Newz Desk, Durgapur: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday reaffirmed that States must comply with the guidelines of the Samagra Shiksha scheme to receive Central funds, rejecting allegations that the Centre was using policy conditions to pressure non-BJP-ruled States.
Responding to a question by Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas on delays in fund release, Mr. Pradhan said that the disbursal of Central assistance is linked to the submission of utilisation certificates, audit reports, details of physical and financial progress, and timely State contributions. “Compliance with scheme norms is essential for releasing the Central share,” he said in his written response.
During Question Hour, Mr. Brittas flagged pending dues worth ₹1,160.52 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme since 2022–23 and questioned whether States were being indirectly compelled to adopt the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 or the PM-SHRI guidelines of 2022 for funds under a scheme launched in 2018. He termed this “arm-twisting.”
‘Samagra Shiksha’ Funds Tied to Compliance, Pradhan Tells Rajya Sabha
Mr. Pradhan rejected the allegation, accusing the MP of “misleading” the House. He stressed that several non-BJP States — including Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab and Telangana — were receiving funds without discrimination. He added that the Centre was prepared to release all pending dues “subject to fulfilment of NEP implementation conditions.”
When DMK MP R. Girirajan sought clarity on the release of Tamil Nadu’s pending dues, the Minister did not give a specific timeline. Instead, he referred to the Supreme Court’s recent remarks on a PIL urging consultation between the Union government and the Tamil Nadu government over setting up Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in the State.
“Tamil Nadu cannot say it will implement some parts and not implement others,” Mr. Pradhan remarked, suggesting that the State must adhere to the agreed framework of Central education schemes.
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