Tue Mar 25 19:12:33 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Rejects Central Government’s PM SHRI School Proposal
**Chennai, March 26, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu government has rejected the central government’s proposal to establish Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) schools in the state. This was announced by the School Education Minister, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, in the state Assembly on Tuesday.
Poyyamozhi stated that the Chief Secretary had refused the proposal, citing the existence of a state-level committee tasked with overseeing the implementation of such schools. He explained that the committee would make recommendations before any memorandum of understanding (MoU) is signed. This contradicts an earlier claim by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan that the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary had agreed to the proposal.
The rejection is linked to the state’s stance on the three-language policy. AIADMK deputy leader R.B. Udhayakumar highlighted the Chief Minister’s firm opposition, stating that even substantial central funding would not sway the state’s decision. The Chief Minister reportedly views the three-language policy as a regressive step for Tamil society.
While acknowledging English’s long-standing status as an associate official language, Minister Poyyamozhi assured the Assembly that the Chief Minister’s forthcoming announcement on language policy would safeguard Tamil interests.
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