Tamil Nadu Rejects National Education Policy, Escalates Clash with Centre

Chief Minister Stalin condemns NEP as harmful to education, while Union Minister Pradhan accuses Tamil Nadu government of political motives.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has reiterated the state's firm rejection of the National Education Policy (NEP), calling it a 'destructive Nagpur plan' and alleging it would harm the state's education system.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the Tamil Nadu government of dishonesty and reversing its stance on the NEP, claiming it prioritizes politics over students' welfare.
Stalin criticized the NEP for promoting privatization, introducing public exams for young children, and enforcing a three-language policy, which he says undermines Tamil Nadu's educational and linguistic autonomy.
The DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has refused to accept NEP-linked central funds, with Stalin asserting that the state would not comply even if offered ₹10,000 crore.
The dispute has intensified in Parliament, with DMK MPs protesting Pradhan's remarks, which they deemed offensive, leading to their withdrawal and expungement from the official record.