Centre relents, says ‘Hindi not compulsory’

New Delhi, June 03: Amid massive uproar in Tamil Nadu over the three language formula proposed in the draft National Education Policy, the Union Government has reportedly agreed to the demands of not making Hindi compulsory.

A row erupted after it emerged that the draft New Education Policy requires schools to include Hindi, English and a regional language in the curriculum.

Parties in Tamil Nadu including the DMK on Saturday strongly opposed the three language formula. DMK strongly opposed the three language formula's continuation proposed in the draft National Education Policy alleging it was tantamount to "thrusting" Hindi and wanted it junked.

As per reports, the Centre has now agreed to not make Hindi compulsory in the new draft. Students can change one of their three languages.

The DMK had demanded the Centre to reject the draft recommendations which, the party claimed, was "imposition" of Hindi under the garb of three-language formula. DMK had said that the party MPs would voice their strong opposition in Parliament as soon as the House was convened.

Union HRD Ministry on Saturday assured that "no language will be imposed on any state."

"Committee has submitted its report to Ministry, it's not the policy. Public feedback will be sought, it's a misunderstanding that it has become a policy. No language will be imposed on any state," HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal told ANI on Saturday.