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Union Minister Urges Tamil Nadu to Adopt NEP, Recommends Tamil as Medium of Instruction

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called on the Tamil Nadu government to implement the National Education Policy, specifically recommending Tamil as the medium of instruction up to Class 5. The DMK-led state government opposes the NEP, having introduced its own State Education Policy with a two-language formula instead of the Centre's three-language approach. This conflict has reached the Supreme Court, which recently directed both sides to discuss establishing Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, Pradhan highlighted the cultural significance of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, framing it as a bridge between India's diverse regions.

Key Points: NEP in Tamil Nadu: Centre Pushes for Tamil as Medium of Instruction

  • NEP implementation push
  • Tamil as medium of instruction
  • State vs Centre policy clash
  • Supreme Court intervention on JNVs
3 min read

"Tamil should be medium of instruction up to standard five": Union Education Minister asks Tamil Nadu govt to implement NEP

Union Education Minister asks Tamil Nadu to implement NEP, emphasizing Tamil as the medium of instruction up to Class 5 amid ongoing policy disputes.

"In Tamil Nadu, Tamil should be the medium of instruction up to standard five. – Dharmendra Pradhan"

Madurai, December 31

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday asked the Tamil Nadu government to implement the National Education Policy, 2020, in the state, stating that Tamil should be the medium of instruction up to standard five as per the policy's recommendation.

NEP has been an issue of contention between the Centre and the DMK-led government in Tamil Nadu.

"We are now implementing the national education policy. In Tamil Nadu, Tamil should be the medium of instruction up to standard five. This is the recommendation of the national education policy. I am hopeful that the local government will encourage the Tamil language in the early stages. If we take care of the children, they will be the future leaders of our society," Union Minister Pradhan told reporters in Madurai.

The Tamil Nadu government has opposed the NEP 2020, claiming the imposition of Hindi under the three-language formula. In August 2025, the MK Stalin government rolled out the State Education Policy with a two-language formula to counter the Centre's NEP.

The tussle between the Centre and the state has also reached the apex court. On December 15, the Supreme Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to hold discussions with the central government on the issue of establishing Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) in the state. A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan also asked the state government to ascertain the extent of land necessary for establishing JNVs.

During the hearing, Senior counsel P Wilson, appearing for the Tamil Nadu government, argued that the Centre should adopt a two-language formula in line with the State government's policy, instead of a three-language formula. The counsel representing the Centre, on the other hand, contended that the State government want to thrust the Hindi language.

The top court urged the parties not to make this a language issue. It asserted that the aforesaid directions regarding the establishment of JNVs are in the interest of education among rural students.

Meanwhile, Dharmendra Pradhan, while speaking to reporters, hailed the fourth edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam, which concluded on Tuesday.

He said, "We have completed the fourth edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam successfully. Yesterday, we successfully organised the concluding program at Sri Rameswaram ji, and the Vice President of India addressed the gathering. This Kashi Tamil Sangamam is the statement and civilizational link between different parts of our country, especially Kashi and Rameshwaram. Many people are now participating in it. In the future, a more effective cultural exchange program on the background of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' will be organised. I am thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji for envisioning this great cultural bridge between the two parts of our country."

Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 began on December 2 under the theme: 'Let Us Learn Tamil - Tamil Karkalam.' Vice President CP Radhakrishnan attended the valedictory ceremony of the event as the Chief Guest at Rameswaram on Tuesday.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Why is the Union Minister giving advice to a state that has consistently topped in education? Our two-language policy works. This feels like interference, not cooperation. Let states decide what's best for their children.
A
Aman W
The Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a beautiful initiative. We need more cultural bridges, not language wars. But the Centre must genuinely listen to TN's concerns about Hindi imposition. A respectful dialogue is the only way forward.
S
Sarah B
As someone who studied in multiple states, I see value in both. Early education in Tamil is great, but children also need exposure to a link language (English/Hindi) for national mobility later. The three-language formula isn't a bad idea if implemented sensitively.
K
Karthik V
The Supreme Court is right. This shouldn't become a language issue. Establishing JNVs in rural Tamil Nadu is about quality education access for poor students. Let's not let politics block that. The focus should be on the child's future.
M
Meera T
Tamizh is our pride! 🚩 But we also live in a globalized world. Our state policy balances both beautifully - strong foundation in Tamil and mastery in English. We don't need a policy made in Delhi to tell us how to teach our kids.

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