Is NEP's 3-language policy Hindi imposition? Tamil Nadu thinks so
What's the story
Tamil Nadu has opposed the three-language formula in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, alleging it promotes Hindi in an otherwise Tamil-speaking state.
A huge political row erupted after Chief Minister MK Stalin alleged the Central government withheld ₹573 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan scheme, over Tamil Nadu's refusal to join the PM SHRI initiative for model schools.
The state's refusal stems from compulsory NEP implementation conditions.
Political fallout
Political implications ahead of 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections
The controversy over NEP's three-language policy has heavy political consequences for Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK, especially with the 2026 Assembly elections around the corner.
DMK's opposition to population-based delimitation and anti-Hindi stance have so far worked as a strong pillar for Stalin and his party.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu's Deputy CM, said, "Tamil Nadu has always been against the three-language policy. We will never accept that. The Centre wants to use NEP as a backdoor entry for Hindi."
Government response
Union Education Minister's counter to language imposition claims
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has dismissed allegations of Hindi imposition, saying NEP 2020 is about linguistic freedom and choices.
He accused the DMK-led government of politicizing language and "erecting language barriers."
Since education is on the Concurrent List in India's Constitution, it is possible for both the Centre and states to formulate policies on it.
Historical context
NEP 2020 reintroduces 3-language formula
The three-language formula was first introduced in the NEP of 1968 based on the Kothari Commission report that recommended the promotion of three languages in education.
The Radhakrishnan Commission of 1948-49 had also recommended a similar approach advocating bilingualism and knowledge of three languages at higher secondary and university levels.
NEP 2020 emphasizes local languages in education as well as hiring teachers but gives states the option of a third language.
Policy flexibility
NEP 2020 offers flexibility in 3-language policy
The NEP 2020 document there will be greater flexibility in three-language formula, and no language will be imposed on any State."
It clarified that states and students would choose three languages "so long as at least two of the three languages are native to India."
This, the policy claims, would respect linguistic diversity while promoting multilingual education across regions of the country.
Historical resistance
Tamil Nadu's historical resistance to Hindi imposition
However, Tamil Nadu's resistance to NEP has origins in its historic struggle against the imposition of Hindi, when in 1937, the Congress government of then Madras Presidency made it compulsory in schools.
The decision created a storm among Tamils and galvanized Periyar EV Ramasamy's Dravidian movement against it.
The state saw severe turmoil in 1965 when Hindi was to be made India's official language—hundreds died then and a strong anti-Hindi sentiment prevails even today.
Support for NEP
Support for NEP's 3-language formula amid ongoing debate
Despite the controversy, some industry stalwarts and education experts continue to swear by the benefits of multilingual education.
For instance, former Infosys CFO and investor, Mohandas Pai came out in favor of the three-language policy, saying it increases career mobility across India.
He said the more languages one learns, the more one can work across India, terming it a major skill and competitive advantage.