Centre is withholding education funds over language policy, says Tamil Nadu CM Stalin

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has accused the BJP-led central government of stalling crucial education funds to the state due to political differences.

Speaking at a book release event on Saturday, Stalin said the Centre has not disbursed Rs 2,152 crore to Tamil Nadu because the state refused to implement the Centre's proposed three-language policy.

“BJP-led Centre has halted education funds to Tamil Nadu for its petty politics,” the Chief Minister alleged, strongly criticising what he described as politically motivated discrimination.

He further stated that the Tamil Nadu government would approach the Supreme Court to challenge the non-release of the funds. Referring to the state's recent success in the case concerning gubernatorial delays in approving bills, Stalin expressed confidence that Tamil Nadu would also prevail in this legal battle.

Highlighting the ongoing constitutional debate, Stalin reiterated the DMK’s long-standing demand to move education from the concurrent list to the state list. He emphasised that this struggle would continue, warning that if education remains outside the exclusive jurisdiction of the states, it could become increasingly inaccessible and unmanageable.

Stalin reaffirmed the DMK’s stance, asserting that Tamil Nadu will continue to resist policies it believes undermine state rights and linguistic diversity.