Chennai: Chief Minister MK Stalin and his Telangana counterpart Revanth Reddy on Thursday inaugurated the expansion of Tamil Nadu's Rs 1,000 per month financial support scheme for college students.

Addressing a mega state government education event, Stalin criticised the Union government for attempting to pose obstacles to education in Tamil Nadu, saying they could not tolerate the state's progress due to a string of initiatives to boost education.

Stalin said his government is ready to implement Telangana's effective schemes, calling it “healthy development politics,” and noted that like Tamil Nadu, Telangana also has a fare-free bus travel scheme for women.

Reddy said he drew inspiration from Tamil Nadu CM's Breakfast Scheme, describing it as heart-touching as it helps children from the poorest families. He said Telangana would implement the breakfast scheme from the next academic year and added that the country should emulate Tamil Nadu's education initiatives.

Telangana will also implement 69 per cent reservation in local bodies, including 42 per cent for OBC and 27 per cent for SC/ST, Reddy said, adding that it was inspired by Tamil Nadu.

The 'Pudhumai Penn' and 'Tamil Pudhalvan' schemes for college-going women and men, respectively, are set to benefit 2,65,318 fresh beneficiaries this year.

Stalin traced Tamil Nadu's education journey, highlighting the Justice Party's introduction of the mid-day meal programme a century ago, its expansion under K Kamaraj, and later initiatives by M Karunanidhi including free bus passes, fee-free college education for first-generation students, and increased reservations.

He said the DMK government has launched schemes such as Pudhumai Penn, Tamil Pudhalvan, Naan Mudhalvan, and Model Schools, alongside the CM's Breakfast Scheme, to ensure top-class education.

Stalin said the Naan Mudhalvan scheme has transformed youth from job seekers to job providers. He highlighted that after implementing breakfast and Rs 1,000 monthly support schemes, 75 per cent of students pursue higher education after Class 12, with women's enrolment notably increasing.

“The awakening Tamil Nadu has seen in education has prompted many states in India to take note. My goal is education for all and top-class education for all,” he said, assuring students of continued support and opportunities for higher studies and jobs.