Mon Jan 06 08:21:39 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Governor Demands Union Government Release Funds, Approve Projects
**Chennai, January 6, 2025** – Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi today urged the Union government to release long-overdue funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, totaling ₹2,152 crore. These funds are crucial for the operation of schools across the state, covering teacher salaries, maintenance, and Right to Education Act reimbursements. The Governor stated that the Union government has withheld the funds due to the state’s non-implementation of the National Education Policy. This delay affects 44 lakh students, 2.2 lakh teachers, and 21,276 staff members.
Governor Ravi also pressed for the approval of Madurai and Coimbatore metro rail projects, noting the state government has already submitted proposals. He highlighted the recent approval of a 50:50 equity share in the Chennai Metro Rail Phase-II project as a positive step. The Governor further drew attention to disparities in housing program costs, comparing the state’s “Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam” program with the Union government’s “Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Grameen” scheme.
Other key demands included a resolution to the ongoing issue of Tamil Nadu fishermen detained by the Sri Lankan Navy, urging the Union government to secure the release of the remaining fishermen and find a permanent solution. The Governor also reiterated the state legislature’s unanimous resolution calling for a decadal census, including a caste-based national population census. Finally, he emphasized Tamil Nadu’s ongoing efforts to secure its rightful share of water from inter-state rivers and prevent the construction of the Mekedatu dam on the Cauvery. The Governor concluded by expressing hope that the 16th Finance Commission will adopt a more equitable formula for horizontal devolution to benefit the state.
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