Opinion | NEP 2020 Tussle: Prioritise Students, Not Politics
Rejecting a forward-looking, student-centric policy isn’t just a setback—it’s a step backwards in the progress of education and society
Plato once said, “Education should not be the handmaid of politics, but the guide to truth and progress." Yet, from the era of Macaulay under British rule to post-independence India, political parties, their ideologues, and academic institutions have repeatedly weaponised education to serve their narrow, sectarian agendas—sacrificing the interests of students, society, and the nation.
The political standoff over the National Education Policy 2020, initiated by the Tamil Nadu government against the Centre is not just unwarranted but also harms the future of Tamil Nadu’s students and stands in direct contradiction to the letter and spirit of the Indian Constitution.
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The ongoing dispute stems from Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin’s strong opposition to key aspects of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly its language provisions. He has fiercely criticised the three-language formula, the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), and the Multiple Entry-Exit System etc., portraying them as a threat to Tamil Nadu’s linguistic and educational autonomy.
The latest flashpoint in this debate is the three-language formula, which Stalin claims imposes Hindi and Sanskrit on the state. Escalating tensions further, he has sounded the alarm that the Tamil language and culture are “in danger" due to the Central government’s policies. Meanwhile, Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and criticised the Union government for linking two central initiatives—Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and PM SHRI Schools—with NEP. Additionally, he cited constitutional provisions to argue his case that education falls under the Concurrent List, granting states significant authority over educational policies.
As the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approach, the Stalin-led DMK government is strategically making such claims to gain political leverage. However, this political opportunism risks sidelining the real interests and future of Tamil students and youth. In fear of being left behind, many other political parties in Tamil Nadu are echoing the same stance. To fully grasp the issue, it would be pertinent to understand the making of NEP 2020.
NEP 2020, prepared under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, was designed to address the socio-economic and technological challenges of the 21st century. Widely appreciated across the country and globally, NEP 2020 was introduced after extensive consultations with stakeholders from every corner of India. 2.5 lakh gram panchayats, 6,600 blocks, and 676 districts from across the nation, including Tamil Nadu, were consulted to formulate such a policy, making it a truly national and democratic one.
Notably, the chairman of the committee that drafted NEP 2020, K. Kasturirangan, is of Tamil origin.
Apart from other progressive provisions, NEP 2020 places a strong emphasis on Indian languages and multilingualism, fostering linguistic diversity and cultural exchange. It includes all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The new ‘three-language formula’ introduced in NEP 2020, for promoting Indian languages and multilingualism, is more inclusive and flexible than its predecessors in NEP 1968 and NEP 1986.
In previous policies, Hindi-speaking states followed a model where students learned English, Hindi, and one other Indian language, while non-Hindi states had to offer English, the state’s regional language, and Hindi as the third language. However, the new policy, NEP 2020, provides a more flexible and inclusive approach—students now have the option to study any two Indian languages. No specific language— Hindi or otherwise—is mandatory.
This means a student in Tamil Nadu can choose to study Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Hindi, Sanskrit, or any other language listed in the Eighth Schedule. CM Stalin’s claim, therefore, that Hindi or Sanskrit is being imposed is simply misleading and politically motivated. It is unfortunate that political narratives are being created to provoke public sentiment for electoral gains.
The current three-language formula, truly making India multilingual, offers students the opportunity to explore and appreciate the languages and cultures of their fellow citizens. In an emerging India, where migration between states is increasing significantly, knowing multiple Indian languages provides an advantage in trade, business, marketing, and various other sectors. Languages are not just means of communication; they serve as a bridge for understanding literature and cultural values, fostering harmony in society.
From a constitutional perspective, the three-language policy aligns with the letter and spirit of the Indian Constitution. The Preamble emphasises the ‘unity and integrity of the nation’. Learning multiple languages helps bring hearts and minds closer, reinforcing national unity. Additionally, this aligns with the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,’ which seeks to strengthen cultural connections across states. The Preamble also highlights the importance of ‘fraternity’, which naturally flourishes when people understand each other’s languages and cultures, promoting mutual respect.
CM Stalin’s argument that the Central government is undermining state authority in policymaking is flawed. Education falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, meaning both the Central and state governments have the authority to legislate on it. According to Article 246 (Seventh Schedule), both the Union and state governments can make laws on subjects in the Concurrent List. However, in the event of a conflict, Article 254 states that Union law will prevail. This means that if there is any inconsistency between state bylaws, rules, policies, or guidelines and those of the Centre, the stance of the Union government takes precedence.
Furthermore, Article 257 stipulates that states cannot exercise their powers in a manner that obstructs the Union’s executive authority. The Union government can direct states to act in a way that does not hinder national objectives. Article 282 allows for “discretionary grants" to states, meaning the Union can withhold funds if certain conditions are not met or if a state refuses to comply with national policies. Consequently, the Central government may delay or deny funds for centrally sponsored schemes if a state refuses to implement Union policies.
It is evident that the Modi government is operating well within the constitutional framework, upholding both the letter and spirit of the law.
Moreover, the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) and Multiple Entry-Exit systems are globally acclaimed for enhancing educational access and flexibility. These reforms are designed solely for the benefit of students, and any opposition to them is driven by political motives rather than genuine concern for education.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan righteously appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to rise above political differences in the interest of students. Failing to implement NEP 2020 would deprive Tamil Nadu’s students and people of invaluable pan-India and global opportunities and NEP’s transformative benefits.
Rejecting a forward-looking, student-centric policy isn’t just a setback—it’s a step backwards in the progress of education and society. Pradhan emphasised, and rightly so, that NEP 2020 imposes no language on states but champions linguistic freedom, empowering students to learn the language of choice. Stalin’s accusation that the Central government is undermining federalism lacks substance. In reality, it is the DMK government that is disregarding the very essence of cooperative federalism.
Furthermore, Stalin’s claim that the Modi government is undermining the Tamil language and culture is unfounded. PM Modi has passionately championed the promotion and preservation of the Tamil language and culture, showcasing an unwavering commitment through transformative initiatives and global recognition.
Be it the plan to establish ‘Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centres’ worldwide in honour of revered Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, or the global promotion of Tamil literature through translations of Thirukkural and numerous ancient Tamil texts into various languages, or the visionary initiative of the ‘Kashi-Tamil Sangamam’ festival in Varanasi to promote Tamil language and culture in North India—each reflects a deep commitment to preserving and expanding Tamil heritage.
Similarly, celebrating Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav across the country in Central government academic institutions on the birth anniversary of Tamil poet Subramania Bharati and conducting various pan-India examinations in Tamil and other Indian languages besides Hindi further reflect Prime Minister Modi’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding and promoting Tamil language and culture. Moreover, he has repeatedly praised Tamil as one of the world’s oldest languages, expressing immense pride in its rich heritage.
It is high time Stalin set aside political one-upmanship and prioritised the future of young learners. PM Modi once told Russian President Vladimir Putin, “This isn’t the age of war; let’s talk peace." A similar message applies to Stalin: “Education is not a battleground for politics; let’s embrace cooperative federalism." Surely, even Plato would have expected the same wisdom from him.
Prof. Niranjan Kumar is the Dean of Planning and a Senior Professor of Hindi at Delhi University. He can be recached @NiranjanKIndia. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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