Tamil Nadu vs. Centre: The NEP Language Battle

Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin, criticized Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's comments on the NEP disagreement. The state insists on maintaining its two-language policy and seeks overdue central funds. Pradhan, addressing TN CM Stalin, defended NEP, urging focus on educational reforms for young learners’ benefit.

The National Education Policy (NEP) standoff continues between Tamil Nadu and the Centre, with Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin firmly rejecting the adoption of the three-language policy promoted by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Stalin insists that Tamil Nadu will adhere to its long-held two-language approach.

At the heart of the dispute is Tamil Nadu's demand for its rightful return of funds amounting to Rs 2150 crore, paid as taxes to the central government. Pradhan has charged Stalin with politicizing educational reforms by framing them as threats instead of viewing them as beneficial transformations for student welfare.

In a bid for resolution, Pradhan urged Stalin to rise above political differences and consider the new NEP's potential benefits for young learners. However, the Tamil Nadu government remains adamant, labeling the policy linkage with federal schemes like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and PM SHRI Schools as fundamentally unacceptable and a departure from cooperative federalism.