MOHAMMAD ZIYAUDDIN
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Tamil Nadu will not implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, even if the central government offers ₹10,000 crore, Chief Minister MK Stalin firmly stated. He emphasized that the state’s opposition to the policy is not just due to the imposition of Hindi but also because of several other factors that could negatively impact students' future.
"We Oppose Language Imposition," Says Stalin
Speaking at a Parent-Teachers Association event in Cuddalore, CM Stalin clarified:
"We are not against any language, but we strongly oppose its imposition. Our opposition to the NEP is not just about the attempt to impose Hindi but also because the policy is regressive and will push students away from schools."
Tamil Nadu has long followed its own education model, resisting national policies that it believes undermine regional languages and autonomy.
Funding Controversy Sparks Fresh Row
The debate over NEP intensified after Stalin wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had threatened to withhold ₹2,000 crore in funds for the centrally sponsored Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan unless Tamil Nadu adopted the policy.
Slamming this move, Stalin declared:
"The Centre says Tamil Nadu will receive ₹2,000 crore if we implement NEP. I want to make it clear—we will not accept the NEP even if the Centre offers ₹10,000 crore. I will not allow Tamil Nadu to go back by 2,000 years because of this policy."
Stalin: "NEP Promotes Hindi, Not Education"
Stalin has previously argued that NEP 2020 is designed to promote Hindi rather than education. He accused the Centre of disguising its agenda under the name of an education policy, stating that if the government had openly pushed for Hindi dominance, it would have faced stronger resistance.
Union Minister Responds: "No Language Imposition"
In response to Stalin’s claims, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan denied any attempt to impose Hindi, stating:
"There is no question of imposing any language upon any state or community. Linguistic freedom is a core principle of the NEP 2020."
He further criticized Tamil Nadu’s stance, arguing that continued political opposition to the policy deprives students, teachers, and educational institutions in the state of the immense opportunities and resources NEP offers.
Despite the Centre’s push, Tamil Nadu remains steadfast in rejecting the NEP, with Stalin making it clear that the state will prioritize its own education model over central mandates.
