Centre Halted TN Education Funds for Petty Politics: CM Stalin
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has accused the BJP-led Centre of withholding ₹2,152 crore in education funds, terming it as “petty politics” over the state’s rejection of the three-language policy. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief has also reiterated his party’s long-standing demand to bring education under the state list of the Constitution.
According to reports, the Centre has halted the release of funds under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for education in Tamil Nadu, a move that has been criticized by the state government. The DMK government had rejected the Centre’s three-language policy, which aimed to make Hindi a compulsory subject in schools across the country.
Stalin has taken to social media to express his displeasure over the Centre’s decision, accusing it of playing petty politics at the expense of the state’s education system. He tweeted, “The Modi government’s attempt to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu is not just a language issue, but an attack on our cultural identity and the very fabric of our society. We will not compromise on our language and culture.”
The Chief Minister also held a high-level meeting with his cabinet colleagues and senior officials to discuss the issue and explore options to challenge the Centre’s decision in court. Sources close to the Chief Minister revealed that the state government is planning to approach the Supreme Court to seek a clarification on the Centre’s decision and ensure the release of the pending education funds.
The Centre’s decision to withhold education funds has sparked widespread anger and frustration among parents, teachers, and students in Tamil Nadu. The state’s education system is already grappling with several challenges, including a shortage of qualified teachers, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of resources.
Stalin has used the opportunity to reiterate his party’s demand to bring education under the state list of the Constitution. He believes that this would enable the state to have greater control over its education system and make decisions that are in the best interests of its students.
The DMK government has been a long-standing critic of the Centre’s education policies, which it believes are designed to promote Hindi and undermine regional languages. Stalin has accused the Centre of trying to impose its language and culture on the people of Tamil Nadu, which he believes is a threat to the state’s cultural identity and autonomy.
The Centre’s decision to withhold education funds is seen as a major setback for the DMK government, which has been working to improve the education system in the state. The state government has been investing heavily in education infrastructure, including the construction of new schools and colleges, and the recruitment of qualified teachers.
The Centre’s move is also seen as a attempt to put pressure on the DMK government, which has been critical of the Centre’s handling of several issues, including the Cauvery delta issue, the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) examination, and the Union Budget.
In conclusion, the Centre’s decision to withhold education funds from Tamil Nadu is a clear case of petty politics and an attack on the state’s education system. The DMK government has every right to challenge this decision in court and ensure that the state’s education system is not compromised.
As the state government explores options to challenge the Centre’s decision, it is essential that all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students, come together to support the government’s efforts to improve the education system in Tamil Nadu.
Sources:
https://repository.inshorts.com/articles/en/PTI/899bb966-7c4a-41e1-a59b-7535ba86804e
