Pradhan Urges Tamil Nadu to Embrace NEP 2020, Calls for Rising Above Politics

Addressing concerns about the three-language policy, Pradhan pointed out that it has been a part of India's education framework since 1968 but was never fully implemented, leading to a decline in the systematic teaching of Indian languages.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, urging the state to rise above politics and reconsider its opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The letter comes in response to Stalin’s communication to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he had raised concerns over the policy’s implementation in Tamil Nadu.

In his letter, Pradhan emphasized that NEP 2020 is a transformative initiative aimed at elevating India's education system to global standards while preserving linguistic and cultural diversity. "A central pillar of NEP 2020 is its respect for India's linguistic heritage. The policy ensures that every student has access to quality education in their mother tongue, including Tamil," he wrote, reiterating that there is no question of imposing any language on any state or community.

The minister also highlighted the Centre’s commitment to Tamil language and culture, citing initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam, and the establishment of the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre in Singapore. He noted that significant efforts have been made to promote Tamil literature, including the translation of Thirukkural into multiple Indian languages and Braille.

Addressing concerns about the three-language policy, Pradhan pointed out that it has been a part of India's education framework since 1968 but was never fully implemented, leading to a decline in the systematic teaching of Indian languages. He stated that NEP 2020 seeks to correct this historical oversight by reviving Indian languages, including Tamil, in formal education.

The letter also criticized Tamil Nadu’s continued opposition to NEP 2020, calling it a politically motivated stance that deprives students and teachers of educational opportunities. "It is inappropriate for the state to view NEP 2020 with a myopic vision and spin progressive educational reforms into threats. Many non-BJP states have implemented NEP despite political differences," Pradhan wrote, stressing that the policy is designed to be flexible and allows states to tailor its implementation.

He further underscored that Tamil Nadu has been a pioneer in educational reforms and urged the state government to consider NEP 2020 holistically in the interest of young learners. The ongoing debate over NEP 2020 remains a significant point of contention between the Centre and Tamil Nadu, with the state government maintaining that the policy undermines federalism and Tamil Nadu’s unique education model.

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