NEW DELHI: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin to reconsider the state’s opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing that the policy is designed to be flexible and should not be viewed through a political lens.
In a letter to Stalin, Pradhan wrote, “NEP 2020 is not just a reform—it is a transformative vision that seeks to elevate India’s education system to global standards while preserving and strengthening our linguistic and cultural diversity.”
Tamil Nadu has been one of the strongest critics of NEP 2020, particularly opposing the three-language formula. Addressing these concerns, Pradhan assured that there was “no question of imposing any language upon any state or community,” reiterating that linguistic freedom remains a core principle of the policy.
The minister highlighted the Centre’s efforts to promote Tamil language and culture, citing initiatives such as Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam. He also noted that “Tamil language is eternal, and Tamil culture is global,” quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks from his 2022 visit to Chennai.
Pradhan pointed to the availability of Thirukkural translations in multiple Indian languages and AI-based translation tools like Anuvadini and Bhashini to support regional language learning.
He argued that Tamil Nadu’s continued opposition to NEP is depriving students of its benefits.
“The continued opposition to NEP 2020 for political reasons deprives students, teachers, and educational institutions in Tamil Nadu of the immense opportunities and resources that this policy offers,” he wrote.
Urging the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider, Pradhan added, “I would, therefore, request you to rise above political differences and look into the matter holistically, keeping in mind the interest of our young learners.”
His letter comes amid ongoing tensions between the Centre and Tamil Nadu over education policies, with the state demanding a separate education framework. Stalin had earlier written to the Prime Minister strongly opposing NEP 2020, arguing that it was against Tamil Nadu’s interests.
Meanwhile, Stalin has accused Pradhan of “blackmailing” Tamil Nadu by threatening to withhold funds for not implementing NEP 2020.
In a post on X, Stalin shared a video of Pradhan speaking to reporters in Varanasi, where the minister stated that Tamil Nadu must follow the Constitution and implement the three-language policy.
Reacting sharply, Stalin questioned, “Can the Education Minister cite any section of the Indian Constitution that makes the three-language policy mandatory? Education is on the concurrent list, and the Union government does not have a monopoly over it. Tamil Nadu will not tolerate such blackmail.”
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also criticised Pradhan’s remarks, calling the alleged threat to withhold funds “unacceptable.”