Lok Sabha proceedings disrupted as DMK members protest over Pradhan's remarks
Lok Sabha proceedings were on Monday adjourned for about half an hour after DMK MPs staged protests against the Centre over alleged diversion of funds meant for setting up PM-SHRI schools in the state, even as union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan called Tamil Nadu government "dishonest and uncivilised", while blaming it for playing with the future of students.
As the protests continued for some time, Speaker Om Birla adjourned the House till 12 pm.
The protests started after DMK MP T Sumathy alleged during Question Hour that funds worth of Rs 2,000 crore meant for setting up PM-SHRI schools in Tamil Nadu were diverted by the Centre and sought an assurance from the central government that funds for states which are not ready to accept central schemes legally not binding on them, won't be stopped.
Replying to her question, Pradhan claimed that the Tamil Nadu Government was initially willing to set up PM-SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) schools in the state and many of its MPs had also met him regarding this.
"However, the Tamil Nadu government took a U-turn on the matter. The Centre is open to giving funds for the scheme to the state. Many Congress-ruled (Opposition-ruled) states like Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh are also implementing the scheme. But Tamil Nadu is playing politics on the issue. It is doing injustice to students of the states. Tamil Nadu is dishonest, undemocratic and uncivilised," Pradhan replied, leading to angry protests by DMK MPs, who jumped into the Well of the House and raised the slogan, "We want justice!"
Later, the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 2 p.m. amid protests by Opposition members.
