Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday, August 8, released a new State Education Policy, reaffirming its two-language policy of teaching only English and Tamil in the state.
The announcement is being viewed as a direct counter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s National Education Policy (NEP) and its three-language framework, which Stalin’s party has denounced as “regressive” and “anti-social.”
Launching the new state policy at Anna Centenary Library Auditorium in Chennai, Stalin said that the policy has been drafted with Tamil Nadu’s unique character in mind and to make students capable of thinking and acting rather than just memorising, The Hindu reported.
It was formulated based on the recommendations from the Justice D Murugesan Committee tasked with drafting the policy.
MDMK MP Durai Vaiko said that the policy has taken the positive aspects of the National Education Policy and incorporated the state’s priorities.
“The State Education Policy is the first of its kind, and Tamil Nadu is the first state to unveil its own education policy, as per the demands of the people. Tamil Nadu ranks number one in education. The policy incorporates the good aspects of the National Education Policy, while also reflecting the state’s unique priorities. We are firmly insisting on the two-language policy,” Vaiko told PTI.
The state has long resisted the national language, criticising it as an attempt at “Hindi imposition.” The debate even drew Google CEO Sundar Pichai into the controversy when opponents shared examples of successful individuals who have succeeded with just studying Tamil and English in the state.
In March this year, Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar said that the NEP’s three-language formula will allow states, regions, and students to decide on the languages they wish to learn and ensure that no language will be imposed upon students or schools.
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First Published: Aug 8, 2025 2:03 PM IST
