Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Accuses CM M K Stalin Over NEP Implementation Stance

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin of instigating inter-state conflicts over the non-implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP). Pradhan's comments came after Stalin claimed that the Centre is denying funds to top-performing states under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme for not implementing NEP.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Monday of instigating inter-state conflicts to emphasize the non-implementation of the new National Education Policy (NEP).

Pradhan made the comments following Stalin's statement alleging that the Centre is withholding funds from the top-performing states under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme for refusing to implement NEP.

'Healthy competition amongst the states is always welcome in a democracy. However, pitting states against each other to make a point goes against the spirit of the Constitution and the value of a unified India,' Pradhan wrote on X. 'NEP 2020 was formulated through a wide range of consultations and embodies the collective wisdom of the people of India.'

In a series of questions directed at Stalin, Pradhan inquired about the state's 'principled' opposition to NEP: 'Are you opposing education in mother tongue including Tamil? Are you opposing the conduct of exams in Indian languages including Tamil? Are you opposing the creation of textbooks and content in Indian languages including Tamil? Are you opposed to the holistic, multidisciplinary, equitable, futuristic, and inclusive framework of NEP?'

Stalin had earlier shared a news report on X concerning the reduction of Samagra Shiksha funds by the Centre for states not implementing NEP, criticizing the Union Government's approach towards promoting quality education.

(With inputs from agencies.)