Tamil Nadu Reiterates Opposition to NEP 2020 as Policy Completes 5 Years

Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi said the state will continue to resist the NEP on grounds of linguistic imposition and centralization of education

As the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks its fifth anniversary this month, the Tamil Nadu government has once again reaffirmed its firm stand against implementing the policy in the state. Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi said the state will continue to resist the NEP on grounds of linguistic imposition and centralization of education.

He emphasised that Tamil Nadu has historically opposed such moves, citing the legacy of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who strongly defended the state's linguistic and educational autonomy.

The Minister reiterated the government’s stance during an official event, stating that Tamil Nadu would not compromise on its commitment to protect Tamil language and the rights of states in shaping their education systems. “The DMK government remains firm in its stand. We are committed to the two-language policy and to a curriculum that reflects our socio-cultural values,” Poyyamozhi said.

The remarks come at a time when the Union Government is preparing to mark five years of NEP 2020 with national-level campaigns and policy showcases. The NEP, introduced in July 2020, aims to overhaul the Indian education system with structural reforms such as the 5+3+3+4 schooling model, multidisciplinary higher education, and promotion of regional languages. However, it has been met with criticism from some states, particularly Tamil Nadu, over fears of Hindi imposition and erosion of state control over education.

Tamil Nadu has instead been pursuing its own education reforms, including curriculum revamp, state-focused digital learning initiatives, and policies that prioritise equity and inclusion in school and higher education. The state's refusal to implement NEP has drawn both support and criticism nationally, positioning it as one of the few states to publicly oppose the central policy at such scale.

As NEP 2020 turns five, the contrast between the Union government’s push for uniform educational policy and states like Tamil Nadu asserting regional priorities underscores ongoing federal tensions in Indian education governance. Whether the Centre’s anniversary celebrations will bring further pressure or flexibility on dissenting states remains to be seen.