Chennai, 12 March (H.S.) : The ongoing dispute over the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has intensified, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan sharing a letter dated March 15, 2024. The letter, written by Tamil Nadu’s then Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena, allegedly shows the state’s initial willingness to implement the NEP 2020.
Pradhan claimed that the letter proves Tamil Nadu’s U-turn on implementing the NEP 2020. He questioned the state’s sudden change in stance, attributing it to political brownies and reviving DMK’s political fortunes. Pradhan described the DMK’s opposition to NEP 2020 as retrograde politics that would harm Tamil Nadu’s students and future.
The detailed comment shared by Pradhan on X (https://x.com/dpradhanbjp/status/1899469771952787556 ) stated, Yesterday, DMK MPs and Hon’ble CM Stalin accused me of misleading the Parliament regarding Tamil Nadu’s consent for establishment of PM-SHRI Schools. I stand by my statement made in the Parliament and am sharing the consent letter from Tamil Nadu School Education Department dated 15th March 2024.
Further he added, DMK MPs and Hon’ble CM can stack lies as high as they want, but the truth doesn’t bother knocking when it comes crashing down. The DMK dispensation led by Hon’ble CM Stalin have a lot to answer to the people of Tamil Nadu. Raking the language issue as a diversionary tactic and denying facts as per their convenience will not shield their governance and welfare deficit.
Why this sudden change of stance on NEP? Definitely for political brownies and reviving DMK’s political fortunes. This retrograde politics of DMK is a great disservice to the bright future of Tamil Nadu and its students. I humbly request Hon’ble CM to not view NEP 2020 from a political lens. Please prioritize interest of our children in Tamil Nadu over political gains.
Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi refuted Pradhan’s claims, stating that spreading misinformation won’t change the facts. Poyyamozhi emphasized that the March 15, 2024, letter clearly stated that the state would decide on implementation based on committee recommendations.
Poyyamozhi reiterated that Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the NEP 2020 due to concerns that it undermines the state’s successful education model. He accused those pushing for NEP implementation of attempting to distort Tamil Nadu’s culture and legacy.
The dispute began when Tamil Nadu expressed willingness to sign a modified Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) excluding NEP and three-language policy provisions. However, Pradhan rejected this proposal, insisting on an unmodified MoU for the release of Samagra Shiksha (SS) funds for 2023-24.
Pradhan cited UDISE+ data, highlighting a decline in Tamil medium enrollment from 65.87 lakh in 2018-19 to 46.83 lakh in 2023-24. He attributed this shift to a colonial mindset prioritizing English over Indian languages.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reiterated the state’s opposition to NEP 2020, citing concerns over injecting communalism, privatization of education, public exams for children, and NEET-like tests for all courses. Stalin emphasized that NEP implementation would destroy education in the state.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary
