Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday strongly rebutted Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of raising “imaginary concerns” driven by political motives.
Speaking at a press conference, Pradhan clarified that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 does not mandate the imposition of any language in any state.
“I want to emphasize that the NEP does not recommend the imposition of any language on students in any state. It is not forcing Hindi in Tamil Nadu,” Pradhan stated.
Pradhan expressed that he had learned through social media about Stalin’s letter to PM Modi and criticized it as being politically motivated, adding, “The concerns raised in the letter are imaginary and politically driven. Stalin has written the letter based on his own political convenience, not in good spirit.”
He further explained that the primary goal of NEP 2020 is to bring global standards to education, while remaining rooted in India’s linguistic and cultural heritage. He also pointed out that the government conducts entrance exams in 13 major languages, including Tamil.
“The Government of India is committed to promoting Tamil language and heritage. Prime Minister Modi has announced India’s first Thiruvallur Cultural Centre in Singapore to promote Tamil thoughts globally,” Pradhan added.
The Union Minister noted that previous governments have implemented a language formula in education since 1968 and stressed that failing to implement NEP 2020 would deprive students, teachers, and parents of global opportunities. He also mentioned that several non-BJP states have successfully implemented NEP with the Centre’s cooperation.
Pradhan also cited the loss of Rs 5000 crore by Tamil Nadu for not adopting the PM Shri schools initiative, which focuses on scientific education and teaching in the mother tongue up to class eight.
“I urge Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin to recognize that the Government of India is committed to the development of all parts of the country. The Prime Minister takes immense pride in Tamil literature and language,” Pradhan concluded.
The letter from Tamil Nadu CM Stalin to PM Modi raised concerns over the release of ‘Samagra Shiksha’ funds to the state, referencing a statement from the Union Education Minister about withholding funds until Tamil Nadu implements the three-language policy outlined in NEP 2020. The DMK-led state government has consistently criticized the central government over its alleged push for the imposition of Hindi in Tamil Nadu and its refusal to release NEP-related funds.
