New Delhi: The Supreme Court will hear on August 1 a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government seeking a direction to the Centre to release pending education funds, including those under the Samagra Shiksha scheme.

In its plea, the state government has urged the apex court to instruct the Union Ministry of Education to release ₹2,152 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for 2024-25, ₹617 crore under the Compulsory Education Fund, and the first installment of grants for the current academic year.

The petition contends that the delay in releasing funds has severely affected educational initiatives in the state, impacting nearly 48 lakh students. It has further sought that the outstanding amount of ₹2,291 crore be released along with 6 per cent interest.

Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi had earlier written to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, pressing for the immediate disbursement of the funds.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice V Ramasubramanian is expected to hear the matter.