Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for creating a “false narrative” regarding the three-language formula in the National Education Policy (NEP). He accused Stalin and the DMK of prioritizing politics over educational progress, claiming they initially supported the NEP but later opposed it for political gain. Pradhan emphasized the need for the formula to enhance language education and stated that Hindi is not being imposed on any state. He countered claims of fund withholding, asserting that the government promotes Tamil and seeks to improve education through initiatives like PM SHRI schools.
New Delhi:
Responding to MK Stalin regarding the controversy over the three-language formula in the National Education Policy, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister is crafting a “false narrative” of Hindi imposition for political gain. The minister reaffirmed that Tamil Nadu had previously consented to the implementation of the National Education Policy but later reversed its position for political reasons.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV on Friday, Mr. Pradhan accused Mr. Stalin and the DMK of hindering students’ academic advancement for their political objectives.
Under the three-language formula outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, every school student is required to study a minimum of three languages. The Centre emphasized that this clause is essential because past education policies have overlooked the systemic teaching of Indian languages, resulting in an “over-reliance” on foreign languages, and aims to restore languages like Tamil to their “rightful place in education”.
Mr. Stalin had contacted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that Mr. Pradhan threatened to withhold funds for a centrally sponsored initiative, the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, unless Tamil Nadu adopted the NEP.
Earlier on Friday, Mr. Pradhan also addressed Mr. Stalin in a letter and when questioned about it, he remarked, “The three-language formula is a pattern adopted by the country. Nearly all states have been implementing it since the mid-1960s. I am aware of Tamil Nadu’s stance. I recognize there are certain issues; they had adopted a two-language formula. The NEP, envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, emphasizes the three-language formula.”
“When discussing the three-language formula, a political narrative has been unnecessarily created suggesting the imposition of Hindi in Tamil Nadu. Nowhere in the NEP have we suggested the imposition of any specific language in any particular state. I have also communicated with the honorable chief minister of Tamil Nadu regarding this,” he clarified.
Mr. Pradhan acknowledged that while it is acceptable for Tamil Nadu to teach in Tamil and English, he questioned what would happen to students in the state’s border areas who aspire to learn Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, or Odia for job opportunities.
“We are in an era of globalization and connectivity. Many Tamils are migrating to various parts of the country. The circumstances in the 60s were different. Unfortunately, the debate has taken on an anti-Hindi tone. Today, PM Modi has made it very clear: All Indian languages are national languages. Tamil is an ancient language, the oldest language of civilization – this was acknowledged by none other than PM Modi,” he highlighted.
Fund Cut Claims
Regarding Mr. Stalin’s assertions that over Rs 2,000 crore had been withheld from Tamil Nadu for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan – which aims to integrate vocational education with general academic education – due to its association with the NEP, which the chief minister termed “blackmail and coercion”, Mr. Pradhan stated that using such “derogatory words is condemnable in a democracy”.
“He is employing politically motivated language… They have fostered a fear that the Union government intends to impose Hindi. Who is imposing Hindi? I am an Odia speaker, and even in my state, a three-language formula has been implemented. This is also true for Punjab and West Bengal. Nowhere is Hindi being imposed as a third language. Thus, you (Mr. Stalin and the DMK) are driven by political motivations,” he asserted.
The minister remarked that the PM-Poshan (mid-day meal) scheme has not been discontinued in Tamil Nadu and claimed that the state government, due to its “rigid stance,” is depriving students of an additional Rs 2,000 crore under the PM SHRI scheme.
“What does the PM SHRI entail? The NEP recommends that up to the eighth standard, the medium of instruction should be the mother tongue. We advocate for Tamil as the teaching medium until Class 8. Is that why the Tamil Nadu government is opposing PM SHRI schools? We recommend the inclusion of digital boards in all classrooms under PM SHRI schools and propose Atal Tinkering Labs (high-tech workshops) as part of the initiative. Broadband connectivity and technology-driven education will generate new job opportunities,” Mr. Pradhan noted.
PM SHRI schools, according to the minister, are an integral part of the NEP.
“The Government of India has decided that the allocation for the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan will be contingent upon the successful implementation of the NEP. What objections does the Tamil Nadu government have? Where does the language issue arise? Because of their own narrow-minded view and political interests, they have taken this stance. It is unfortunate,” he maintained.
‘U-Turn’
The education minister reiterated that Hindi is not being imposed in any state, highlighting that different regions are teaching various languages. He cited Odisha, where Telugu is taught in areas bordering Andhra Pradesh, Hindi in the northern parts of the state, and Bengali in the eastern region.
“Why are you depriving Tamil Nadu students of a scientific approach to education, digital blackboards, broadband connectivity, clean toilets, and instruction in their mother tongue until Class 8? The Government of India is not inflexible. I am in regular communication with the honorable chief minister. All MPs are reaching out to me,” he stated.
Making a significant claim, he added, “I refrain from disclosing certain classified information, but at one point, they (the Tamil Nadu government) were prepared to implement the NEP. They had consented. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been drafted. However, they retracted, why? Because they observe politics in this matter; they believe they can shape an anti-Delhi narrative. Although this may serve their purposes, it is detrimental to the students and society of Tamil Nadu. This fear of Hindi imposition is unwarranted, unfortunate, and politically motivated.”
Mr. Pradhan pointed out that numerous non-BJP governments have implemented similar policies. “Why is a specific government taking such a stance? Because they desire to remain in a primitive era,” he concluded.
The minister affirmed that PM Modi’s government does not perceive such matters from a political standpoint. “My Prime Minister’s commitment to the Tamil language and culture transcends politics. We are considering national interests, not merely party interests, and Tamil Nadu is a vital part of Indian nationhood.”