TN challenges Centre in SC over education funds
TN’s petition highlighted that Samagra Shiksha Scheme, meant to support the RTE Act, is being unfairly linked to the implementation of NEP 2020 and PM SHRI.
The Tamil Nadu government has taken the Union government to the Supreme Court, accusing it of wrongfully withholding Rs 2,291 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme.
The state claimed that the Centre is refusing to release these funds because Tamil Nadu has not adopted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 or signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the PM SHRI Schools scheme.
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In its petition, Tamil Nadu argued that this condition violated the Constitution and its own education laws.
TN's education model
Tamil Nadu follows its own education model, including a 5+3+2+2 structure and the Tamil Nadu Uniform System of School Education Act, 2010, which conflicts with NEP’s 5+3+3+4 structure and other provisions like vocational education from Class 6 and board exams for Classes 3, 5, and 8.
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The state also emphasised its Tamil Nadu Tamil Learning Act, 2006, which mandates Tamil and English education, clashing with NEP’s policies.
Unjustified move
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, in its 363rd Report dated March 26, 2025, criticised the Centre’s decision to withhold funds from states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal for not signing the PM SHRI MoU.
According to the report, Tamil Nadu is owed Rs 2,152 crore, Kerala Rs 859.63 crore, and West Bengal over Rs 1,000 crore.
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The Committee called this move unjustified, as Samagra Shiksha predates PM SHRI and supports the RTE Act, a fundamental right under the Constitution. It urged the Centre to release the funds immediately and resolve the issue amicably, highlighting that these states have strong educational outcomes, with Gross Enrollment Ratios above the national average.
TN's demands
Tamil Nadu argued that withholding funds harms teachers’ salaries, school infrastructure, and RTE entitlements like free uniforms, textbooks, and transport for students in remote areas. The state has been forced to use its own funds to cover these expenses, causing financial strain.
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The petition also cited the Constitution, stating that state laws, like Tamil Nadu’s education acts, take precedence over the Centre’s non-statutory policies like NEP 2020 and PM SHRI.
The state sought a Supreme Court declaration that NEP 2020 and PM SHRI are not binding on Tamil Nadu and that the Centre’s letters demanding their implementation are illegal.
It also demanded the immediate release of Rs 2,151.59 crore for 2024-25, plus 6 per cent interest from April 2024, totaling Rs 2,291.30 crore. Tamil Nadu asserted that the Centre’s actions violate the RTE Act and constitutional rights under Articles 21, 21A, and 45, which guarantee education as a fundamental right.
Pressure tactics
The case, filed under Article 131 of the Constitution, highlighted the urgency of releasing funds to prevent disruption in education, especially for underprivileged children.
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Tamil Nadu insisted that it has acted in good faith, expecting the Centre to fulfill its 60 per cent funding share, and accused the Union of using “pressure tactics” by linking funds to unrelated policies.
The state reserved the right to claim further dues for 2025-26 if the Centre continues to withhold funds.
