Chennai: Tamil Nadu's refusal to adopt the New Education Policy (NEP) and participate in the PM SHRI scheme has caused disruptions in procuring books for government school libraries.

Under the PM SHRI program, the central government selected 14,500 schools nationwide, including 839 Kendriya Vidyalayas, 599 Navodaya Vidyalayas, and 8,639 state schools, with an investment plan of ₹27,360 crore until 2027.

The central government funds ₹18,128 crore, while the remaining is co-funded by state governments. Selected schools are mandated to adopt NEP guidelines, including the use of Hindi and the prefix "PM SHRI" in their names.

Tamil Nadu has opposed the policy, citing its imposition of Hindi and other non-congruent elements. Consequently, the state has been excluded from the program, impacting the flow of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds, which previously supported government school libraries.

According to school authorities, the Integrated Education Scheme under SSA was functional before NEP was introduced. However, its integration with NEP has led to the suspension of Tamil Nadu's funding. This disruption has affected key educational resources, including libraries, sports initiatives, and other activities.

Government school students and education activists expressed concern over the standoff, noting that the lack of funds could lead to a critical shortage of books and other essential resources. The impasse threatens the quality of education and development opportunities for students in the state.

Efforts to resolve the issue remain uncertain, with Tamil Nadu steadfast in its opposition to NEP provisions.