Regional Languages Spark Debate: NEP Faces Backlash in India

Protests against the National Education Policy (NEP) intensify as regional language preservation becomes a focal point. Political figures, including AAP, DMK, and Congress, voice concerns over language imposition and alleged centralization. Union Minister's remarks fuel tensions, prompting a heated parliamentary exchange over educational reforms.

Amid escalating protests regarding the National Education Policy (NEP), AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang emphasized the need for the central government to safeguard and nurture regional languages, despite common acceptance of Hindi and English. He warned that neglecting regional languages could trigger opposition, given India's vast cultural diversity.

Meanwhile, DMK MPs, led by Kanimozhi, staged a protest in Parliament, accusing the NEP's three-language policy of forcing Hindi onto Tamil Nadu. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam claims this is an attempt at imposing a language that disrupts the state's linguistic harmony.

Congress MP K Suresh criticized the central administration for implementing NEP without consulting state authorities or academicians, alleging a motive to "saffronise" education. He expressed solidarity with Tamil Nadu, which opposes the three-language approach, citing it undermines local autonomy.

Earlier, tensions rose as Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan labeled the Tamil Nadu government "dishonest," prompting a strong rebuttal from Chief Minister MK Stalin, who accused Pradhan of insulting the state's populace. This exchange resulted in a protest by DMK members that paused parliamentary proceedings.

Pradhan accused the Tamil Nadu government of reneging on a promise to implement a central education initiative, blaming them for hindering the state's academic progress. The minister's comments were sharply criticized by DMK, who deemed them undemocratic and politically motivated.

(With inputs from agencies.)