Image Credit - https://www.dmk.in/
Stalin Criticizes NEP as ‘Saffron Policy’ Threatening Tamil Nadu’s Education
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has strongly criticized the National Education Policy (NEP), calling it a “saffron policy” that endangers the state’s education system and social justice framework. Addressing a gathering in Chennai, Stalin claimed that the policy is designed to impose Hindi and disrupt Tamil Nadu’s well-established educational model.
NEP’s Language Policy Sparks Controversy
Stalin alleged that the NEP promotes Hindi at the expense of regional languages, arguing that this move is politically motivated rather than intended for holistic educational development. The Chief Minister reiterated that Tamil Nadu has historically resisted Hindi imposition and will continue to uphold its two-language policy of Tamil and English.
The three-language formula recommended under the NEP has been a major point of contention, with Stalin maintaining that it is a backdoor attempt to make Hindi mandatory. He accused the central government of trying to erode state autonomy through such policies, adding that Tamil Nadu’s resistance has led to the alleged withholding of education-related funds by the Centre.
Concerns Over Social Justice and Reservation
One of the strongest criticisms from Stalin was that the NEP fails to acknowledge reservation policies, which have been crucial in ensuring social justice in Tamil Nadu. He claimed that the policy’s emphasis on vocational education is a move toward caste-based education, which could reverse decades of progress in equitable access to education.
He further warned that the policy undermines the rights of students from marginalized backgrounds by creating disparities in educational opportunities. The DMK government has consistently opposed any changes that dilute the state’s long-standing affirmative action policies.
Stalin’s Call for Nationwide Resistance
Apart from education, Stalin also raised concerns about the proposed delimitation exercise, accusing the BJP of trying to increase its influence in northern states by altering parliamentary seat allocations. He claimed that such moves would disrupt the balance of political representation and weaken federal principles.
Stalin urged all political parties across India to unite against the BJP’s policies, which he described as authoritarian and detrimental to federalism. He called for a nationwide push to defend social justice, state rights, and secularism, asserting that Tamil Nadu would continue to oppose policies that undermine its identity and governance structure.
BJP Responds to DMK’s Allegations
The BJP dismissed Stalin’s remarks, accusing the DMK of using language politics to divert attention from its own governance failures. The party argued that Tamil Nadu’s education system is struggling due to poor state-level policies rather than the NEP.
The BJP further criticized the DMK for rejecting central funds linked to the NEP, claiming that such decisions deprive Tamil Nadu’s students of better educational opportunities. The party alleged that the DMK fears an educated and self-reliant younger generation that may challenge its political stronghold in the state.
With the debate over the NEP intensifying, Tamil Nadu remains firm in its stance against the policy, setting the stage for continued clashes between the state and central governments on education, federalism, and governance priorities.
