Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has strongly refuted the allegations made by Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin and the DMK MPs regarding the implementation of the PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme in the state. On March 11, 2025, Pradhan shared a consent letter sent by the Tamil Nadu government to the Ministry of Education, clarifying that the state had initially agreed to implement the centrally-sponsored scheme, which aims to strengthen schools managed by central, state, or local bodies.

Clarification on Tamil Nadu’s Stance

Pradhan responded to accusations from DMK MPs and CM Stalin who claimed that he misled Parliament about Tamil Nadu's consent for the PM-SHRI Schools. According to Pradhan, the Tamil Nadu government's stance had changed, and he shared the letter from the Tamil Nadu School Education Department, dated 15th March 2024, to prove his point. He stated, "The truth doesn't bother knocking when it comes crashing down," and emphasized his commitment to the statement he made in Parliament.

Pradhan Criticizes DMK’s Political Motives

The Education Minister expressed his concern over the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government's sudden change of position, accusing them of politicizing the issue. He claimed that language issues were being raised as a diversionary tactic and questioned why the DMK had shifted its stance on the National Education Policy (NEP). "This retrograde politics of DMK is a great disservice to the bright future of Tamil Nadu and its students," Pradhan added.

Appeal to CM Stalin

In his post, Pradhan also made an appeal to CM Stalin, urging him to prioritize the interests of children in Tamil Nadu rather than focusing on political gains. He requested Stalin to not view NEP 2020 through a political lens, but instead support the initiative for the betterment of Tamil Nadu's educational future.

Pradhan Accuses DMK of Hypocrisy

Further criticizing the DMK's opposition to NEP 2020, Pradhan claimed that the party's stance on the three-language formula exposed hypocrisy. He argued that the opposition was not about protecting Tamil pride, language, and culture, but rather about gaining political dividends. To support his claim, Pradhan cited UDISE+ data, which shows a drop of 19.05 lakh enrolments in Tamil Medium schools from 2018-19 to 2023-24, highlighting the need for reforms like those proposed by NEP 2020.

This ongoing exchange between the central government and the Tamil Nadu government over educational reforms continues to fuel debates on the implementation of the PM-SHRI scheme and the NEP in the state.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Paradeep Parivahan, Divine Hira Jewellers.

The Current active IPO are Super Iron Foundry, PDP Shipping & Projects.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.