Tamil Nadu Linguistic Minorities Forum Urges MK Stalin to Implement NEP Amid Ongoing Debate

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has once again become a subject of discussion in Tamil Nadu, as the Linguistic Minorities Forum of Tamil Nadu (LIMFOT) has urged Chief Minister MK Stalin to implement the policy in the state. The forum particularly advocates for the three-language formula, emphasizing its importance in accommodating minority languages within school education.

LIMFOT's Appeal for NEP Implementation

On Wednesday, CMK Reddy, Chairman of LIMFOT, wrote to Chief Minister MK Stalin, stressing that implementing the three-language formula would ensure representation for linguistic minorities. According to Reddy, NEP 2020 does not mandate Hindi, Sanskrit, or any other specific language, but rather provides flexibility to states to introduce three languages, including the state language, English, and a language of the student’s choice.

"Nowhere is it mentioned in NEP 2020 that either Hindi, Sanskrit, or any other language is compulsory. The only thing is every state is advised to have three languages so that it will accommodate the minority language besides the main state language and English. This is what they want. If the students whose mother tongue is Hindi, they can learn it. The mother tongue should be in the syllabus. That is what the Supreme Court said," Reddy emphasized.

MK Stalin’s Opposition to NEP

The Tamil Nadu government, under MK Stalin, has strongly opposed the NEP 2020, arguing that the policy imposes an unnecessary burden on students and infringes on the state's autonomy in education. Recently, Stalin criticized Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who remarked that Tamil Nadu must "come to terms with the Indian Constitution" regarding language policy.

Stalin responded sharply, questioning the constitutional basis of the three-language policy. "Which section of the Indian Constitution is making the three-language policy mandatory? Can the Union Education Minister point out?" Stalin posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Tamil Nadu has historically followed a two-language system, teaching Tamil and English in schools. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has consistently opposed attempts to introduce Hindi or Sanskrit as compulsory subjects, citing concerns about linguistic imposition and cultural autonomy.

BJP Defends NEP’s Educational Reforms

In response to Stalin’s remarks, L Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, defended the NEP, stating that it was introduced after 40 years of deliberation to address global educational challenges. He argued that the policy prioritizes education in one's mother tongue and enhances students' competitiveness in the global job market.

"The National Education Policy (NEP) was not implemented overnight; it has come into effect after 40 years of deliberation. Considering the global competitive landscape, it is our responsibility to prepare our youth to meet global challenges. Additionally, the New Education Policy encourages research and promotes student participation in academic advancements. The NEP is designed to encourage education in one's mother tongue, emphasizing that children should study in their native language," Murugan stated.

The Ongoing Debate: Cultural Identity vs. National Integration

The debate over NEP 2020 and the three-language formula in Tamil Nadu underscores the longstanding conflict between regional linguistic identity and national education policies. While proponents argue that the policy ensures inclusivity, flexibility, and better global preparedness, opponents fear it could lead to linguistic hegemony and dilute Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian linguistic and cultural heritage.

For now, Tamil Nadu remains firm in its opposition to NEP 2020, with Chief Minister MK Stalin reiterating that the state will continue with its existing language policy. However, with persistent pressure from linguistic minority groups and continued engagement from the central government, the future of language education policy in Tamil Nadu remains uncertain.

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