'Talk to your party high command': Puducherry govt to implement 3-language policy; slams Congress

The government of Puducherry has revealed plans to adopt a three-language policy in schools, with Home, School, and Collegiate Education Minister A. Namassivayam addressing the issue in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

The announcement was made in response to concerns raised by the Congress party, which accused the Union government of attempting to impose Hindi through the National Education Policy.

Namassivayam swiftly refuted the allegations, clarifying that Hindi would not be forced upon students.


"There is no imposition of Hindi. Students who wish to learn a third language will have the option to choose. It is not mandatory for students to learn Hindi; they may select a regional language instead," he said.

The Minister also took the opportunity to respond to Congress MLA M. Vaithianathan, who had criticised the move. Namassivayam reminded the assembly that it was the Congress-led government at the Centre in the 1960s that had first introduced Hindi, sparking protests in Tamil Nadu.

"You should consult your party leadership to understand the historical context of the anti-Hindi agitation in Tamil Nadu," he added.

In response to Namassivayam’s remarks, members of both the DMK and Congress walked out of the assembly in protest, although they returned shortly afterward.

Opposition Leader R. Siva condemned the government's stance, stating in a release that the people of Puducherry would give a fitting reply to the AINRC and BJP for implementing the three-language policy.

The change in policy comes after Puducherry and Karaikal's schools switched from the Tamil Nadu State Board to the CBSE curriculum in 2023. Meanwhile, schools in Mahe follow the Kerala board, while those in Yanam are affiliated with the Andhra Pradesh board.

(With inputs from ToI)