Tamil Nadu Rejects NEP’s Three-Language Policy Amid Funding Dispute
Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has intensified after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hinted at withholding education funds. Chief Minister MK Stalin argues that the policy favors Hindi over regional languages, while BJP’s state chief K. Annamalai has dismissed these concerns. Once again, language identity is at the center of Tamil Nadu’s political debate, as the state defends its long-standing two-language policy of Tamil and English. Dravidian parties continue to demand that education be moved back to the State List from the Concurrent List.
Why the Controversy Now?
Dharmendra Pradhan’s recent remarks on withholding Samagra Shiksha funds unless Tamil Nadu fully implements NEP have reignited tensions.
CM Stalin previously accused the Centre of coercing states into accepting NEP by linking it to crucial education funds. In response, BJP leader Annamalai denied the claims, calling Stalin a “liar” and asserting that funds were delayed, not denied. State Education Minister Anbil Mahesh countered by citing official data that showed Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh had received their allocations while Tamil Nadu was left out. He alleged that the Centre was pressuring the state to adopt the PM Shri scheme, which requires NEP compliance.
Rejecting NEP outright, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s stance. “We are here to safeguard our language and education rights, not as politicians but as DMK cadre. Tamil Nadu is furious today. Tamils respond to affection, not suppression, and BJP must understand this,” he declared.
He also condemned the denial of ₹2,190 crore in education funds, linking it directly to the state’s refusal to implement the three-language system. “We are not asking for your father’s money; we are demanding our rightful share,” he asserted. He further accused the Centre of imposing Hindi while ignoring regional languages like Haryanvi and Rajasthani. AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami echoed the sentiment, stating that Tamil Nadu would never abandon its two-language policy. Meanwhile, Minister Pradhan insisted that NEP promotes education in one’s mother tongue rather than imposing Hindi.
Concerns Over NEP’s Language Policy
Critics argue that despite government assurances, NEP subtly promotes Hindi and Sanskrit over regional languages. Experts warn that enforcing a three-language model could burden students, especially those from government schools and underprivileged backgrounds.
Tamil Nadu has long prioritized accessible education. From K. Kamaraj’s mid-day meal scheme to CM Stalin’s nutritious breakfast initiative, successive governments have ensured students stay in school. Udhayanidhi Stalin cited Tamil Nadu’s 47% Gross Enrollment Ratio (2021–22) as evidence of the state’s successful education policies.
A representation submitted to CM Stalin in 2020 by the State Platform for Common School System claimed NEP’s ultimate goal is to promote Sanskrit.
“NEP does not treat all Indian languages equally. It prioritizes Sanskrit and presents it as central to India’s cultural development. If this is truly an education policy, then all languages should be given equal recognition. Tamil Nadu’s language policy is not based on emotion but on scientific principles that serve the needs of its people. The Tamil Language Learning Act, 2006, ensures that students whose mother tongue is not Tamil or English can still learn their native language in school,” said education activist Prince Gajendra Babu.
BJP’s Counterattack
BJP’s Annamalai escalated the debate by pointing out that Education Minister Anbil Mahesh’s son studies French, questioning the state’s stance on the two-language policy. He also challenged the minister to formally request Tamil teachers for Kendriya Vidyalaya schools, promising to take up the issue with Dharmendra Pradhan.
In response, BJP cadres announced a state-wide survey from March to May. They plan to engage with Tamil Nadu families on the three-language policy and submit their findings to President Droupadi Murmu.
Annamalai also took aim at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader Vijay, who runs the Vijay Vidyashram school. He pointed out that the institution follows the CBSE curriculum and includes Hindi in its three-language system. He questioned why these leaders oppose the same opportunity for other students.
A Lingering Conflict
The dispute over NEP’s three-language policy reflects Tamil Nadu’s broader resistance to centralization in education. With BJP and Dravidian parties locked in a battle over language identity and governance, the debate is far from over. The state’s stance remains firm—Tamil and English will continue as the only official languages in its schools.
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