Tamil Nadu’s Opposition to NEP 2020: Concerns Over Four-Year UG Course and Language Policy
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has faced resistance in Tamil Nadu, with concerns extending beyond the three-language formula to the four-year undergraduate degree program and school education restructuring. Educationists and political leaders argue that the policy could lead to increased dropout rates and an unnecessary shift in the state’s established education framework.
Four-Year Undergraduate Course: A Risk for Dropouts?
Under NEP 2020, students pursuing undergraduate education have the flexibility to exit after one or two years with a certificate or diploma, instead of completing the full four-year degree. Experts in Tamil Nadu believe this system might encourage students to leave college early, rather than completing their degree.
D. Narsimhan, a retired professor from Madras Christian College, criticizes the policy for mimicking the Western education model without sufficient infrastructure and faculty support. “Keeping students for an additional year could create financial burdens and increase student fatigue,” he stated.
PB Prince Gajendra Babu, general secretary of the State Platform for Common School System-Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN), also questioned the practicality of the four-year degree structure, particularly the inclusion of an apprenticeship year. He pointed out that certain disciplines, like history, lack clear apprenticeship pathways.
Challenges Faced by Other States
Maharashtra, which has implemented the four-year degree course, is already experiencing difficulties:
- Lower enrollment in humanities and social sciences.
- Students struggle with specialized courses immediately after Class 12.
- Faculty face increased workload without sufficient training.
A Pune-based professor acknowledged that while the longer course enhances employability and research skills, its intensive nature demands high student motivation—a challenge in the post-pandemic era.
PM-SHRI Scheme: Concerns Over “Exclusive” Schools
Another point of contention is the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) initiative. The central government plans to select model schools across states to showcase the NEP framework. However, educationists in Tamil Nadu fear this move will create an elitist system, dividing schools into different tiers and undermining equal access to quality education.
A senior educationist in Tamil Nadu argues that such policies violate Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality and the right to education. Critics also question why the Centre is launching a new scheme when funding issues persist for Samagra Shiksha, a central-state education program.
Resistance to the Three-Language Formula
Tamil Nadu has long opposed the imposition of Hindi. The state follows a two-language policy, where Tamil and English are mandatory. NEP 2020 proposes a three-language system where:
- Non-Hindi states must teach Hindi or another Indian language as the second language.
- A third language must also be introduced, which critics argue would de facto be Hindi.
Educationists claim this indirectly forces Tamil Nadu to adopt Hindi, as schools cannot realistically offer multiple regional language options due to cost and resource limitations. Since 1985, Tamil Nadu has also refused to establish Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, which promote Hindi education.
Conclusion
Tamil Nadu’s opposition to NEP 2020 stems from concerns over higher dropout rates, financial strain on students, and language imposition. While other states have moved forward with NEP reforms, Tamil Nadu continues to resist changes that could disrupt its long-established education system.
Let me know if you need any modifications!
