The recent spat between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the National Education Policy (NEP) has once again drawn attention to a vexed and complicated issue. The debate over the implementation of the NEP in India has been particularly intense in Tamil Nadu. The core of the argument revolves around the three-language formula proposed by the NEP, which suggests that students learn three languages: the language of the state, English and Hindi. Tamil Nadu has historically adhered to a two-language policy, teaching only Tamil and English in the state’s schools.

Chief Minister Stalin has been a vocal critic of the NEP, arguing that it imposes Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states and undermines Tamil linguistic heritage. Tamil Nadu has historically been in the forefront of resistance to “Hindi imposition”, with passionate agitations and language riots having taken place over the years. Tamil Nadu is the only state not to host any Jawaharlal Navodaya Vidyalayas, financed by the Central government, because those schools teach Hindi as a compulsory subject.

In keeping with this track record, Stalin has accused the central government of using the NEP to push a political agenda and has vowed not to implement it in Tamil Nadu. The CM has also expressed concerns that the NEP could create hurdles for children from marginalized communities in the state. 'Do not throw stones at a beehive,' he declared, warning that the Union government’s stand would be seen as a provocation.

Union Education Minister Pradhan, on the other hand, has defended the NEP, stating that it does not impose any language and aims to broaden educational opportunities. He has urged Tamil Nadu to rise above political differences and implement the policy for the benefit of students. Pradhan has also criticized Stalin for viewing the NEP with a "myopic vision" and spinning progressive reforms into political threats.

The debate has escalated with strong rhetoric from both sides. Stalin has warned the central government not to provoke Tamil people and has accused it of blackmail by linking the release of education funds to the implementation of the NEP. Pradhan has countered by emphasizing the importance of multilingualism and the benefits of the NEP for educational equality. In the process, the argument........

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