Centre Stands Firm on NEP Implementation
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He dismissed allegations from the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government that the Centre was imposing Hindi and withholding funds for the policy rollout.
Speaking in Varanasi on February 15, Pradhan stated that the NEP promotes a level playing field by providing a common educational platform while respecting linguistic diversity.
No Language Imposition, Says Pradhan
Pradhan emphasized that NEP encourages learning in the mother tongue. However, he argued that multilingual education benefits students.
“Tamil is one of the oldest languages of our civilization. But what is wrong if a student in Tamil Nadu learns multiple languages? The NEP does not impose Hindi or any other language,” he said.
He added that the three-language formula was discussed in the Constituent Assembly and is already followed by CBSE schools in Tamil Nadu. However, it remains optional and depends on student preference.
Political Dispute Over Language Policy
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin strongly opposed NEP-2020. He accused the Centre of trying to impose Hindi and failing to release adequate disaster relief funds.
“The Union government is trying to impose Hindi on us, but our Chief Minister will never accept it. Education was once under the State List and is now in the Concurrent List, but that does not mean they can force their agenda on us,” Stalin said.
DMK leader Saravanan Annadurai also criticized Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai for supporting the three-language formula. “Why should we learn Hindi? To understand the Prime Minister’s speeches or converse with North Indian migrants? Tamil Nadu students can migrate globally without needing Hindi,” he remarked.
BJP Defends NEP’s Three-Language Formula
Annamalai defended the NEP, arguing that the DMK shows double standards. He pointed out that private schools attended by DMK leaders’ families offer multilingual education.
“If private schools can teach Tamil, English, and a third Indian language, why shouldn’t government schools do the same?” he questioned.
The Future of NEP in Tamil Nadu
Despite strong opposition, the Union government remains committed to NEP implementation. Education experts believe multilingual education enhances job prospects. However, Tamil Nadu continues to resist, citing concerns over linguistic identity.
As the debate intensifies, both sides stand firm, making the NEP’s future in Tamil Nadu uncertain.
