A fierce debate has erupted between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged financial discrimination against states opposing the National Education Policy (NEP). Stalin has claimed that the central government is deliberately withholding education funds from high-performing states like Tamil Nadu while financially supporting states that align with the NEP.

According to Stalin, the Union government's approach penalizes states that refuse to implement the NEP, despite their strong educational track records. He criticized the Centre's alleged bias in allocating funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, which provides financial assistance for school education.

Responding to these allegations, Pradhan dismissed Stalin's claims, asserting that the NEP was designed through a consultative process involving experts, educators, and state representatives. He emphasized that the policy aims to strengthen education in regional languages, including Tamil, and urged Tamil Nadu to embrace the reforms for the benefit of students rather than turning education into a political issue.

The controversy has reignited discussions on federalism and the autonomy of states in shaping their education policies. As Tamil Nadu remains firm in its resistance to the NEP, the standoff between the state and the Centre continues to escalate.