Tamil Nadu has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court in the case related to setting up Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in the state, arguing that the Centre cannot impose its administrative policies on a state government.
The top court had earlier directed the Tamil Nadu government to identify land in every district for establishing Navodaya schools and also asked the state to spell out its stand on the issue.
In its affidavit, the state said education falls under the Concurrent List, giving states full authority to frame policies and enact laws. It cited the Tamil Learning Act passed in 2006, under which Tamil is mandatory in all schools in the state, and contended that Central administrative policies that conflict with state laws cannot be implemented.
The affidavit further stated that the Centre has no power to compel the state to set up Navodaya schools or to press for implementation of the National Education Policy. It also argued that land policy, land management and transfer of rights are within the exclusive domain of the state, and therefore the court should withdraw its direction to identify land for JNVs district-wise.
Tamil Nadu also pointed out that the Centre has kept pending Rs 5,109.90 crore due to the state under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, and said releasing the funds would help strengthen infrastructure in government schools and benefit students.
