The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has been a subject of intense political debate, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has strongly opposed its implementation. A major point of contention is the three-language formula, which the DMK sees as an attempt to impose Hindi. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan recently criticized the DMK for its stance, accusing the party of prioritizing political motives over students’ welfare. The ongoing debate has led to confrontations in Parliament and strong remarks from both sides.
Pradhan’s Criticism of DMK
Speaking in Parliament, Dharmendra Pradhan launched a sharp attack on the DMK, accusing it of obstructing the future of Tamil Nadu’s students by opposing the NEP for political reasons. He claimed that the party’s main agenda was to create linguistic divisions rather than focus on education. “They are not committed to the students of Tamil Nadu. They are ruining their future,” he said. He also labeled the DMK’s stance as “undemocratic and uncivilized.”
Parliamentary Uproar and DMK’s Walkout
Pradhan’s comments during the Question Hour in the Budget Session led to heated exchanges, with DMK MPs protesting and forcing a 30-minute adjournment in the Lok Sabha. The debate intensified further in the Rajya Sabha, where DMK leaders staged a walkout after raising concerns over the three-language policy and delimitation. Union Health Minister JP Nadda accused the opposition of disrupting parliamentary proceedings, calling it an attempt to undermine the institution.
Tamil Nadu CM Stalin’s Response
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin strongly opposed Pradhan’s remarks, accusing the Union Minister of trying to impose Hindi on the state. “The tree may prefer calm, but the wind will not subside,” Stalin said, adding that Tamil Nadu would not be forced into accepting policies that do not align with its educational ethos. He asserted that the state had already achieved many of the NEP’s objectives and likened the Centre’s stance to an “LKG student lecturing a PhD holder.”
Centre’s Rebuttal
The Union government has maintained that NEP 2020 does not impose Hindi and is based on five pillars: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability. It argues that the policy is flexible, allowing states to customize its implementation to fit their needs. Dharmendra Pradhan, in a letter to Stalin, urged the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider its opposition, warning that political resistance could deprive students of valuable opportunities. The Centre dismissed Stalin’s opposition as politically motivated and accused the DMK of misleading the public.
The clash between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government over NEP 2020 and the language policy underscores the deep-rooted sensitivities surrounding linguistic identity in the state. While the Union government insists that the policy is inclusive and beneficial, the DMK continues to reject it, viewing it as an encroachment on Tamil Nadu’s autonomy. As the debate unfolds, the larger question remains: can a balance be struck between national education reforms and regional linguistic concerns? The resolution of this issue will be crucial in shaping the educational landscape of Tamil Nadu and the nation at large.
(With inputs from agencies)
