AISF Stages Protest Against NEP 2020 Funding Controversy

The AISF protested against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's statement linking education funds to Tamil Nadu's implementation of NEP 2020. Accusing the Central government of blackmail and coercion, the protestors highlighted issues of regional autonomy and cultural preservation, amidst accusations of political motives by the DMK-led state government.

The All India Students Federation (AISF), a left-affiliated student organization, staged a protest outside Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday. Their demonstration was against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's recent remarks linking the release of central education funds to Tamil Nadu's implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The Union Education Ministry did not immediately respond to the protest. Pradhan asserted that funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme would be withheld from Tamil Nadu unless the state fully embraced NEP 2020, accusing the DMK-led state government of politicizing the issue.

The AISF criticized NEP 2020, claiming it undermines regional autonomy, promotes privatization, and increases inequality. AISF leaders argued that withholding funds is a coercive maneuver against states opposing NEP 2020. The Delhi Police detained the demonstrators, who were later released.

(With inputs from agencies.)