Stalin rejects NEP, says Tamil Nadu won’t implement even for Rs 10,000 cr

Speaking at a Parent-Teachers Association event in Cuddalore, Stalin emphasised that his opposition to the NEP goes beyond concerns about the “imposition of Hindi,” highlighting broader issues that he believes could harm students' futures and undermine social justice.

“We are not against any language but strongly oppose its imposition.

The NEP is not just about thrusting Hindi—it is a regressive policy that will drive students away from schools,” Stalin said.

He criticised several provisions of the NEP, including its proposal for public exams in Classes 3, 5, and 8, as well as the introduction of a common entrance test for admissions to arts and science colleges.

He also claimed the policy would deprive Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Backward Class (BC) students of financial aid they currently receive.

The controversy over NEP implementation in Tamil Nadu has intensified, particularly regarding its three-language formula.

Stalin had earlier written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan threatened to withhold Rs 2,000 crore in funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan unless the state adopted the policy.

“The Centre says Tamil Nadu will get Rs 2,000 crore if we implement NEP. Let me make it clear—we will not agree to NEP even if offered Rs 10,000 crore. I will not allow the policy to push Tamil Nadu backward by 2,000 years,” Stalin declared.

The Chief Minister had previously accused the policy of being a disguised effort to promote Hindi rather than education, stating, “It is camouflaged as an education policy because a direct imposition would face resistance.”

Union minister responds

In response to Stalin’s statements, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan dismissed the claims, accusing the Tamil Nadu government of creating a “false narrative” for political reasons.

He insisted that Tamil Nadu had initially agreed to implement NEP but later reversed its stance.

Pradhan defended the three-language formula, arguing that past policies had neglected Indian languages in favour of foreign ones.

“This is not about imposing Hindi—NEP aims to restore languages like Tamil to their rightful place in education,” he said.

He further questioned Stalin’s opposition, stating, “Almost all states have implemented the three-language formula since the mid-1960s. Tamil Nadu follows a two-language system, but nowhere in NEP is Hindi being imposed.”

The minister also challenged Tamil Nadu’s rigid stance on language education, asking, “What about students in border areas who want to learn Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, or Odia for better job opportunities?”

Row over alleged fund cuts

On Stalin’s claim that Rs 2,000 crore was being withheld from Tamil Nadu under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Pradhan called the accusation “politically motivated” and criticised the Chief Minister’s use of terms like “blackmail and coercion.”

“He is trying to create fear that the Union government is imposing Hindi. Who is imposing Hindi? I am an Odia speaker, and my state follows the three-language formula. So does Punjab and West Bengal. This is a political ploy by the DMK,” Pradhan said.

He also pointed out that schemes like PM-Poshan (mid-day meals) had not been discontinued in Tamil Nadu, and accused the state of depriving students of an additional Rs 2,000 crore by refusing to adopt the PM SHRI scheme.

The standoff between the Centre and Tamil Nadu over NEP continues, with both sides standing firm on their positions.