Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday to request the early release of pending funds for implementing various welfare schemes in the state. The Chief Minister highlighted several key financial matters, including delayed funds from central government schemes.
Request Funds for Welfare Schemes and Metro Development
Stalin emphasized the need for the immediate release of funds, particularly for phase 2 of the Chennai Metro rail project. He also raised concerns regarding the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds, which are crucial for school education. The state government is at odds with the Centre over linking the PM SHRI schools to SSA funding. Tamil Nadu has yet to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the central government to establish these schools, leading to delays in releasing SSA funds.
The Union Education Ministry has withheld the first instalment of ₹573 crore, citing Tamil Nadu’s noncompliance with the National Education Policy (NEP). Stalin had previously written to the Prime Minister about this issue, while state Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi criticized the Centre for penalizing Tamil Nadu for not adopting the NEP.
Concerns Over Fishermen Attacks by Sri Lankan Navy
During the meeting, Stalin also raised concerns about Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu being attacked by Sri Lankan Navy officers. He requested the Prime Minister’s intervention to resolve the ongoing issue that threatens the livelihood of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen.
Later, Stalin met Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to discuss a public meeting in Kancheepuram scheduled for September 28. The Chief Minister is also set to meet other INDIA bloc leaders before his return to Chennai. Stalin arrived in the capital on Thursday evening.
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