‘No change in policy’: Tamil Nadu minister rules out three-language formula in schools

Tamil Nadu has reiterated that it will continue with its long-standing two-language education structure of Tamil and English, despite CBSE’s implementation of the three-language framework for Classes 9 and 10.

As per a report by Times Now Tamil Nadu school education minister A Rajmohan said the recently formed TVK government would not alter the state’s existing approach.

Speaking to reporters after a departmental review meeting, Rajmohan said, “Two-language policy is not just a policy of the Tamil Nadu government, it is also one of the fundamental principles of the TVK. We are clear that the state will continue to follow the two-language policy and there is no change in that.”

The minister reaffirmed that Tamil Nadu would continue prioritising Tamil and English as the core languages in schools, maintaining continuity with the state’s earlier education stance, the report said.

Also read CBSE third language policy throws French, Spanish, German teachers across schools into crisis

Tamil Nadu: Language policy, textbook rollout

Rajmohan also released nine newly prepared textbooks aligned with the revised curriculum for students in Classes 1 to 3. The books are aimed at simplifying learning and making classroom engagement easier for younger children.

The textbooks reportedly include child-friendly learning methods such as:

• Story-based lessons
• Songs and activity-led learning
• Visual-heavy colour designs
• Focus on motor and socio-emotional development
• Life skills and value-based content

As per the TN report, the curriculum design is intended to support better comprehension while helping students develop broader behavioural and cognitive skills.

Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed mandatory implementation of a third language in government schools, often raising concerns that such policies could gradually lead to Hindi becoming compulsory in practice. The issue gained renewed attention after CBSE moved forward with the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework.