Centre Committed to Implementing New Education Policy, Dismisses Tamil Nadu’s Opposition as Politics: Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reiterated on Monday that the Centre is firmly committed to implementing the New Education Policy (NEP) across the country, dismissing Tamil Nadu’s objections to the policy as mere “politics.” His comments come amidst an ongoing dispute between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre over the NEP, particularly the three-language formula proposed in the policy.

Pradhan clarified that the NEP does not impose Hindi or any other language on students in Tamil Nadu. “The NEP encourages a multilingual approach in education. It could be Tamil, English, or any other Indian language,” he said. He added that the policy does not mandate any particular language, stating that it is about enriching the educational experience through linguistic diversity. “Some friends in Tamil Nadu are engaging in politics, but the Indian government is committed to the NEP, which is based on aspirations for a common educational platform,” he asserted.

The dispute between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government over the implementation of the NEP has intensified in recent months, particularly regarding the three-language formula, which Tamil Nadu opposes. The state government, led by the DMK, has expressed concerns about the imposition of Hindi in schools. In response, Pradhan emphasized that the NEP focuses on the empowerment of students through multilingual education, which respects the diversity of languages in India, including Tamil, one of the oldest languages in the world.

Pradhan’s remarks came after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin accused the Union Minister of “blackmail” for allegedly linking the provision of funds to Tamil Nadu’s acceptance of the NEP. Stalin had earlier accused the Centre of “open blackmail” by redirecting Rs 2,152 crore intended for Tamil Nadu to other states as a consequence of the state’s refusal to accept the policy.

However, Pradhan defended the NEP as a platform that aims to create a level playing field for students across the country, helping them to compete on equal terms. “To foster competition and provide equal opportunities, it is important that we adhere to a common educational platform, and the NEP offers this,” he said.

Despite political disagreements, Pradhan reiterated that the NEP, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, places significant importance on mother tongues and the linguistic heritage of India, while also ensuring that students are equipped with the necessary skills for the global stage.

As the debate over the NEP continues, the Centre remains firm in its commitment to the policy, which it views as essential for the transformation of India’s education system.