stalin emphasized that Tamil Nadu prioritizes its own educational policies tailored to meet local needs. He indicated the harmful effects on education and many students' futures if these funds are not provided. He urged for the timely release of Samagra Shiksha funds which are crucial for improving educational infrastructure and resources in public schools throughout the state.
This conflict has ignited debates about federalism and education rights at the state level. While the central government is pushing for NEP adoption along with a three-language policy designed to promote multilingual skills, Tamil Nadu remains reluctant as it prefers its language policy putting an emphasis on Tamil medium education. Through his letter, Stalin seeks to address this matter while striving towards cooperative federalism aimed at protecting student and teacher interests in Tamil Nadu.
