Chennai, April 4: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has raised serious concerns regarding the central government’s ‘Three Language Policy’ in a letter addressed to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Stalin described the policy as an attack on the rights of states and India’s linguistic diversity.
In his letter, Stalin stated that Tamil Nadu completely rejects this policy. He accused the government of not just imposing a language issue but also of undermining constitutional rights against the “imposition of Hindi.” He labeled the Union Minister’s statements as “irresponsible and insensitive.”
The Chief Minister further asserted that the central government’s claim of “no attempts to impose Hindi” is entirely false. According to him, when non-Hindi speaking states are pressured to adopt a third language, linking it to education funding, it ceases to be voluntary.
Stalin alleged that the withholding of approximately ₹2,200 crores under the ‘Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan’ is akin to coercing Tamil Nadu into accepting the policy. He described this action as unjust to states and a misuse of taxpayer money.
He questioned which third Indian language is actually being taught in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Additionally, he inquired about how many Central Schools offer Tamil or other South Indian languages and the number of teachers appointed in the last decade.
Defending Tamil Nadu’s education system, the Chief Minister emphasized that the state has developed a robust public education system through years of investment. He noted that Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy has been successful, contributing to the state’s global recognition in education, science, and technology.
Stalin firmly stated that Tamil Nadu will not accept any imposition of language under any circumstances, whether under the guise of flexibility or economic pressure. He framed this as an issue of “protecting the dignity of states and the true diversity of India.”
He also called on AIADMK leader E.K. Palaniswami to clarify his stance on this issue, questioning whether he stands with the people of the state or the central policy.
–
Leave a Comment