Tensions Escalate Between Tamil Nadu and Central Government Over National Education Policy
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Tamil Nadu's DMK government clash over NEP 2020, with accusations of dishonesty and concerns over language policies and school funding.
- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Tamil Nadu's DMK government of reversing its stance on implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, calling their actions politically motivated and harmful to students.
- Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and DMK leaders strongly opposed the NEP, criticizing its three-language formula and rejecting claims of dishonesty, labeling the policy as a 'destructive Nagpur plan.'
- Concerns were raised by opposition MPs over NEP provisions, including potential marginalization of students, closure of government schools, and reduced access to education for disadvantaged communities.
- The DMK alleged that the central government was using the PM SHRI scheme, which requires NEP compliance, to withhold critical education funds from states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal.
- The debate also touched on controversial changes to NCERT textbooks, with accusations of erasing historical content related to communalism and Gandhi's assassination, which Pradhan defended as part of a rationalization process.