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MK Stalin Explains Rupee Symbol Change in Tamil Nadu Budget
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has explained the rationale behind replacing the standard rupee symbol (₹) with the Tamil script ‘ரூ’ in the state budget logo. The move, which aligns with the state’s long-standing commitment to linguistic pride, has sparked political debate, drawing both support and criticism.
Why Tamil Nadu Replaced ₹ with ‘Ru’
The updated budget logo features ‘ரூ’ (pronounced ‘Ru’), derived from ‘Rubaai,’ the Tamil word for rupees. The design choice reflects the government’s emphasis on preserving and promoting Tamil heritage. Stalin addressed the matter, stating, “We had put ‘Ru’ in it to show how committed we are to the language policy.”
Alongside the new symbol, the budget logo includes the phrase “Everything for All,” representing the state’s vision of inclusive governance.
Political Responses to the Symbol Change
The decision has led to heated political discussions. While Tamil Nadu’s ruling party sees it as a reaffirmation of linguistic and cultural pride, critics argue that it undermines national unity. The Union Finance Minister criticized the change, calling it a move that fosters “secessionist sentiment.”
Opposition leaders pointed out that the rupee symbol was originally designed by Udhay Kumar, a Tamilian and the son of a former DMK MLA, questioning why a symbol with Tamil roots needed replacement.
Language Identity and Governance
This shift in the budget logo comes amid Tamil Nadu’s broader opposition to policies that it believes impose Hindi or reduce the prominence of regional languages. The state has consistently resisted the three-language formula introduced in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, advocating for Tamil’s continued dominance in governance and education.
By replacing the rupee symbol, the Tamil Nadu government has reaffirmed its stance on language preservation, ensuring Tamil’s continued visibility in official documents and state governance. While the debate over linguistic representation continues, the move underscores the administration’s commitment to promoting Tamil identity in state affairs.
