Coimbatore: Members of Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhagam (TPDK) on Saturday staged a protest at the district collectorate, condemning the Union government for its haste in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme in Tamil Nadu while the state navigates a delicate political transition after the assembly election.
Background of the PM SHRI Scheme
The Union education ministry has reportedly expedited the rollout of the scheme following a recent communication from the state chief secretary mandating its implementation. The move has sparked a backlash from progressive parties, who view it as a strategic intrusion by the BJP-led government at the Centre during a period of administrative flux. The PM SHRI scheme is a key component of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which includes the contentious three-language formula.
Linguistic Concerns and Political Opposition
Critics argue that adopting the scheme would effectively mandate Hindi and Sanskrit in state schools, a red line for Tamil Nadu's linguistic identity. TPDK general secretary K Ramakrishnan stated, For the past five years, the DMK-led government refused to implement the policy, forcing the Centre to withhold nearly Rs 5,000 crore in crucial education funds for the state. He added that the Centre was exploiting the current political stalemate to bypass the state's long-standing autonomy.
Various progressive parties have condemned the move, urging the interim administration not to sign the memorandum of understanding. Ramakrishnan also warned that protests would intensify across the state if any attempt to enforce the policy is made in Tamil Nadu. He called on the next government to prioritize social justice and safeguard Tamil Nadu's rights, ensuring that federalism is not sacrificed for financial incentives.
