Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, urging the state to reconsider its opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Pradhan emphasized that the policy is designed to be flexible and should not be viewed through a political lens.

In his letter, Pradhan stated, “NEP 2020 is not just a reform—it is a transformative vision that seeks to elevate India’s education system to global standards while preserving and strengthening our linguistic and cultural diversity.”

Tamil Nadu has been one of the strongest critics of NEP 2020, particularly opposing the three-language formula. Addressing this concern, Pradhan assured that there was “no question of imposing any language upon any state or community,” reiterating that linguistic freedom remains a core principle of the policy.

The minister highlighted the Centre’s efforts to promote Tamil language and culture, citing initiatives such as Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Saurashtra Tamil Sangamam. He noted that “Tamil language is eternal, and Tamil culture is global,” quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks from his 2022 visit to Chennai.

Pradhan also pointed out that several translations of Thirukkural have been released in multiple Indian languages, and AI-based translation tools like Anuvadini and Bhashini have been developed to facilitate the learning of regional languages. He argued that Tamil Nadu’s continued opposition to NEP is depriving students of the opportunities the policy offers.

“The continued opposition to NEP 2020 for political reasons deprives students, teachers, and educational institutions in Tamil Nadu of the immense opportunities and resources that this policy offers,” he wrote.

Calling on the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider its stance, Pradhan stated, “I would, therefore, request you to rise above political differences and look into the matter holistically, keeping in mind the interest of our young learners.”

The letter comes amidst ongoing tensions between the Centre and Tamil Nadu over education policies, particularly regarding the state’s demand for a separate education framework. Stalin had earlier written to the Prime Minister expressing strong objections to NEP 2020, maintaining that it went against the state’s interests.

Pradhan, however, asserted that NEP is designed to accommodate regional needs and that several non-BJP states have implemented its progressive policies despite political differences. “NEP 2020 aims to broaden the horizon, not narrow them,” he said.

Earlier, MK Stalin accused Dharmendra Pradhan of “blackmailing” the state by withholding funds for not accepting the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

In a post on X, Stalin shared a video of Pradhan speaking to reporters in Varanasi, where he said that Tamil Nadu must follow the Constitution and implement the three-language policy.

Reacting to this, Stalin questioned, “Can the Education Minister cite any section of the Indian Constitution that makes the three-language policy mandatory? Education is on the concurrent list, and the Union government does not have a monopoly over it. Tamil Nadu will not tolerate such blackmail.”

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also criticised Pradhan’s remarks, calling the threat to withhold funds “unacceptable.”

The political standoff over NEP 2020 continues to escalate, with Tamil Nadu maintaining its strong opposition to the policy while the Centre pushes for its implementation nationwide.