Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan calls for national adoption of three-language policy to boost employment opportunities

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reaffirmed the government's stance on the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at an event marking the 126th Foundation Day of Hindu College at Delhi University.

He emphasized its importance for employment and national integration. "The three-language policy should be adopted in the country," Pradhan said.

"Considering the current social and economic conditions, the country requires a system where anyone from any region can find employment. Experts have highlighted this need, and they suggest that the trilingual formula for education is a beneficial system,” he added.

The controversy erupted following accusations by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who claimed that Pradhan had linked federal education funding to the state's acceptance of the three-language policy.

Stalin alleged that Pradhan suggested Tamil Nadu would not receive funding under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) unless the state adhered to the NEP’s language policies, which require students to learn at least two Indian languages in addition to English.

"They have to come to terms with the Indian Constitution," Stalin posted on X.

"Can the education minister say which section of the Indian Constitution makes the trilingual policy mandatory?" he asked.

Stalin also argued that education is covered by the Concurrent List, granting states the authority to make their own decisions.

Concerned that Hindi might be imposed, Tamil Nadu, which follows a two-language system consisting of Tamil and English, has opposed the three-language policy.

"The Union of India is made up of states! Education is in the Concurrent List! The Union Government does not have a monopoly on this!" Stalin wrote.

"Tamils will not tolerate the boldness of their blackmail, saying there will be no funds for Tamil Nadu until we accept the trilingual policy!" he added.