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Key Points

Tamil Nadu CM Stalin has urged PM Modi to release Rs 2100 crore in pending SSA funds crucial for the state’s education sector. He reiterated Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the three-language policy, sticking to Tamil and English. The memorandum also pressed for metro rail approvals and solutions for detained fishermen. The demands were submitted during Modi’s visit to Tamil Nadu for development projects.

Key Points: Stalin Urges Modi to Release Rs 2100 Crore SSA Funds for Tamil Nadu

  • Stalin seeks Rs 2100 crore SSA funds withheld by Centre
  • Reiterates opposition to NEP’s three-language policy
  • Demands approval for Coimbatore & Madurai metro projects
  • Urges diplomatic solution for Tamil fishermen detained by Sri Lanka
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CM Stalin urges Centre to release SSA funds, reiterates commitment to two language policy

CM Stalin demands Centre's pending SSA funds, reaffirms Tamil Nadu's two-language policy, and pushes for metro rail and fishermen's release.

CM Stalin urges Centre to release SSA funds, reiterates commitment to two language policy
"Tamil Nadu has consistently expressed its contrarian views on the three-language policy and will adhere to its long-standing two-language formula. – Official Memorandum"

Chennai, July 27

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has urged the Central government to immediately release the state's pending share of over Rs 2,100 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and reaffirmed the state's commitment to the two-language formula of Tamil and English.

In a memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu on Saturday, CM Stalin highlighted that the state continues to oppose the three-language formula prescribed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

"Tamil Nadu has consistently expressed its contrarian views on the three-language policy and will adhere to its long-standing two-language formula," the memorandum said, according to an official statement issued on Sunday.

CM Stalin, who is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai after experiencing dizziness on July 21, had approved the memorandum before it was formally handed over to the Prime Minister during his two-day visit to Tamil Nadu.

The memorandum urged the Prime Minister to clear the Centre's share of Rs 2,151.59 crore for the year 2024–25 under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme and release the first instalment for 2025-26.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the Centre not to make this fund release conditional upon Tamil Nadu signing the PM SHRI agreement, which the state has reservations about.

"The non-sanctioning of the required funds affects the future of lakhs of students," the Chief Minister noted, emphasising the importance of timely disbursal for the state's education sector. The memorandum also raised other key demands, including the Centre's approval for the proposed metro rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai, to be implemented under a 50:50 cost-sharing model between the state and the Centre.

He further called for the expedited implementation of pending railway infrastructure projects and an increase in suburban rail services in Chennai to ease commuter pressure.

Raising concern over the repeated arrests of Indian fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, the Chief Minister sought a lasting diplomatic resolution to the issue and requested immediate steps for the release of Tamil Nadu fishermen and their boats currently in Sri Lankan custody.

Prime Minister Modi is in Tamil Nadu on a two-day visit to inaugurate key development projects and participate in cultural events.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As someone from North India, I respect Tamil Nadu's linguistic identity. But isn't learning Hindi beneficial for national integration? The funds issue though - that's completely unacceptable. Education shouldn't suffer due to politics.
K
Karthik V
The fishermen issue needs urgent attention! Our brothers are suffering while politicians play games. Good that CM raised this during PM's visit. Hope concrete action follows, not just empty promises.
A
Aditi M
Metro projects for Coimbatore and Madurai are long overdue! Happy to see state govt pushing for infrastructure development. But why always 50:50 model? TN contributes so much to national GDP, deserves better funding ratio.
S
Sarah B
While I appreciate CM Stalin's dedication (even from hospital!), I wish the memorandum had more concrete proposals on improving education quality rather than just focusing on language politics. Both are important issues.
V
Varun X
₹2100 crore is not small change! Where's the accountability for how previous SSA funds were utilized? Both state and centre need to be more transparent about education spending. Our children deserve better!

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