Tamil Nadu and Centre Clash Over Language Policy
A fresh dispute has emerged between Tamil Nadu and the Centre over the three-language policy in NEP-2020. Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, accused the BJP-led government of trying to impose Hindi. In response, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized the DMK for politicizing the issue. He defended the Centre’s commitment to implementing the policy.
Centre Supports Multilingual Education
Speaking in Varanasi on February 15, Pradhan stated that Tamil Nadu must follow the Constitution and adopt the three-language system. He argued that the policy creates fair competition among students nationwide.
“The NEP promotes learning in the mother tongue. Tamil is one of the oldest languages. But what is wrong if a student in Tamil Nadu learns multiple languages? There is no imposition of Hindi or any other language,” he said.
Tamil Nadu’s Historical Opposition
Tamil Nadu has always resisted the three-language formula. The policy, introduced in 1968 and reaffirmed in 1986, has never been implemented in the state.
The opposition stems from fears of Hindi dominance. Tamil Nadu faced major anti-Hindi protests in 1937 and again in the 1960s. These protests led the state to adopt a two-language system, which remains in place today.
Political Reactions in Tamil Nadu
The DMK-led government continues to oppose NEP-2020, claiming it threatens Tamil Nadu’s language identity. The state BJP dismissed these concerns, calling them politically motivated.
“Many politicians, including the DMK’s first family, allow private schools to teach Hindi. Yet, they oppose it in government schools. This is hypocrisy,” said a BJP Tamil Nadu vice president.
Future of Language Policy in Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu government refuses to accept the three-language system. Education experts argue that the state’s two-language policy should remain unchanged. However, the Centre insists that multilingual education benefits students.
This debate is likely to continue as both sides stand firm on their positions.
