NEW DELHI: In the midst of its escalating political standoff with Tamil Nadu govt over National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Centre has made it clear that it is firmly committed to implementing the three-language policy at school level. Centre is steadfast in its stance and will not succumb to Tamil Nadu’s “blackmailing” tactics, govt sources said.
Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in a letter to Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Friday, criticised the state’s opposition to NE, calling it “highly inappropriate” and a “narrow-minded approach”. Pradhan sought to allay concerns raised by Tamil Nadu govt, saying, “Let me unequivocally state that there is no question of imposing any language on any state or community.”
NE advocates a flexible three-language formula, emphasising multilingual education, while allowing states to choose their own languages within the framework. However, Tamil Nadu govt has consistently opposed the policy, arguing that it undermines the state’s long-standing two-language formula and poses a potential threat to linguistic identity.
Despite the state’s reservations, Union govt remains firm on implementing NE nationwide. Centre maintains that the policy is designed to enhance educational outcomes and foster multilingual proficiency without infringing upon regional linguistic preferences. Pradhan underscored this in his letter, stating, “NE upholds the principle of linguistic freedom and ensures that students continue to learn in the language of their choice.”
“Apart from BJP-governed states there are multiple non-BJP states which are implementing this language policy. In fact, states like Assam and Odisha, among others, have been following a three-language formula till Class VIII which predates BJP govts there,” said a senior govt official.
The three-language policy, which has been a part of India’s education framework since 1968, has been a major point of contention for long. Pradhan argued that its lack of proper implementation over the decades has led to a decline in the systematic teaching of Indian languages and an over-reliance on foreign languages. “NE seeks to correct this historical oversight by ensuring that every Indian language, including Tamil, receives its rightful place in education while maintaining the flexibility for states to design their own language policies,” he wrote.
Pradhan cautioned that Tamil Nadu’s continued opposition to NE could deprive its students, teachers, and educational institutions of the immense opportunities the policy offers.
