Amid an ongoing language row, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Friday unveiled the state’s new education policy (SEP), reaffirming that the state will continue with the two-language formula of
Tamil and English in schools.
The policy, prepared by a 14-member panel headed by retired Justice D. Murugesan and set up in 2022, was submitted to the Chief Minister in July last year and was formally released at the Anna Centenary Library Auditorium.
“Through this education policy, we don’t want students just to mug up, but think and get educated. Physical education will be taught along with studies. Importantly, I want to say firmly that we will follow two-language policy and it is our firm policy,” Stalin said, adding that smart classes would be introduced under the SEP.
He further asserted, “We will never allow anyone to stop education. We will not allow pirooku (reactionary thinking) in our education. Our state education policy aims to create samathuva kalvi (equality) and will be a pagutharivu kalvi (one with a rational thought). This will serve as a platform to compete with international standards of education.”
The Chief Minister said the government’s goal is to ensure 100% admission of school students into higher education, up from the current 75%.
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The announcement comes against the backdrop of the DMK-led government’s opposition to the Centre’s National Education Policy (NEP), which it has called “against social justice” and an attempt to impose Hindi. The state has rejected the NEP’s three-language formula, centralised entrance exams, and early standardised testing.
In May, the Tamil Nadu government moved the Supreme Court over alleged withholding of Rs 2,200 crore in central funds, linking it to the state’s refusal to implement the NEP. The plea seeks a declaration that the NEP 2020 and PM SHRI Schools Scheme are not binding without the state’s consent.
