CHENNAI, Tamil Nadu – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has submitted a comprehensive memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the immediate release of over ₹2,000 crore in pending education funds and the prompt implementation of several long-stalled railway projects across the state. The appeal was made through State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu during Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to Tamil Nadu, which concluded on Sunday, July 27, 2025.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated various development projects and also released a commemorative coin honoring the illustrious Chola emperor, Rajendra Chola I, at a grand ceremony in Gangaikondacholapuram.
In his petition, Chief Minister Stalin specifically sought the immediate release of ₹2,151.59 crore in pending central share for the 2024-25 financial year under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme. He also requested the sanction of the first installment for the 2025-26 financial year. A key point of contention highlighted in the memorandum was the state’s request to delink the disbursal of these funds from the condition of signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme.
Tamil Nadu has previously expressed its “contrarian views” on certain aspects of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly the three-language policy and the 5+3+3+4 school structure.
Beyond education, Chief Minister Stalin pressed for urgent action on several railway projects that were sanctioned over a decade ago but remain inactive.
These include crucial lines such as:
- Dindigul-Sengottai-Thirunelveli (70 km)
- Erode-Palani (91 km)
- Aruppukkottai-Madurai-Thoothukudi (60 km)
- Athipattu-Puttur (88 km)
- Mahabalipuram-Chennai-Cuddalore (180 km)
The Chief Minister’s letter also called for enhanced suburban train services in Chennai, the allotment of additional EMU coaches (AC & non-AC), approval for a 4th line between Tambaram and Chengalpattu, and the swift implementation of the Avadi-Sriperumbudur railway line, emphasizing the need to speed up related approvals and fund allocation. Additionally, the memorandum sought approvals and financial support for proposed metro rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai.
The memorandum from the Tamil Nadu government underscores the need for greater central cooperation in implementing crucial development projects and addressing long-pending issues in the state.
