Stalin Rejects NEP, Slams Central 'Pressure Tactics'

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin criticized the National Education Policy and condemned union minister Dharmendra Pradhan's remarks. Emphasizing the state's economic growth, Stalin rejected the triple language policy linked to central funding and praised MPs for defending Tamil Nadu's interests.

In a robust speech at a welfare event in Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin firmly opposed the National Education Policy (NEP) and denounced Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's controversial remarks. Stalin expressed significant concerns over the central government's alleged pressure tactics, which he argues could detrimentally affect Tamil Nadu's education framework.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu's economic strides, Stalin noted the state's rank as the second most economically developed in India, attracting over 10 lakh crore in private investments over three years. He criticized Union Minister Pradhan's remarks in Parliament, stating, "Tamil Nadu will not agree to the central demand of adopting the triple language policy for funding." Stalin accused the government of coercion, denouncing the statement as "rude" and claiming it amounted to "blackmail".

The Chief Minister made clear his stance against NEP's imposition, arguing it could disadvantage Tamil Nadu's education system by favoring privatization and restricting higher education to the wealthy. He praised Tamil Nadu MPs for their swift rebuttal to Pradhan's "uncivilized" comments about Tamils, emphasizing their commitment to uphold the state's rights. Earlier, DMK MPs demonstrated against the three language policy outside Parliament.

(With inputs from agencies.)