As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived for his two-day visit in Tamil Nadu Saturday, Chief Minister M K Stalin reiterated the need for Centre’s intervention to release its share of Rs 2,152 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme (SSA). The memorandum from the DMK government also emphasised on the state’s “contrarian views” on the 3-language formula of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).
“The CM has requested the PM to clear the central share of Rs 2,151.59 crore for the year 2024-25 and the first instalment for 2025-26, without mandating (Tamil Nadu to) sign the PM SHRI agreement (vis-a-vis funds),” an official release on the memorandum read.
The Samagra Shiksha funds is part of the Centre’s umbrella program for school education. The PM SHRI scheme, approved in 2022, seeks to develop 14,500 schools to “showcase” the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, and be “exemplars” for other schools in their region.
Tamil Nadu’s Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu handed over the communication to PM Modi on behalf of Stalin, who is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital here after he complained of dizziness on July 21
PM Modi is in Tiruchirappalli to preside over the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival in Gangaikonda Cholapuram on Sunday, on account of the birth anniversary of the king Rajendra Chola-I.
CM Stalin, in the memorandum, pointed out that the Centre not sanctioning the required funds “affects the future of lakhs of students”. He also said the state has made it clear it will stick to its decades-long 2-language formula of Tamil and English.
Further, Stalin sought approval for the Coimbatore and Madurai metro rail initiatives, proposed on a 50:50 ratio.
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He also flagged the recurring arrests of Indian fishermen from the state, seeking steps for the release of those currently under Sri Lanka’s custody.
PM Modi in Tamil Nadu
On Sunday, PM Modi is expected to go on a roadshow from the helipad to the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, where he is set to release a commemorative coin to honour the legendary Chola king.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has curated special exhibitions on Chola Shaivism and temple architecture, according to an official release. This is in addition to heritage walks and guided tours organised to offer rare insights into the cultural and architectural legacy of the period.
A concert, led by music maestro Ilayaraja on Tiruvasagam, is said to be among the highlights.
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TN Governor RN Ravi, Finance Minister Thenarasu, Hindu Religious and Chartiable Endowments Minister PK Sekar Babu, Transport Minister SS Sivasankar and Union Minister L Murugan are among the other dignitaries expected to be present at the event.
With PTI inputs
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