The Crossbill News Desk
Opposition-ruled states including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal have not received any funds from the Union government under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) for the financial year 2024–25, Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary informed the Rajya Sabha.
Responding to a question raised by CPI(M) MP John Brittas, Chaudhary revealed that no central funds had been released to the three states under SSA till March 27, 2025, despite their approved allocations, The Hindu reported.
According to data presented in the Upper House, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal were sanctioned Rs. 328.90 crore, Rs. 2,151.60 crore, and Rs. 1,745.80 crore respectively under the central share of the scheme. However, none of these states had received any disbursement by the end of the fiscal year’s fourth quarter.
In contrast, other states collectively received Rs. 27,833.50 crore from a total SSA outlay of Rs. 45,830.21 crore earmarked for 36 states and Union Territories. Among the recipients, BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh emerged as the top beneficiary, receiving Rs. 4,487.46 crore.
Tensions Over Education Policy
The funding freeze has raised eyebrows, especially in light of Tamil Nadu’s ongoing opposition to the three-language formula outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP).
In 2023, a similar standoff had unfolded when multiple opposition-ruled states—Delhi, Punjab, and West Bengal—refused to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme. Subsequently, the Centre withheld SSA funds from these states as well.
While no official reason was given for the delay or denial of funds this year, critics have pointed to a pattern of politically motivated resource allocation, alleging that opposition-led states are being penalized for their stance on Union government initiatives.
The development has sparked concerns over the centralisation of decision-making in education policy and the potential impact on school-level education in states that are already struggling with resource constraints.
Opposition leaders are expected to raise the issue in Parliament, calling for transparency in the fund disbursal process and a fair treatment of all states, irrespective of political alignment.
Responding to a question raised by CPI(M) MP John Brittas, Chaudhary revealed that no central funds had been released to the three states under SSA till March 27, 2025, despite their approved allocations, The Hindu reported.
According to data presented in the Upper House, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal were sanctioned Rs. 328.90 crore, Rs. 2,151.60 crore, and Rs. 1,745.80 crore respectively under the central share of the scheme. However, none of these states had received any disbursement by the end of the fiscal year’s fourth quarter.
In contrast, other states collectively received Rs. 27,833.50 crore from a total SSA outlay of Rs. 45,830.21 crore earmarked for 36 states and Union Territories. Among the recipients, BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh emerged as the top beneficiary, receiving Rs. 4,487.46 crore.
Tensions Over Education Policy
The funding freeze has raised eyebrows, especially in light of Tamil Nadu’s ongoing opposition to the three-language formula outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP).
In 2023, a similar standoff had unfolded when multiple opposition-ruled states—Delhi, Punjab, and West Bengal—refused to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme. Subsequently, the Centre withheld SSA funds from these states as well.
While no official reason was given for the delay or denial of funds this year, critics have pointed to a pattern of politically motivated resource allocation, alleging that opposition-led states are being penalized for their stance on Union government initiatives.
The development has sparked concerns over the centralisation of decision-making in education policy and the potential impact on school-level education in states that are already struggling with resource constraints.
Opposition leaders are expected to raise the issue in Parliament, calling for transparency in the fund disbursal process and a fair treatment of all states, irrespective of political alignment.
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