Tamil Nadu Transport Minister S.S. Sivasankar has voiced strong criticism against the central government for withholding funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), an integrated education scheme. The minister highlighted that this action was a direct consequence of Tamil Nadu’s refusal to implement the National Education Policy (NEP).Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has expressed his disapproval of the central government’s decision, condemning it as punitive. In response, the state’s School Education Minister, along with Tamil Nadu Members of Parliament, have met with the Union Minister responsible for education to address the issue.
Minister Sivasankar also spoke against the central government’s continued insistence on implementing the NEP, stating, “The push to reintroduce the National Education Policy is against the principles of state governance.”
He further argued, “Education is a matter that should be determined by state governments based on the specific needs of their people. The state knows best what its citizens require in terms of education.”
These remarks underscore the ongoing tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the central government over education policies, with state leaders advocating for greater autonomy in deciding educational matters.