Tamil Nadu Education – Tamil Nadu Leads Southern States in Digital Learning Expansion Under SSA
Tamil Nadu Education –Tamil Nadu has secured the top position among southern states in strengthening digital education infrastructure under the Centre-sponsored Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). Over the past five academic years, the state has received the highest number of approvals for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) laboratories and smart classrooms, reflecting a major push towards technology-enabled learning in government schools. At the same time, the state government has raised concerns over delays in the release of approved Central funds, saying the situation has increased the financial pressure on the state’s education sector.
Tamil Nadu Records Highest ICT Lab Approvals
Information compiled by the Tamil Nadu government from data presented in Parliament shows that the state has received the largest number of sanctioned ICT laboratories among all southern states. Between the 2021-22 and 2025-26 academic years, Tamil Nadu was approved for 9,432 ICT labs in government schools, placing it well ahead of its regional counterparts.
The figures indicate that the state’s allocation is almost four times higher than Telangana, which ranked second in the southern region. During the 2025-26 academic year alone, Tamil Nadu received approval for 2,166 ICT laboratories, while Telangana was sanctioned 1,242.
Smart Classroom Expansion Gains Momentum
Tamil Nadu has also taken the lead in the rollout of smart classrooms under the Samagra Shiksha programme. Since the initiative was introduced in the state during the 2024-25 academic year, approvals have been granted for 8,967 smart classrooms.
This number is significantly higher than the combined approvals received by several other southern states, including Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The programme is intended to improve classroom learning by integrating digital technology into everyday teaching and providing students with better access to modern educational resources.
Largest Financial Approvals Under the Scheme
Apart from infrastructure approvals, Tamil Nadu has also secured the highest financial sanction under the programme. For the 2025-26 financial year, the Centre approved ₹167 crore for the state. The cumulative financial approval between 2021-22 and 2025-26 has reached ₹655.25 crore.
Despite these approvals, state authorities have stated that the sanctioned funds have not been released. According to officials, this has compelled the Tamil Nadu government to continue supporting the programme using its own financial resources to ensure uninterrupted operations in schools.
State Continues Funding Operational Expenses
Officials said the state has been meeting recurring expenses associated with the digital learning initiative, including the maintenance of ICT infrastructure and the salaries of laboratory instructors. These expenditures amount to several crores of rupees each year and have continued despite the pending release of Central assistance.
The state government maintains that sustaining these facilities is essential for ensuring uninterrupted access to digital education for students studying in government schools across Tamil Nadu.
Officials Cite Delay in Central Assistance
M. Aarthi, Project Director of Samagra Shiksha in Tamil Nadu, said the programme has been financed through the state’s own budget because Central funds have reportedly not been released during the past three years. She noted that the delay has created operational challenges, particularly in covering recurring costs such as instructor salaries and the upkeep of ICT facilities.
According to state officials, the Central government has linked the release of pending funds to Tamil Nadu’s decision not to implement the National Education Policy (NEP). The issue continues to remain a point of discussion between the state and the Centre while schools carry on with digital learning initiatives supported by state funding.