The Tamil Nadu government has strongly opposed the three-language formula proposed in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, citing concerns over the imposition of Hindi and disruption to the state’s long-standing two-language education model. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, maintains that NEP threatens Tamil Nadu’s linguistic identity and cooperative federalism.
What Is the Three-Language Formula?
The three-language formula requires students to learn three languages, with at least two being Indian languages. The policy applies to both government and private schools, giving states the flexibility to decide the languages without any direct imposition.
According to NEP 2020, the medium of instruction should be the home language, mother tongue, local language, or regional language until at least Class 5, preferably extending to Class 8 and beyond.
NEP 2020’s Guidelines on the Three-Language Formula:
- Students must learn three languages, with at least two being Indian languages.
- The medium of instruction should be the home or regional language until Class 5.
- Students can also learn foreign languages like Korean, Japanese, French, German, and Spanish at the secondary level.
- English, widely used as the medium of instruction, is considered a foreign language under NEP 2020. Students opting for English will need to learn two Indian languages.
Policy Flexibility
The NEP states that no language will be imposed on any state, ensuring that students and states have the freedom to choose their languages. However, Tamil Nadu views the policy as a backdoor attempt to introduce Hindi into non-Hindi-speaking states.
Historical Background of Tamil Nadu’s Opposition to Hindi
Tamil Nadu’s resistance to Hindi imposition dates back to pre-Independence India.
1937–1940: First Anti-Hindi Protests
- In August 1937, the Congress government led by C. Rajagopalachari introduced compulsory Hindi in schools.
- By April 1938, Hindi was made compulsory in 125 schools across Tamil Nadu.
- This led to protests organized by the Justice Party and Dravidian leaders like Periyar.
- The policy was revoked in 1940 after intense public opposition.
Post-Independence Period
- After India’s independence, the Constitution declared Hindi as the official language, with English as a temporary associate language until 1965.
- The Central government’s attempt to make Hindi the sole official language by 1965 triggered massive protests in Tamil Nadu, led by C.N. Annadurai, founder of the DMK.
- Violent demonstrations erupted, including incidents of self-immolation by students.
- Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri eventually allowed English to remain an associate official language indefinitely.
1968: Introduction of Three-Language Formula
- The Education Commission (1964–66), known as the Kothari Commission, proposed the three-language formula.
- It was formally adopted under the National Policy on Education (NPE) 1968 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
- Tamil Nadu rejected the policy, opting for a two-language model—teaching only Tamil and English.
1990s–Present: Continuing Opposition
- In the 1990s, Tamil Nadu protested against the use of Hindi in central government exams and recruitment.
- In 2014, the NDA government’s push to increase Hindi use in official communication faced criticism in Tamil Nadu.
- In 2017, Tamil Nadu opposed NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) being conducted in Hindi, arguing that it disadvantaged non-Hindi-speaking students.
- In 2019 and 2022, Home Minister Amit Shah’s calls for Hindi to become a “link language” triggered backlash in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.
Why Tamil Nadu Rejects NEP 2020
Tamil Nadu views the three-language formula under NEP 2020 as an attempt to enforce Hindi and disrupt its successful two-language education model.
Key Concerns:
- Hindi Imposition:
Tamil Nadu argues that the Centre is attempting to introduce Hindi through the backdoor by linking it with the three-language formula. - State Autonomy:
Tamil Nadu’s education model is based on the two-language formula (Tamil and English). Introducing Hindi would undermine the state’s autonomy over education. - Potential Educational Disruption:
Adopting the three-language formula would force Tamil Nadu’s schools to adjust their syllabus, increasing pressure on students and teachers.
Political Opposition
Chief Minister MK Stalin has been vocal in opposing NEP 2020:
“We would have welcomed NEP if it was designed to improve education for everyone. The NEP will destroy Tamil Nadu’s progress in education.”
He argued that the policy promotes centralization, privatization, and communalism in education. Stalin warned that NEP’s focus on central exams and revised textbooks would negatively impact Tamil Nadu’s inclusive education model.
Impact on Funding
Tamil Nadu’s refusal to adopt NEP 2020 has affected its education funding under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
- SSA is a major funding program for school education, with 60% funded by the Centre and 40% by the states.
- The Centre withheld ₹2,400 crore in SSA funds for Tamil Nadu after the state refused to implement PM-SHRI schools, which align with NEP 2020 objectives.
- Tamil Nadu and Kerala have accused the Centre of using financial pressure to enforce NEP compliance.
Union Minister’s Response
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan denied the allegation of Hindi imposition, stating that NEP 2020 protects linguistic freedom and gives states the flexibility to choose their languages.
“There is absolutely no imposition of any language on any state or community. NEP 2020 upholds linguistic freedom, ensuring students have the autonomy to learn in the language of their choice,” Pradhan said.
Conclusion
Tamil Nadu’s opposition to NEP 2020 reflects its long-standing resistance to Hindi imposition and its commitment to the two-language model. While the Centre insists that NEP allows flexibility, Tamil Nadu maintains that the policy threatens the state’s linguistic identity and educational autonomy. This standoff underscores the broader debate over federalism and cultural preservation in India’s education system.
