Stalin warns central govt against reigniting language conflict over NEP row

Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK and the BJP-led Centre's language dispute grew more intense on Feb 21 when Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged the state to "rise above politics," while the DMK reiterated its support for the two-language policy and cautioned against starting needless hostilities.

According to the DMK, Tamil Nadu’s central funding share was contingent on the state's adherence to the controversial three-language policy, which includes Hindi, as well as the NEP.

Pradhan responded to a letter Stalin sent on Feb 20 to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The CM had argued that it was inappropriate to associate the NEP with two centrally sponsored programs, PM SHRI Schools and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).

"The letter sent to the PM is a complete negation of the spirit of cooperative federalism promoted by the Modi government," Pradhan said.

He added that it was improper for the state to have a narrow perspective on NEP 2020 and to use progressive educational changes as political leverage to maintain their narrative.

The DMK government has accused the education ministry of halting funding for important programs, as Tamil Nadu and the Centre clash over the state's implementation of the NEP.

“The continued opposition to NEP 2020 for political reasons deprives students, teachers, and educational institutions in Tamil Nadu of the immense opportunities and resources this policy offers. The policy is designed to be flexible, allowing states to customize its implementation to suit their unique educational needs,” the minister said.

Pradhan emphasized that the policy does not support the imposition of any language, addressing Tamil Nadu's opposition to the three-language formula.

Despite political divides, he pointed out that NEP has been successfully implemented in several states, including those not ruled by the BJP.

Stalin responded, questioning who was engaging in politics regarding education, referencing the state’s request for ₹2,152 crore in funding for the education department.

“Who is doing politics in education—you or us? Is the blackmail of releasing funds only if the three-language policy is accepted not politics? Is imposing Hindi in the name of NEP not politics? Is converting a multilingual and plural country into a single-language nation not politics? Is not making funding for one scheme conditional on the implementation of another not politics?" Stalin asked.

He added, “I warn the Centre, don’t throw stones at a beehive. Don’t test the unique fighting spirit of the Tamils. As long as I and the DMK exist, no activities against Tamil, Tamil Nadu, and its people will be allowed to take root in the state.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing at Delhi's Vigyan Bhavan during the 98th Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, claimed that there has never been hostility between India's languages since they complement and influence one another.

"There has never been any animosity among Indian languages. Languages have always influenced and enriched each other. Often, when efforts are made to create divisions based on language, our shared linguistic heritage provides a strong counterargument,” said PM Modi.

“It is our social responsibility to distance ourselves from these misconceptions and to embrace and enrich all languages. That is why today we are looking at all the languages of the country as mainstream languages," he added.

The government is "promoting education in all major languages," including Marathi, according to the prime minister.

PM Modi also said that the government is working to alter the perception that talent is being lost because of poor English skills.

"We are promoting education in all major languages , including Marathi. The youth of Maharashtra can easily pursue higher education, engineering, and medical studies in Marathi. We have changed the mindset that overlooked talent due to a lack of English proficiency.,” Modi added.

“We all say that literature is the mirror of society. It also guides society's direction. Therefore, literary conferences and institutions connected to literature play a very important role in the country," PM Modi added.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, the deputy chief minister, said that the state will only use English and Tamil as its two official languages.

He emphasized that Tamil Nadu was merely asking the Union government for its fair share of the taxes it had paid.

“We are asking for our share of funds, about ₹2,150 crore. They (the Centre) want us to accept NEP and the three-language policy. Tamil Nadu has always opposed the three-language policy, and it has been made clear that it will not be accepted. So what is the political agenda here? I don’t understand,” he said.

The political face-off also saw the BJP's state unit launch an online “GetOutStalin” campaign against the CM.

Though BJP TN chairman K Annamalai's proposal focused on the DMK government's perceived shortcomings, such as law and order and women's safety, the campaign theme seemed influenced by the NEP and language debate.

He added that they would launch a “Get Out Modi” movement if any attempt was made to take away their rights. In response, Annamalai announced the “GetOutStalin” campaign and posted a social media statement on Feb 21.

He also urged the government to survey the state's school children about their preference for a third language and begin assigning teachers based on the results. Additionally, he called on the DMK to refrain from politicizing education.