Three-language policy: Why Tamil Nadu and the Modi govt are fighting over what kids should learn

The central government has withheld Rs 2,152 crore in funds meant for Tamil Nadu’s Samagra Shiksha scheme, citing the state’s refusal to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin raised concerns over the decision in a letter to the Prime Minister, demanding the release of the funds meant for supporting the Right to Education (RTE) Act.

Language Policy at the Core of the Dispute

The disagreement between the Centre and Tamil Nadu stems from the three-language formula under the NEP. While the central government argues that the policy enhances employment opportunities for youth across regions, Tamil Nadu sees it as an attempt to impose Hindi. The state follows a two-language policy, teaching only Tamil and English, and has a long history of opposing the imposition of Hindi.

Historical Debate on Language in Education

Discussions on language policy in education have been ongoing since Independence. The University Education Commission of 1948-49, chaired by Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, highlighted the complexities surrounding the issue. The Commission recommended Hindi as the federal language while recognising the need to continue using English for administrative purposes until Hindi became widely accepted.

Evolution of the Three-Language Formula

The Radhakrishnan Commission first proposed a three-language formula to promote inter-provincial understanding. This was later adopted in the National Education Policy of 1968 and retained in subsequent policies, including NEP 2020. According to the current policy, states and students can choose three languages, with at least two being Indian languages. However, the policy does not mandate Hindi specifically.

Centre’s Changing Stance on Education

Historically, the Centre has maintained that education falls under the Concurrent List, giving states control over policy implementation. In 2004, then Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh stated, “The role of the Central Government in the matter of the implementation of the three-language formula is recommendatory.” BJP leader and former HRD Minister Smriti Irani reiterated in 2014 that states had autonomy over curricula.

However, the Ministry of Education has now linked the release of Samagra Shiksha funds to the implementation of NEP 2020, effectively pushing states toward compliance. This shift has intensified tensions between the Centre and Tamil Nadu, with the latter maintaining its stance against the three-language formula.