Tamil Nadu Defends Language Policy, Challenges NEP

Tamil Nadu's Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi robustly defended the state's language stance, referencing DMK leader M. Karunanidhi's legacy, amid debate over the NEP's triple language policy. In the Assembly, Mahesh outlined the state's unwavering commitment to Tamil, while heralding an anticipated announcement from Chief Minister MK Stalin.

Tamil Nadu's School Education Minister, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, emphatically defended the state's language policy on Tuesday, invoking the legacy of the late DMK leader M. Karunanidhi amidst growing concerns over the three-language policy under the New Education Policy (NEP). Addressing the Tamil Nadu Assembly, Anbil Mahesh stated, "All members have been insisting on an important issue. As per DMK, it's our leader Karunanidhi who introduced the Tamil Thai Valthu (Tamil anthem), the Thirukural in government buses, the Valluvar Kootam constructed by him, a separate department for Tamil language development, government orders in Tamil, and made Tamil a classical language."

Underscoring Karunanidhi's contributions, he questioned, "There are 122 big languages in India and 1,599 languages in total. Search across India to see if anyone else worked to save their mother tongue like our leader Karunanidhi did." His remarks stood as a response to Opposition Deputy Leader RB Udayakumar, who voiced concerns over a letter from Tamil Nadu's Chief Secretary to the Union Government, suggesting possible acceptance of the NEP's triple language policy in the state.

Mahesh clarified the state's position, explaining, "Our Chief Secretary specifically wrote that, based on the recommendation of a Union committee, we will form a state-level committee headed by the Principal Secretary of the School Education Department. Based on that committee's recommendations, we will decide. The committee has not accepted anything yet." He reinforced the DMK's steadfast allegiance to the paths laid by Karunanidhi and current Chief Minister MK Stalin, stating, "We don't need money (funds). That's why our CM said if we take your (Union Government's) 2,000 crore rupees, it would be a sin to drag Tamil society 2,000 years back. We don't want that scheme, even if you offer 10,000 crore." He also targeted the BJP's "equal education" signature campaign, asserting, "Here in our state, a party (BJP) campaigns in the name of equal education. It's our leader, Karunanidhi, who brought equal education to our soil... It's a double-standard act by the national party members. I severely condemn this."

Anbil Mahesh hinted at an impending significant announcement from CM Stalin, stating, "The statement to be announced by our Chief Minister will be a big one--an eager expectation not just for me but for all Tamil people." Under the leadership of MK Stalin, the Tamil Nadu government has found itself at odds with the Central government regarding the three-language formula introduced by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the delimitation exercise.

(With inputs from agencies.)