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

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

National Education Policy is in its fifth, 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 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 defended state's linguistic and educational autonomy.

Minister reiterated 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.

Comments come at a time when the Union Government is preparing to mark five years of NEP with national-level campaigns and policy showcases. New Policy was 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.