New Delhi/Chennai: In a significant escalation of the ongoing education policy dispute, the Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, has filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the Government of India for allegedly withholding over ₹2,000 crore in central education funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme, following the state’s refusal to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The state has urged the apex court to:
- Direct the Union government to release pending funds.
- Fix a timeframe for the same.
- Recover the sum with 6% annual interest.
- Declare the Centre’s actions as “unconstitutional, illegal, arbitrary and unreasonable.”
Tamil Nadu’s petition further seeks a declaration that both the NEP 2020 and the PM SHRI Schools Scheme are not binding on the state.
Centre Withholding Funds Over NEP Non-Implementation: Tamil Nadu
The DMK-led state government has accused the Centre of linking educational funding to compliance with NEP 2020. In its petition, Tamil Nadu contends that such a condition violates the federal structure of the Constitution and undermines the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2010.
“The Union Government has failed in its statutory duty to provide its 60% share of funds for educational expenditure, which is legally required before the start of every academic year,” the petition argues.
Tamil Nadu is also seeking a Supreme Court declaration that obligates the Centre to uphold its financial responsibilities under existing education laws, irrespective of the state’s stand on NEP.
Language and Autonomy at the Core of Dispute
Chief Minister MK Stalin and the Tamil Nadu government have repeatedly opposed the NEP 2020, particularly objecting to:
- The three-language formula, viewed as a move to impose Hindi.
- Perceived dilution of state autonomy in education.
- A push for centralisation of curriculum and evaluation.
The petition refers to the Centre’s actions as an attempt to “indirectly force the state to adopt NEP 2020 by withholding funds”, despite Tamil Nadu’s long-standing resistance to Hindi imposition.
“The Union Government is trying to push Hindi through the back door despite Tamil Nadu’s historic and cultural opposition,” a senior DMK leader said, echoing sentiments that have defined the state’s education policy for decades.
Court’s Past Stand on NEP Implementation
Earlier, the Supreme Court had dismissed a PIL seeking nationwide implementation of NEP’s three-language formula in non-Hindi speaking states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal. A bench led by Justice JB Pardiwala ruled that:
“The court cannot directly compel a state to adopt a policy like NEP 2020. It may only intervene if any state action violates fundamental rights.”
The court also noted that the petitioner in that case had no locus standi, further reinforcing that policy implementation remains within the state’s jurisdiction.
Background and Stakes
Tamil Nadu’s petition adds to growing Centre-state tensions over federal powers, particularly in sectors like education, language, and welfare. With over ₹2,000 crore at stake, the outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent on how much say the Union government can exert over state education policies through financial mechanisms.
As Tamil Nadu demands its dues and defends its autonomy, the Supreme Court’s response could have far-reaching implications for federalism, educational governance, and language politics in India.