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Tamil Nadu vs Centre: The Clash Over the Three-Language Policy
Introduction:
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has reignited linguistic and federal tensions between Tamil Nadu and the Central government. Tamil Nadu has historically adhered to a two-language policy (Tamil and English) and strongly resisted the introduction of Hindi. The Centre’s conditional funding under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme has intensified the conflict.
Historical Context of Tamil Nadu’s Opposition
- Legacy of Anti-Hindi Movements: Protests in 1937, 1965, and later against the imposition of Hindi.
- Two-Language Policy: Tamil Nadu has consistently rejected the three-language formula.
- Autonomy in Education: The state advocates for greater control over its syllabus, curriculum, and policy-making.
Three-Language Policy Under NEP 2020
- Promotes a multilingual education system, recommending students learn three languages, with at least two being Indian languages.
- Officially, students have the freedom to choose their languages.
- Criticism from Tamil Nadu: The policy is seen as an indirect attempt to impose Hindi.
Arguments Presented by Tamil Nadu
- State Autonomy Over Education
- Education was originally a State List subject but was moved to the Concurrent List, increasing Central control.
- The one-size-fits-all approach of NEP disregards regional diversity.
- Linguistic Rights and Identity
- Tamil Nadu considers the two-language policy an integral part of its linguistic and cultural heritage.
- The policy is perceived as a threat to Tamil linguistic nationalism.
- Opposition to Hindi Imposition
- DMK leaders accuse the Centre of trying to impose Hindi through the three-language formula.
- Concerns Over Funding Pressure: Tamil Nadu has criticised the conditional release of Samagra Shiksha funds as coercive federalism.
Arguments Presented by the Centre
- Holistic and Inclusive Education: NEP 2020 aims to provide students with wider language choices and skill-based education.
- Equal Opportunities for Tamil Nadu Youth: Governor RN Ravi argues that the two-language policy limits Tamil Nadu youth’s career and higher education opportunities.
- Freedom of Choice in Language Learning: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan denies Hindi imposition, stating that students can choose non-Hindi languages.
- Comparison with Private Schools: BJP leader K Annamalai has pointed out that private schools attended by Tamil Nadu ministers’ children follow a three-language formula.
Constitutional and Legal Dimensions
- Education as a Concurrent Subject: Both the Centre and States have legislative power over education, leading to policy conflicts.
- Right to Education and Linguistic Rights: The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, and Article 29 (protection of linguistic minorities) influence the debate.
- Role of Judiciary: Tamil Nadu has challenged similar policies in court in the past, making judicial intervention a possibility.
Tamil Nadu’s Alternative: The State Education Policy (SEP)
- Strengthening Tamil as a medium of instruction.
- Skill-based approach to align with regional employment opportunities.
- Flexible and state-controlled entrance examinations.
- Education tailored to socio-economic needs of the state.
Implications of the Conflict
- Federalism and State Autonomy
- Highlights tensions over Centre-State power distribution.
- Raises debates on cooperative vs. coercive federalism.
- Linguistic and Cultural Identity: The issue resonates deeply with Tamil linguistic nationalism.
- Educational Equity
- Tamil Nadu has focused on inclusive education with welfare schemes.
- Common entrance exams like NEET may reduce access for marginalised students.
- Impact on National Policy Implementation
- If Tamil Nadu resists NEP 2020, other states may follow suit, creating a fragmented education landscape.
- It may set a precedent for state autonomy in policymaking.
Way Forward
- Dialogue and Consensus-Building: The Centre should engage in consultations with states to accommodate regional concerns.
- Decentralised Implementation: Allow states to adapt NEP based on their socio-cultural and economic contexts.
- Balancing National and Regional Interests
- Recognise linguistic and cultural diversity in national policies.
- Ensure regional languages receive equal prominence in education.
- Review of the Three-Language Formula
- Implement language flexibility to avoid forced imposition of Hindi.
- Promote regional language-based higher education institutions.
