The ongoing conflict between the Tamil Nadu government and the central government over the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 highlights a complex issue of educational autonomy and federalism. Tamil Nadu has long resisted the three-language policy proposed under NEP, maintaining its established two-language system of Tamil and English. While the focus of this dispute remains on language, the larger implications for skills development and employability raise critical questions about how Tamil Nadu can leverage NEP’s vocational and educational reforms without compromising its linguistic identity.
Language Policy vs. Skills Development
Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the NEP’s three-language policy stems from its historical resistance to the imposition of Hindi. Successive Dravidian governments have consistently defended Tamil and English as the primary mediums of instruction to protect the state’s linguistic and cultural identity.
Under the NEP, the three-language policy recommends:
- Hindi as a suggested third language.
- Flexibility to choose regional and foreign languages.
- Multilingualism to enhance national integration and improve job prospects in government and interstate employment.
Current Language Trends in Higher Education
According to the Ministry of Education:
- 22 out of 28 states have implemented the three-language policy.
- 12.4 million students are enrolled in Hindi undergraduate courses.
- 18.6 million students are enrolled in English undergraduate courses.
- 0.8 million students are enrolled in Tamil undergraduate courses.
These figures reflect the dominance of English in higher education and global employment opportunities. A 2019 report by Cambridge Assessment English found that individuals proficient in English earn 34% higher salaries than those without English skills. The British Council Report (2022) also highlighted that multilingual proficiency (English + regional + additional language) improves global employability by 50% in sectors like IT, business process outsourcing (BPO), and international trade.
Tamil Nadu’s insistence on maintaining Tamil and English as the primary languages aligns with these economic and employment trends, reinforcing the importance of English as a global language for professional success.
Challenges of Adding a Third Language
While multilingualism offers advantages, imposing an additional language can create challenges, particularly for students from rural and marginalized backgrounds.
- Increased academic pressure: Students already struggling with the existing curriculum may face additional challenges in learning a third language.
- Resource constraints: Recruiting trained teachers and providing learning materials for a third language may strain Tamil Nadu’s education budget and infrastructure.
- Dropout rates: According to the UDISE+ 2021-22 report, the dropout rate among secondary-level students (Classes 9–10) in Tamil Nadu stands at 12.6%. Introducing a third language could increase this rate if students face additional learning pressure.
Strategic Skills Development Under NEP
Tamil Nadu’s robust industrial and knowledge-based economy offers a strong foundation for skills-based education. The state can leverage NEP’s vocational and technical education framework without adopting the three-language policy.
Key Provisions in NEP Supporting Skills Growth:
- Vocational Education:
- NEP promotes vocational training from Class 9 onwards.
- Tamil Nadu’s Industrial Policy (2021) emphasizes the need for digital literacy and English proficiency to attract foreign investments and enhance employability.
- Digital and Technology-Based Learning:
- NEP recommends integrating AI, coding, and data analysis into the curriculum.
- Tamil Nadu has already introduced computer programming and AI as part of its state curriculum.
- Flexible Learning Models:
- NEP allows states to adopt flexible learning structures and industry partnerships to enhance job readiness.
Leveraging NEP for Industry-Relevant Skills
Tamil Nadu can selectively implement aspects of NEP that align with its existing educational framework:
- Strengthening Vocational Training: Partnering with industries to provide real-world training and internships.
- Promoting Digital Literacy: Integrating AI, coding, and data analysis into the curriculum.
- Bilingual Curriculum: Maintaining Tamil and English as core languages while offering additional language courses as electives.
- Global Employability: Focusing on English and digital skills to meet the demands of the global job market.
Conclusion
Tamil Nadu’s resistance to the three-language policy reflects a broader commitment to preserving its linguistic and cultural identity. However, the state has the opportunity to harness the strengths of NEP—particularly in vocational training, digital education, and flexible learning—without compromising its language policy. By adopting a skills-focused approach and maintaining linguistic autonomy, Tamil Nadu can build a future-ready education system while preserving its rich cultural heritage.
