TN Minister slams NEP 2020 cites funding and infrastructure challenges

Tamil Nadu Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan criticized the three-language policy, saying that the new education policy cannot be implemented due to inadequate funding and infrastructure.

He slammed the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, comparing it to teaching both "LKG students" and "higher education students" in the same manner.

Thiagarajan also highlighted that earlier education policies, introduced after 1968, recommended learning South Indian languages, but due to a shortage of qualified teachers, the initiative failed in Hindi-speaking states within two decades.

Thiagarajan said, "In the education policies introduced after 1968, there was a recommendation to learn South Indian languages. However, due to the lack of qualified teachers, this policy failed in Hindi-speaking states within 20 years. Even in Uttar Pradesh, they could not fully implement the three-language policy.”

“Yet, they have stopped PM-SHRI funding and continue to speak aggressively, like rowdies. NEP 2020 is like teaching an LKG student and a higher education student in the same way. Implementing the new education policy is impossible today as there is no funding or infrastructure to support it,” he added.

BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai hit back at Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan over his comments on the three-language policy.

He pointed out that Thiagarajan’s own sons had studied English and a foreign language and asked why he was opposing the policy’s implementation.

In defense of the three-language policy, Annamalai argued that it would give government school students the opportunity to learn a third Indian language, alongside Tamil and English, or a foreign language at higher levels.

In a social media post on X, Annamalai wrote, "I asked Minister @ptrmadurai for his response to a question I asked at a press conference yesterday. He has said that his two sons were educated under the dual language policy. However, brother Mr. PTR Palanivel Thiagarajan forgot to tell which two languages they were. The two languages his sons learned were the first language, English. Second language: French/Spanish Is this your bilingual policy? We are asking for a national education policy that will provide our government school students with the opportunity to learn a third Indian language, along with Tamil and English, or a foreign language at the higher levels. Why all this drama to stop that? I sincerely wish my brother PTR and his two sons the best in life. We ask that the opportunity to learn many languages that they have had should also be extended to the children of the poor and needy studying in our government schools."

On March 12, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin sharply criticized the central government, labeling the National Education Policy (NEP) as a "saffronized policy" aimed at promoting Hindi rather than advancing India's development. He argued that the policy threatens to undermine Tamil Nadu's education system.

Stalin accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of attempting to impose Hindi through the National Education Policy.

He criticized Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, labeling him "arrogant" and accusing him of "blackmail" by threatening to withhold funds.

Stalin also condemned Pradhan's derogatory remarks about Tamilians, further escalating the ongoing conflict over the NEP and language policies between Tamil Nadu and the central government.

In his critique of the National Education Policy (NEP), Stalin labeled it a "saffronization policy" and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of failing to develop India.

He argued, "The policy was not created to develop India, but to develop Hindi," emphasizing his belief that it would devastate Tamil Nadu's education system.

Stalin also expressed concern over the central government's withholding of ₹2,150 crore in funds for state-run schools until the policy is implemented, calling it an attack on the nation's federal structure.

Stalin further challenged PM Modi, questioning the union government's actions, "You said you would give importance to states during your campaign to become Prime Minister. But what have you done to promote federalism?"

He accused the BJP of taking "political revenge" for its defeats in Tamil Nadu in 2021 and 2024.

Stalin raised concerns over the central government's refusal to release funds that belong to Tamil Nadu, saying, "We are asking for our share of taxes. What is the problem with this?"

He argued that the NEP's provisions, which allow undergraduates to opt out after the first or second year, effectively push students away.

He also criticized the policy for denying scholarships to marginalized communities and introducing "caste-based traditional vocational education from Class VI."

Stalin concluded by reaffirming his opposition to the NEP, saying that it would harm Tamil Nadu's educational progress.

In contrast, the central government defended the NEP, saying that its goal is to encourage multilingualism and provide flexibility in language education.

Pradhan dismissed claims of Hindi imposition, emphasizing that the policy allows states to choose their own languages.

On March 11, Pradhan challenged the DMK government’s position on the three-language policy and the NEP. In a post on X, he accused Stalin of using the language issue as a diversion from more significant matters.

"I stand by my statement made in the Parliament and am sharing the consent letter from the Tamil Nadu School Education Department dated 15th March 2024. DMK MPs and Hon'ble CM can stack lies as high as they want, but the truth does not bother knocking when it comes crashing down. The DMK dispensation led by Hon'ble CM Stalin has a lot to answer to the people of Tamil Nadu. Raking the language issue as a diversionary tactic and denying facts as per their convenience will not shield their governance and welfare deficit," he posted on X.

The controversy over 'Hindi imposition' resurfaced last month, with the BJP pushing its new language policy.

Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK questioned the need for a third language, citing the state’s success with a two-language system (Tamil and English).

The BJP, however, argued the policy would benefit Tamil people traveling to other states, claiming no student would be forced to learn Hindi.

Pradhan accused the DMK of creating a "false narrative" and depriving students of academic progress for political gain.

He also labeled the DMK as "dishonest" for backing out of setting up PM SHRI schools. The DMK responded with a privilege motion, arguing Pradhan misled Parliament.

The spat escalated with Home Minister Amit Shah claiming the central government had done more for Tamil speakers, urging Tamil Nadu to introduce medical and engineering courses in Tamil.

Stalin, in turn, compared the "Hindi imposition" debate to a "kindergarten student lecturing a PhD holder" and reaffirmed that Tamil Nadu would not tolerate Hindi colonialism replacing British colonialism.