- In July the Centre said 'the implementation of Samagra Shiksha is the implementation of NEP'.
- Vijay also asked for Tamil to be used in Madras High Court proceedings.
- Modi launched projects worth over Rs 13,000 crore and said he would work with Vijay on the state's development.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Chennai on 11 October 2026, Chief Minister Joseph Vijay asked the Centre to release Rs 5,110 crore in pending education funds without conditions. The Centre has linked release of Samagra Shiksha funds, its main school-education grant, to Tamil Nadu signing an agreement to set up PM-SHRI model schools under the NEP. Tamil Nadu, which follows a Tamil-and-English two-language policy, has not signed.
Tamil Nadu's 2026-27 Samagra Shiksha allocation is Rs 3,041.81 crore, of which the Centre's share is Rs 1,825 crore, according to the Centre's July reply.
Claim by claim
Tamil Nadu asked the Centre to release Rs 5,110 crore in pending education funds without conditions.
Reported by The Economic Times and The New Indian Express on 12 October 2026.
The Economic Times · The New Indian ExpressThe Centre has tied Samagra Shiksha funds for Tamil Nadu to implementation of the NEP, including a PM-SHRI agreement.
The Hindu reports the Centre's July 2026 reply; The Economic Times reports the link to the PM-SHRI memorandum of understanding.
The Hindu · The Economic TimesWhat each side says
Says funds owed to state schools should not depend on accepting NEP-linked schemes that conflict with its two-language policy, and wants them released without conditions.
The Economic Times · The New Indian ExpressSays Samagra Shiksha is itself the vehicle for implementing the NEP, so funds follow implementation, while the Right to Education component will be released in due time.
The HinduNot yet known
- ?Whether the Prime Minister or the Education Ministry has responded to the demand.
Sources
3 outlets across the spectrum. Leanings are a rough guide to who reported it, not a verdict on accuracy.
- The Economic TimesTamil Nadu CM Vijay asks Centre to release Rs 5,110 crore in pending education funds without conditions; complete list of his demands to PM Modi
- The New Indian ExpressRelease Rs 5,110 crore central funds without conditions: CM Vijay to PM Modi
- The HinduCentre reiterates release of Samagra Shiksha funds for Tamil Nadu tied to implementation of NEP
Spasht writes original summaries. Follow the links to read each outlet's own report. Revision 1.