Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Urges Prime Minister Modi for Release of Pending Funds

Chennai – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday to discuss the urgent release of pending funds critical for various welfare schemes in the state. During the meeting, Stalin highlighted the need for financial support for the implementation of several central government initiatives.

The Chief Minister specifically addressed the funding required for the second phase of the Chennai Metro rail network, emphasizing its importance for urban development. He also raised concerns regarding the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) linked to the school education sector.

A contentious issue arose over the central government’s requirement to link the release of SSA funds to the establishment of PM SHRI schools, a condition that the Tamil Nadu government has resisted. The Union Education Ministry has withheld the first installment of ₹573 crore intended for Tamil Nadu, citing noncompliance with the National Education Policy (NEP).

Previously, Stalin had reached out to the Prime Minister regarding the release of SSA funds, with Tamil Nadu’s School Education Minister, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, criticizing the central government for penalizing the state over NEP implementation.

In addition to funding matters, Stalin urged Modi to address the ongoing issue of Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu facing regular assaults by Sri Lankan Navy personnel while at sea.

The Chief Minister’s visit also included a meeting with Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to discuss an upcoming public meeting scheduled for September 28 in Kancheepuram. Stalin plans to meet with other leaders from the INDIA bloc before returning to Chennai, highlighting his active engagement in both state and national political matters.