Tamil Nadu Government Introduces New Education Policy Amid Dispute With Central Government Over NEP

The Tamil Nadu government, led by MK Stalin, has introduced a new education policy that maintains the two-language system. The state opposes the National Education Policy and seeks financial support from the central government amid ongoing disputes.

The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, has introduced a new education policy. This move comes amid ongoing debates about language policies in the state. The policy maintains the two-language system in schools, focusing on Tamil and English. Stalin also recognised 901 students from government schools who gained entry into top institutions like IITs and NITs.

Stalin expressed pride in the fact that 75% of students who passed Class XII exams this year have enrolled in higher education. He aims to increase this figure to 100% in the future. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance educational opportunities for students across Tamil Nadu.

State Education Policy and Its Implications

The State Education Policy (SEP) was crafted by a committee led by retired high court Judge Justice D Murugesan. The report was submitted in 2024. This policy emerges after months of protests against the National Education Policy (NEP) introduced by the central government, which Tamil Nadu has opposed.

The DMK-led government argues that the NEP undermines social justice and seeks to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu. Consequently, the state has refused to adopt it. In May, Tamil Nadu approached the Supreme Court, alleging that Rs 2,200 crore in central funds were withheld due to its non-compliance with the NEP.

Legal Actions and Financial Concerns

Tamil Nadu's plea sought a declaration that NEP 2020 and PM SHRI Schools Scheme cannot be enforced without its consent. The petition claimed that funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme were unlawfully tied to these central initiatives, calling this linkage "unconstitutional" and "arbitrary."

The state demands Rs 2,291.30 crore from the Centre, along with 6% annual interest on Rs 2,151.59 crore from May 1 until full payment is made. Additionally, Tamil Nadu requests that the court ensure timely disbursal of grants-in-aid as per the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009.

Opposition to Central Policies

The state's opposition stems from Clause 4.13 of NEP-2020, which proposes a three-language formula that Tamil Nadu rejects. The MoU related to PM SHRI Schools Scheme mandates NEP-2020's implementation in full within Tamil Nadu—a condition opposed by the state government.

This ongoing dispute highlights tensions between state autonomy and central directives regarding educational policies. As discussions continue, stakeholders await further developments concerning funding and policy implementation.