'With due respect...': Tamil Nadu minister responds to Pradhan’s questions on NEP

NEW DELHI: In an ongoing debate over the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Tamil Nadu’s school minister, Anbil Mahesh, has responded to union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s questions regarding Tamil Nadu's opposition to the policy. On September 9, Pradhan accused Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin of "pitting states against each other" in his criticism of the NEP and alleged that the state’s refusal to adopt the policy is politically motivated.

Stalin has been a vocal critic of the NEP, accusing the central government of withholding education funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) from states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Delhi, and Punjab, states that have consistently delivered educational outcomes.

Dharmendra Pradhan’s questions on Tamil Nadu’s opposition to NEP

On September 4, Pradhan raised several pointed questions about Tamil Nadu’s "principled opposition" to the NEP. He asked if the state was against education in the mother tongue, the creation of textbooks in Indian languages, or the holistic and inclusive framework that the NEP promotes. He urged Stalin to prioritize student welfare over political gains.

TN minister's detailed response to Dharmendra Pradhan

In his detailed response, Mahesh reiterated Tamil Nadu’s longstanding commitment to its two-language policy, which prioritizes Tamil and English. He pointed out that this policy is rooted in historical movements from the 1930s and 1960s, aimed at preserving Tamil identity and linguistic heritage. According to Mahesh, Tamil Nadu has always emphasized proficiency in both Tamil and English, rejecting the NEP’s three-language formula, which the state believes infringes upon its autonomy.

In response to Pradhan’s first question, Mahesh stated that Tamil Nadu has consistently prioritized Tamil in its educational system, while also ensuring students are proficient in English for future opportunities.

Also read MK Stalin alleges centre refusing funds to states opposing NEP; Dharmendra Pradhan hits back

Efforts to conduct exams and provide educational materials in Tamil

To Pradhan’s second and third questions, Mahesh highlighted that the Tamil Nadu government, under MK Stalin’s leadership, has repeatedly requested the Centre to hold competitive exams in Tamil. He also emphasized Tamil Nadu’s efforts in translating educational materials, including technical subjects like engineering and medicine, into Tamil.

“Our Hon’ble Chief Minister @mkstalin has consistently requested the Union Government to hold competitive exams in Tamil to ensure level playing field and familiarity with local language in recruitment,” his post read.

Tamil Nadu’s policies align with NEP's goals, says Mahesh

On Pradhan’s final point regarding the holistic framework of NEP, Mahesh asserted that Tamil Nadu’s existing initiatives, like the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme, Puthumai Penn, Naan Mudhalvan, Illam Thedi Kalvi, and Ennum Ezhuthum, already reflect the NEP’s goals of inclusivity. He clarified that Tamil Nadu’s objection lies specifically with certain NEP policies, including the three-language formula and curriculum changes that undermine the state's educational autonomy.

Call for unconditional release of Samagra Shiksha funds

In conclusion, Anbil Mahesh urged the Centre to release the pending Samagra Shiksha funds without tying them to NEP conditions, stressing that doing so undermines Tamil Nadu’s constitutional autonomy in education. His post on X read, “In conclusion, Tamil Nadu is already implementing many acceptable aspects of NEP through its own initiatives. However, our objections relate to specific elements like the three-language formula and curriculum changes. Linking the release of 'Samagra Shiksha' funds to NEP compliance infringes upon the State’s constitutional autonomy in education.’’