Supreme Court Denies Urgent Hearing for Tamil Nadu's Plea on Education Funds
The Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing for the Tamil Nadu government's plea against the Centre over allegedly withholding over Rs 2,151 crore in central education funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme for 2024-2025. Tamil Nadu argued the Centre linked funds to its opposition to the National Education Policy 2020. The court stated there was no urgency, and the matter could be addressed after the summer vacation period.
Unpacked:
The Samagra Shiksha Scheme is a central government program aimed at supporting inclusive, equitable, and quality school education, especially for underprivileged children. It is crucial for Tamil Nadu because the funds support teacher salaries, educational materials, and infrastructure, directly impacting the quality of education in the state.
Tamil Nadu opposes NEP 2020 primarily due to its three-language formula, which the state believes infringes on its right to determine its own education policies. The state prefers its two-language policy and views the NEP as an attempt by the Centre to impose uniformity over regional autonomy.
Withholding central funds could lead to delays in paying teacher salaries, reduced resources for schools, and hindered infrastructure development. This would negatively impact the quality of education provided, especially for underprivileged students, and could disrupt ongoing educational programs.
Since the Supreme Court did not find urgency and deferred the matter, Tamil Nadu can pursue the case when the court resumes after the summer vacation. The state can continue to argue its case under Article 131, which allows state-Centre disputes to be heard directly by the Supreme Court.