T.N. govt. cannot put its political priority above the interests of students, Pradhan says of funds under Samagra Shiksha

Reiterating the Government of India’s position on the disbursal of funds to Tamil Nadu under the Samagra Shiksha programme, Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan said on Sunday that the State government could not put its political priority above the interests of students.

At a press conference at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-M), he maintained that the Tamil Nadu government had to accept the memorandum of understanding offered by the Government of India for disbursal of Samagra Shiksha funds. (The MoU mandates introduction of the three-language formula as opposed to the State’s long-standing two-language policy, among other conditions).

“You have to accept the MoU offered by the Government of India. Because the Government of India abides by its policies. It has to be mutual. You cannot put your political priority above the interests of Tamil Nadu students. This is not a good thing. I am ready to go ahead with all kind of cooperation. But there has to be some discipline. There has to be mutual respect,” he insisted.

Earlier, when asked about the funds due to Tamil Nadu under the Samagra Shiksha programme, Mr. Pradhan said it was a “political issue” and recalled his statements in this regard in Tamil Nadu as well as in Parliament. He said the country had adopted the National Educational Policy (NEP) and one had to go by it.

Asked about the Tamil Nadu government’s stand on the two-language policy, Mr. Pradhan reiterated his earlier statements that more than two languages were being taught at some schools in Tamil Nadu. “It is your political stand. It is up to you!”

Contending that the NEP was not imposing any language on anybody, Mr. Pradhan said, “No language will be imposed by the Government of India on any State. They are a little bit politically motivated. They are creating a fear psychosis in society. It is for them to answer.”

Mr. Pradhan said funds had been allocated to Tamil Nadu for various programmes, including mid-day meal and adult literacy programmes. As for funds under the RTE Act, the Union Minister said the court had made some observations and suggestions for the Union government.

Recalling his meeting with Tamil Nadu Minister for School Education Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi and Kanimozhi, MP, Mr. Pradhan said he assured them of cooperation on the RTE Act issue. To a question on the funds under the RTE Act, he maintained that his role was limited, and he respected the judgment given by the courts.

Judge poses query

Earlier in the day, when Mr. Pradhan was taking questions from students in the auditorium, Madras High Court Judge Justice G.R. Swaminathan, seated in the front row, stood up to ask a question. He recalled that he had issued a direction on a public interest litigation petition that the Tamil Nadu government should open a portal for poor students to get admission under the RTE Act.

The judge referred to the appeal moved in the Supreme Court and the contempt petition in this regard. ‘‘The stand taken by the Tamil Nadu government is that Dharmendra Pradhanji has not released the funds because he is linking the NEP with this subject. Therefore, we cannot obey your direction! What is this,” Mr. Swaminathan asked.

Amid peals of laughter, Mr. Pradhan said in a lighter vein, “The contempt of court will be there.” He said he was aware of the case. “I have to answer that outside of this hall, to the media.”