Wed May 21 03:49:52 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The state of Tamil Nadu has filed a lawsuit in the Supreme Court against the central government, accusing it of withholding over ₹2000 crore in education funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme. Tamil Nadu alleges this is retaliation for its opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly the three-language formula and the PM SHRI Schools Scheme, which mandates the full implementation of NEP-2020. The state argues that the Samagra Shiksha Scheme is unrelated to NEP-2020 and that withholding funds undermines cooperative federalism, violates the state’s constitutional power over education, and affects millions of students, teachers, and staff. Tamil Nadu is seeking a declaration that NEP-2020 and the PM SHRI Schools Scheme are not binding on the state, demanding the release of the funds with interest, and asserting its right to maintain its two-language policy, which excludes Hindi.

**News Article:**

**Tamil Nadu Sues Centre Over Withheld Education Funds, Cites NEP Opposition**

**NEW DELHI, May 21, 2025** – The state of Tamil Nadu has taken its dispute with the central government over education policy to the Supreme Court, filing a lawsuit alleging the Centre has withheld over ₹2000 crore in crucial education funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme.

The lawsuit claims the funding freeze is a retaliatory measure in response to Tamil Nadu’s vocal opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly its three-language formula and the PM SHRI Schools Scheme. Tamil Nadu has long maintained a two-language policy, excluding Hindi from its curriculum.

“The Union Government is attempting to coerce the State to implement the NEP-2020 throughout the State in its entirety,” the lawsuit argues, asserting that withholding the funds undermines cooperative federalism and violates Tamil Nadu’s constitutional right to legislate on education.

The state contends that the Samagra Shiksha Scheme is not linked to the NEP-2020, and that the funding cutoff affects over 4 million students, 221,000 teachers, and 32,000 staff members. The lawsuit demands the Centre release the funds, totaling ₹2291 crore, with 6% interest from May 1, 2025, and seeks a declaration that the NEP-2020 and PM SHRI Schools Scheme are not binding on the state.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had previously written to the Prime Minister expressing his concern over the issue. This legal challenge marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Tamil Nadu and the central government over education policy and the balance of power between state and federal authorities.

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