In a detailed statement, OPS said the delay in releasing funds has caused severe disruptions in improving school infrastructure, ensuring student enrollment, and providing essential resources in government schools.
Published Jul 29, 2025 | 12:20 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 29, 2025 | 12:20 PM
O Panneerselvam. (X)
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK cadres rights retrieval group leader O Panneerselvam has strongly criticized the Union Government for withholding ₹2,151 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme for the academic year 2024–2025.
In a detailed statement, OPS said the delay in releasing funds has caused severe disruptions in improving school infrastructure, ensuring student enrollment, and providing essential resources in government schools. He warned that withholding these funds will negatively impact students from economically weaker sections, rural areas, and marginalized communities.
OPS emphasized that the Samagra Shiksha Scheme plays a vital role in providing holistic education from pre-primary to higher secondary level, reducing dropout rates, and supporting poor students. He urged the Centre to release the pending funds without further delay, stressing that education is a fundamental right and should not be compromised.
He further cautioned that any delay would adversely affect the quality of education in Tamil Nadu, which already faces challenges due to lack of resources.
தமிழ்நாட்டிற்குரிய 2024-2025 ஆம் ஆண்டிற்கான சமக்ரா சிக்ஷா திட்ட நிதி 2,151 கோடி ரூபாயை உடனடியாக விடுவிக்க மத்திய அரசை வலியுறுத்தல்! pic.twitter.com/VfMysVUuDy
— O Panneerselvam (@OfficeOfOPS) July 29, 2025
This statement comes amid recent reports suggesting that OPS’s request for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was denied, indicating a potential strain in his political equation with the BJP leadership ahead of the 2026 state polls.
