Overview

• Tamil Nadu Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi warns that the NEP’s exam-based retention for Classes 5 and 8 could increase dropout rates and mental stress among students.
• The state government maintains its no-detention policy up to Class 8, highlighting its success in achieving zero elementary-level dropouts under existing education policies.
• Poyyamozhi criticized the NEP’s vocational tracks, accusing them of perpetuating caste-based roles and undermining social equity.
• Chief Minister M.K. Stalin reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s refusal to implement the NEP, even if incentivized with substantial central funding.
• The Tamil Nadu government accuses the Centre of withholding ₹2,150 crore in education funds as coercion to enforce NEP compliance, further intensifying the federal dispute.