NEP 2020: Tamil Nadu Govt rejects '3 Language Formula', State to continue with two-language policy, confirms CM Palaniswami

NEP 2020 Three Language Formula: Tamil Nadu Government has formally announced that it will not implement the ‘3 Language Formula’ that has been proposed under the new National Education Policy 2020. TN CM Palaniswami said that the Tamil Nadu state rejects the NEP’s 3-language policy and therefore the state will continue with its existing system of two-language policy. Addressing the media persona, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister said that “"The three-language formula in the NEP is painful and saddening. The Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) should reconsider the three-language policy.” He also added that "Tamil Nadu will never allow the Centre's three- language formula. The state will continue with its dual language policy (of Tamil and English).”

Center Should Allow States to decide, says CM

Amid rising concerns amid the opposition leaders, including DMK; the state government formally announced that it rejects the 3 language formula proposed in NEP 2020 and will instead continue with its 2-language system i.e. dual language policy of teaching Tamil and English. Earlier, CM held meeting with his colleagues--Deputy CM O Panneerselvam, Ministers for higher education and school education, K P Anbalagan and K A Sengottaiyan, respectively and others. In the meeting, consensus was found on continuing the 2 language policy that has been followed by Tamil Nadu over decades. Furthermore, Tamil Nadu CM also advised the central government to leave the decision with regards to implement their own policy on the subject with the respective state governments. He also added that there will be no change to the two-language formula which the state had adopted decades ago.

NEP trying to Impose Hindi, says TN Opposition

The rejection of 3 language formula announced as part of the New Education Policy 2020 by the TN Govt comes following demands from Opposition leaders in the Tamil Nadu. A group of Opposition parties led by DMK and including Congress, MDMK, VCK, CPM, CPI and MMK, collectively wrote a letter to Palaniswami asking him to pass a resolution against the new NEP in the Tamil Nadu Cabinet meeting. The letter termed the NEP’s proposal for 3 language policy as a way of imposing "Hindi" and "Sanskrit" while "trying to do away with Tamil from the system, and this is against federalism, women rights and social justice.”