Tue Mar 11 19:03:39 UTC 2025: ## Center and Tamil Nadu Clash Over PM SHRI Schools and NEP Implementation
**New Delhi, March 11, 2025** – A bitter war of words erupted between the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the ruling DMK party in Tamil Nadu over the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP) and the establishment of PM SHRI schools in the state.
The conflict ignited after Pradhan accused the DMK of dishonesty and playing politics with the three-language formula within the NEP, claiming they were hindering the education of Tamil Nadu students. He leveled accusations of “dishonesty” and “uncivilized” behavior in the Lok Sabha, prompting the DMK to file a privilege motion against him for allegedly misleading Parliament.
The DMK alleged that Pradhan’s assertion that Tamil Nadu had performed a U-turn on agreeing to establish PM SHRI Schools was false. However, Pradhan countered by releasing a March 15th letter from the Tamil Nadu School Education Department that seemingly indicated the state’s willingness to participate in the PM SHRI scheme. He maintained his stance on social media, emphasizing that the letter proved his Parliament statements.
While the DMK acknowledged agreeing to the PM SHRI initiative, MP Kanimozhi clarified that their consent was conditional upon the acceptance of recommendations from a state committee.
Tamil Nadu Education Minister Anbil Mahesh echoed this sentiment, stating that the letter Pradhan presented actually stipulated the formation of a committee to assess the program before implementation. He further accused the central government of engaging in political maneuvering regarding NEP’s implementation and defended Tamil Nadu’s educational model.
Adding fuel to the fire, Pradhan cited UDISE+ data showing a significant decline in Tamil medium school enrollment over the past five years, attributing the shift to a preference for English-medium education driven by what he termed a “colonial mindset.” He highlighted the five-fold increase in English-medium enrollment in government schools during the same period.
The PM SHRI (Schools for Rising India) initiative aims to upgrade over 14,500 schools across India, focusing on improved infrastructure, resources, and a welcoming learning environment. The ongoing dispute underscores the deep divisions over language policy and educational reforms between the central government and Tamil Nadu.
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