The political battle over the National Education Policy (NEP) has escalated in Tamil Nadu following the Union Education Minister’s declaration that funding from the Samagra Shiksha scheme will be withheld unless the state government fully adopts the NEP, particularly the contentious three-language policy.
During remarks made at the Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, the Minister criticized the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government, questioning why Tamil Nadu is the only state resisting the policy while others have complied. He claimed the state initially consented to the Centre’s directives but then retreated from that agreement.
In response, Tamil Nadu Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi denounced the Union government’s approach as politically motivated, asserting it jeopardizes the futures of 4 million students. He accused the Centre of leveraging the PM Shri scheme as a precondition, effectively forcing acceptance of the NEP and its accompanying language directives.
Mahesh emphasized that Tamil Nadu invests significantly in educational initiatives, noting an annual expenditure of Rs 920 crore for teacher salaries and Rs 400 crore towards the Right to Education scheme. He cautioned that withholding funds could exacerbate cultural tensions and hinder critical programs such as self-defense training for schoolgirls.
Quoting the DMK founder, he asserted, “We are asking for rights, not a favour… what was snatched from us, not alms,” and characterized the Centre’s stance as an attempt to suppress Tamil Nadu’s legitimate demands.
Chief Minister MK Stalin has echoed these sentiments, labeling the Minister’s comments as political intimidation. “Which section of the Constitution mandates the three-language policy?” he queried, reminding that education falls under the Concurrent List. “Tamizhars won’t tolerate this arm-twisting,” he warned, indicating a potential legal confrontation over the funding issue.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also criticized the Union Minister’s statements, reaffirming that Tamil Nadu will maintain its language policy without compromise. He firmly declared that the state will refuse to accept the three-language policy.
Former Union Minister P Chidambaram condemned the remarks, describing them as an affront to Tamil Nadu’s dignity and constitutional values, while also criticizing the Centre’s decision to withhold essential educational funds.
In protest of the Union’s policies, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has announced planned demonstrations against the new UGC Draft Policy, the three-language proposal, and the NEP. SFI members are set to gather at Shastri Bhavan, demanding an end to external impositions on Tamil Nadu’s education framework.
Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami also rejected the Centre’s approach, reiterating Tamil Nadu’s adherence to a two-language policy of Tamil and English. He confirmed that the AIADMK party remains steadfast in its commitment to this policy.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay deemed the Centre’s actions as an assault on state autonomy, characterizing the imposition of the three-language policy and the withholding of funds as fascist tendencies. He vowed to resist any such measures from both the Union and state governments.
Published On:
Feb 17, 2025
