Overview
- 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.