National Education Policy and the Language Row

Bhubaneswar: The Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu are still more than a year away, yet the political landscape is already charged with tension, particularly between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
At the heart of this escalating political battle is a contentious debate surrounding the three-language policy outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020.
This policy aims to promote multilingualism across the country, encouraging students to learn multiple languages in addition to their mother tongue. However, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has voiced strong opposition, asserting that the policy is a covert strategy by the central government to impose Hindi on the people of Tamil Nadu, a state with
a rich linguistic heritage and a strong cultural identity.
Stalin’s accusations extend beyond mere policy disagreements; he has also criticized the BJP-led Union Government for allegedly withholding essential funds necessary for the effective implementation of the NEP in Tamil Nadu. This claim raises significant concerns about the financial support that states require to roll out educational reforms, particularly those that are intended to enhance the learning experience for students. In response to these allegations, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged the DMK to prioritize the educational needs of students over political squabbles.
He emphasizes that the focus should be on ensuring that students receive a quality education rather than getting caught up in partisan disputes. The ongoing conflict has left students in a precarious position, as they remain uncertain about the languages they will be able to study in addition to their mother tongue. This
uncertainty is particularly troubling given that education falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, which necessitates collaboration between
the central and state governments for the successful implementation of
various educational initiatives.
While the central government promotes the NEP as a comprehensive framework designed to enhance the educational landscape of the nation, it is crucial that it also allows states the flexibility to tailor the policy to meet their unique linguistic and cultural needs. A one-size- fits-all approach could undermine the rich tapestry of India’s diverse linguistic heritage, which is a cornerstone of the country’s identity.
Moreover, it is imperative that political biases do not obstruct the allocation of funds for education. No state should face discrimination or be penalized for opting not to adopt the NEP in its entirety, especially when such decisions are made in the interest of preserving local languages and cultures. The focus should remain on fostering an educational environment that respects and
nurtures the linguistic diversity of India, ensuring that all students have access
to quality education that reflects their backgrounds.
The Tamil Nadu government is making things worse by showing its dislike for Hindi. It shouldn’t make students choose one language over another. Parents and teachers can help students make better choices. Both the Centre and the state need to find a compromise for the benefit of the children and the country.