Tamil Nadu's 2025-26 Budget: Significant Investment in Education Amidst Dispute with Central Government
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Synopsis
On March 14, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu announced that the state will allocate its own funds to cover Rs 2,152 crore withheld by the central government, focusing on education reforms and infrastructure enhancements.
Key Takeaways
- Allocation of Rs 46,767 crore for School Education.
- Rs 1,000 crore dedicated to improving school infrastructure.
- Upgrading 14 government high schools to higher secondary status.
- New libraries in Salem, Cuddalore, and Tirunelveli.
- Teacher recruitment for 2,562 positions.
Chennai, March 14 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu's Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu revealed that the state will utilize its own funds to make up for the Rs 2,152 crore that the central government has withheld under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme.
The central government reportedly withheld the funds due to Tamil Nadu's refusal to adopt the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, specifically its three-language policy, as stated by the minister.
Despite this situation, the state government is committed to the welfare of school students, ensuring that essential funding, including teacher salaries, remains stable.
For the 2025-26 fiscal year, Tamil Nadu has earmarked Rs 46,767 crore for the School Education Department, up from Rs 44,042 crore in the previous year, according to the finance minister.
Thangam Thenarasu highlighted that Tamil Nadu has effectively implemented numerous student welfare initiatives under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme over the last seven years, such as 'Ennum Ezhuthum Thittam', a foundational literacy program; special education for children with disabilities; transportation allowances for students in remote areas; career guidance to facilitate higher education; art festivals to showcase student talent; and the Perasiriyar Anbazhagan School Development Scheme.
Additionally, Rs 1,000 crore has been allocated for enhancing infrastructure in government schools, which will fund the construction of additional classrooms, science laboratories, drinking water facilities, technology and smart classroom initiatives, as well as upgrading computer labs in 2,000 schools at a cost of Rs 160 crore.
Furthermore, this funding will also be utilized for enhancing 880 hi-tech labs at a cost of Rs 56 crore and establishing smart classrooms in 2,676 government schools at a cost of Rs 65 crore.
The Teachers Recruitment Board is set to announce vacancies for 1,721 postgraduate teachers and 841 graduate teachers, as mentioned by Thangam Thenarasu.
During his address, Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu announced that 14 government high schools in remote hilly areas, including Pappireddipatti, Sathyamangalam, Thalavadi, Chinnasalem, Kalvarayan Hills, Thally, Kotagiri, and Jawadhu Hills, will be upgraded to higher secondary schools.
He also mentioned the establishment of new libraries in Salem, Cuddalore, and Tirunelveli, each containing one lakh books and equipped with conference hall facilities. These libraries will serve both the public and students preparing for competitive examinations.
Through these initiatives, the Tamil Nadu government has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing the education system and guaranteeing that students' learning opportunities are not hindered by policy disputes with the central government.
