Some friends in Tamil Nadu are doing politics, says Dharmendra Pradhan as DMK hits out over ‘Hindi imposition’
The Hindu
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addresses language imposition allegations in Tamil Nadu, emphasizing the importance of NEP implementation.
Following the allegations of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government of language imposition and funds not been released for the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in Tamil Nadu, Union Education Minister Dharmendra said that the Central government is committed to implementing National Education Policy (NEP).
Mr. Pradhan said, "To create competition among students, to create a level-playing field, we have to come to a common platform. NEP is the new aspirational common platform. I respect all languages. This NEP, envisioned by PM Modi is giving emphasis to the mother tongue."
He further said that though Tamil was one of the oldest languages there was nothing wrong if students in Tamil Nadu receive a multligual education. "Tamil is one of the oldest languages of our civilisation. But what is wrong if a student in Tamil Nadu will learn multilingual aspect in education? It can be Tamil, English and other Indian languages. There is no imposition of Hindi or any other language on them. Some friends in Tamil Nadu are doing politics. But Govt of India is committed to implementing NEP and there are certain conditions with NEP," the Minister said.
The Education Minister further said that certain political parties were not in favour of implementing NEP due to their political interests, although education is on the concurrent list.
Earlier Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister and DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday (February 17, 2025) hit out at the BJP-led Union government, which he alleged was attempting a Hindi imposition in Tamil Nadu.
"The Union Government has not allotted funds to us in the union budget and even Tamil Nadu's name is not there in the budget. After the cyclonic disaster happened in Tamil Nadu, we asked for funds from the central government to release funds, but they still have not allotted it; only SDRF funds were given to us. Tamil Nadu people are watching their actions and when the time comes, they will reply to them," Mr. Stalin told ANI.
"Education was in the state list before and it is in the concurrent list now. The Union government is trying to impose Hindi and our Chief Minister will not accept it. The Union government is trying to impose Hindi on us and please don't impose Hindi on us," the Deputy Chief minister of Tamil Nadu added.
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