Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has made it clear that all States must follow the rules under the Samagra Shiksha scheme to get central funds. While replying to Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, he said the central share will be released only if States submit utilisation certificates, audit reports, progress reports, their own contributions, and comply with scheme norms. John Brittas raised concern over delayed payments worth ₹1,160.52 crore under the scheme since 2022-23. He questioned if States were forced to accept the National Education Policy (2020) or PM-Shri scheme (2022) conditions to get funds from the 2018 Samagra Shiksha scheme, calling it "arm-twisting." Pradhan rebutted, saying Brittas was "misleading" the House. He stressed the scheme is not political. Funds have been given to non-BJP ruled States like Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab, and Telangana. He said the government is ready to release all pending dues, but only after States meet the conditions tied to the National Education Policy. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s R. Girirajan asked when Tamil Nadu’s dues would be released. Pradhan did not give a direct answer. Instead, he referred to the Supreme Court’s call for talks between the Centre and Tamil Nadu on setting up Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in the State. Pradhan said, "Tamil Nadu can’t put conditions, saying this much we will implement, this much we will not implement." This statement shows the Centre's firm stance on strict compliance before funds are released. The Samagra Shiksha scheme, launched in 2018, is central to the education policy framework, including the National Education Policy and PM-Shri scheme. Published - December 03, 2025 11:19 pm IST