O Panneerselvam Urges Immediate Release of ₹2,151 Crore for Tamil Nadu's Education
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam appeals to the Central Government for the immediate release of ₹2,151 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme for 2024-25. The withholding of funds has put the education of millions of students and teachers in jeopardy due to alleged policy non-compliance.
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In a fervent appeal, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has called upon the Central Government to disburse ₹2,151 crore for the 2024-25 Samagra Shiksha Scheme. This scheme, collaboratively run by both Central and State Governments, aims to provide quality education from pre-primary through higher secondary education levels.
The funding dilemma arises from the Centre's withholding of the funds, attributing the hold-up to Tamil Nadu's non-compliance with certain policy frameworks. Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, addressed the query in Lok Sabha, stating that the funding is contingent on meeting policy stipulations.
Panneerselvam expressed concern that the freeze on funds puts around 6.5 million private school students and 600,000 teachers at risk. The deprivation affects essential programs like teacher training and sanitation. The move also violates the Right to Education Act, creating an immediate and adverse impact on disadvantaged groups, prompting the AIADMK to demand immediate funds release.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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