Tamil Nadu Launches State Education Policy, Reaffirming Two-Language Formula
Tamil Nadu has officially released its own State Education Policy, which notably reiterates the state's long-standing two-language formula of teaching only Tamil and English in schools. The policy, formulated by a committee led by retired Justice D. Murugesan, stands in direct contrast to the three-language model proposed by the central government's National Education Policy. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated the policy is designed to foster critical thinking over memorization and reflects the state's unique cultural character.
Unpacked:
Tamil Nadu’s opposition is rooted in its history of resisting Hindi imposition and a desire to preserve its linguistic and cultural identity. The state argues that adding a third Indian language, typically Hindi, strains resources and risks eroding its autonomy in education, viewing the policy as a threat to its federal rights and unique heritage.
The central government has linked educational funding, such as Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan funds, to compliance with the three-language policy. Tamil Nadu views this as coercion, leading to disputes over the balance of power in India’s federal system and concerns about future central mandates tied to funding.
Violent protests in the 1960s against making Hindi the sole official language led to Tamil Nadu’s firm two-language policy. The state fears that teaching Hindi could pave the way for its dominance, and these historic tensions continue to influence current policy choices.
Experts suggest options like asymmetric federalism, allowing states flexibility without penalties, and focusing on skills-based language learning rather than mandatory languages. Other proposals include using technology for multilingual education and offering economic incentives to encourage voluntary language learning.