Language Politics and the Three-Language Policy Debate in Tamil Nadu

The National Education Policy does not enforce Hindi learning but suggests a third language in schools. BJP's ANS Prasad accuses DMK of playing politics over this. He advocates for the three-language policy in Tamil Nadu to support Dravidian languages, addressing language diversity within the state.

The National Education Policy (NEP) does not enforce Hindi as a compulsory language but recommends learning a third language, BJP state spokesperson ANS Prasad highlighted on Tuesday.

Accusing the DMK of exploiting 'language politics,' Prasad asserted that such tactics would not prevail anymore.

He urged the implementation of the three-language policy in Tamil Nadu to ensure that Dravidian languages like Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam are taught in schools. According to him, this policy would be a fair and inclusive move benefiting all linguistic communities in the area.

Prasad noted that around 25% of Tamil Nadu's population speaks Telugu, while significant Kannada and Malayalam-speaking communities also exist. The three-language policy, as per NEP, is to encourage the learning of any Indian language listed in the Constitution. Prasad criticized the DMK, accusing it of suppressing the Dravidian languages it claims to champion by denying them rightful recognition in Tamil Nadu's educational framework.

(With inputs from agencies.)