Tamil Nadu-Centre Conflict Over NEP 2020 and Language Policy
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin have engaged in a heated exchange over the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly its three-language formula. The dispute escalated after Stalin accused the central government of withholding ₹2,152 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme to pressure Tamil Nadu into adopting the policy.
Centre’s Position on NEP 2020
Pradhan reiterated that NEP 2020 does not impose any language and instead promotes linguistic freedom, strengthening Indian languages, including Tamil. He stated that Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the policy for political reasons deprives students of opportunities. The three-language policy, which has been part of India’s education framework since 1968, is intended to balance linguistic diversity, he said.
Additionally, the Centre is promoting Tamil globally through initiatives like Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam, and has included Tamil in competitive exams and national cultural programs.
Tamil Nadu’s Resistance to NEP
Stalin maintains that Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy (Tamil and English) is non-negotiable, emphasizing past struggles against language imposition. He accused the Centre of political blackmail, claiming SSA funds are being withheld unless the state implements the three-language system. Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin reinforced this stance, stating that Tamil Nadu will not accept NEP 2020’s language requirements.
The Funding Dispute
The Centre allocated ₹2,151.60 crore under SSA for Tamil Nadu, but no funds were released by January 31, 2025, according to Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary. Stalin has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release the funds, citing cooperative federalism.
Pradhan, however, criticized Tamil Nadu’s opposition, stating that viewing NEP 2020 through a political lens obstructs progress. He urged the state to focus on empowering students rather than politicizing education policies.
Conclusion
The ongoing dispute highlights the broader conflict over language policies in India’s education system. While the Centre insists that NEP 2020 fosters linguistic inclusivity, Tamil Nadu sees it as an attempt to impose Hindi. The deadlock raises concerns over funding, educational autonomy, and the impact on students in the state.
