Centre reiterates that release of Samagra Shiksha funds for T.N. linked to NEP’s implementation

The Union government has reiterated its stance on the release of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds to Tamil Nadu pointing out that it is linked to the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. However, it said the Right to Education (Entitlements) component under the SSA funds would be released to the State in due time.

This was in response to a question raised in the Lok Sabha by MP Dayanidhi Maran on the release of Samagra Shiksha funds. Pointing out that “the implementation of Samagra Shiksha is the implementation of NEP”, the Centre said: “The PM Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Scheme, launched in September 2022, aims to showcase all the components of NEP. However, the State of Tamil Nadu has not signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the scheme. As such, the State is not implementing the NEP in its entirety.” it added.

The Tamil Nadu government had refused to implement the three-language formula stipulated under the NEP, and sign an MoU pertaining to the establishment of PM-SHRI schools. According to the Project Approval Board under the Union Ministry of Education, Tamil Nadu has been allocated ₹3,041.81 crore for the financial year 2026-27 under Samagra Shiksha funds. While the Centre’s share is ₹1,825 crore, the State’s share is ₹1,216 crore. The allocated budget for Tamil Nadu continues to dip, as in the year 2025-26, the Centre had allocated ₹3,044.52 crore. The Centre had allocated ₹3,586 crore in 2024-25.

The allocations for Samagra Shiksha are made under the components of elementary, secondary, and teacher education. Even as allocations are made, Tamil Nadu has not received the Centre’s full share since 2024. Last year, after a notice from the Supreme Court, the Union government had released ₹538.39 crore under the RTE (Entitlements) component under the SSA. This year, the Project Approval Board has allocated ₹624.19 crore for the RTE (Entitlements) component of Samagra Shiksha, including the Centre’s share of ₹374.51 crore, the reply added.