Tamil Nadu Resists NEP 2020 Over Language Policy and Federalism Concerns

Chief Minister MK Stalin criticizes the Centre's conditional release of education funds, calling it coercive and an attack on state autonomy.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has rejected the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its three-language formula, emphasizing the state's commitment to its two-language policy of Tamil and English.
The Centre has withheld ₹2,152 crore in Samagra Shiksha funds, linking their release to the state's adoption of NEP 2020, which has sparked protests from Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK party.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended the NEP, stating it promotes multilingualism and global competitiveness, while Tamil Nadu leaders argue it imposes Hindi and threatens linguistic diversity.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin warned of a potential 'language war,' accusing the BJP-led Centre of undermining Tamil Nadu's identity and self-respect with coercive federal tactics.
The BJP plans to launch a campaign in Tamil Nadu promoting the three-language policy, while the DMK continues public demonstrations, including a 'Kolam campaign,' to oppose the perceived imposition of Hindi.