Tamil Nadu and Centre Clash Over National Education Policy's Language Mandate

Chief Minister MK Stalin accuses the central government of coercion, while Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan denies Hindi imposition and defends the policy's linguistic inclusivity.

Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister MK Stalin has rejected the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's three-language formula, insisting the state will adhere to its two-language policy.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan refuted allegations of Hindi imposition, emphasizing that NEP 2020 prioritizes linguistic freedom and the revival of Indian languages, including Tamil.
Stalin accused the central government of withholding ₹2,152 crore in Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan funds as leverage to enforce NEP compliance, a claim Pradhan described as politically motivated.
The NEP 2020 aims to promote mother-tongue education and multilingual learning, but Tamil Nadu has expressed concerns about potential cultural and linguistic impositions.
The ongoing dispute underscores broader tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre over federal cooperation and educational reforms.