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Context:

The three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has sparked intense debate in Tamil Nadu.

Three-Language Formula

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 maintains the three-language formula, a concept originally introduced in the 1968 NEP.  

NEP 1968

• Advocated for Hindi to be compulsory nationwide. 
• Hindi-speaking states were to teach Hindi, English, and a modern Indian language (preferably a South Indian language). 
• Non-Hindi speaking states were to teach the regional language, Hindi, and English. 
• This policy faced strong opposition, particularly from South Indian states.  

NEP 2020

• Three languages chosen by children should be based on the choices of "States, regions, and, of course, the students themselves," with the condition that "at least two of the three languages are native to India." 
• This offers flexibility and does not clearly mandate Hindi for any state. 
• It also stresses bilingual teaching, specifically in the mother tongue and English, and promotes Sanskrit as an optional language within the formula.  
• Despite the flexibility, the NEP 2020's three-language formula is viewed with suspicion and opposition in Tamil Nadu.  

 Tamil Nadu’s Two-Language Policy: A Historical Resistance

Adoption of Two-Language Policy:

• In 1968, the DMK-led Madras Assembly (now Tamil Nadu) passed a resolution rejecting the three-language formula, opting for Tamil and English only.
• Successive governments (DMK and AIADMK) have upheld this policy, viewing Hindi as a threat to Tamil identity.

Key Protests:

• 1937–1940: Anti-Hindi agitation forced the withdrawal of a compulsory Hindi policy in Madras Presidency.
• 1965: Violent protests over Hindi as the sole official language led to 70+ deaths and the Official Languages (Amendment) Act, 1967.
• 2019: Backlash forced the Kasturirangan Committee to remove mandatory Hindi learning from the draft NEP.

Concern

Critics argue that implementing a third language would require hiring teachers and creating infrastructure for regional languages, which is impractical. Hindi, being federally promoted, would become the default choice.

The Union Budget’s ₹50 crore allocation in 2019 for Hindi teachers in non-Hindi states and lack of support for southern languages in Kendriya Vidyalayas fuel suspicion of Hindi bias.

Past agitations and political rhetoric have deepened Tamil Nadu’s opposition to any policy perceived as promoting Hindi.

Current Issue

The Union Education Minister has withheld ₹2,152 crore from Tamil Nadu’s Samagra Shiksha funds, indicating the state’s refusal to adopt NEP 2020 and the three-language formula.  

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu calls the funding link “unconstitutional blackmail” and vows to protect Tamil interests, even if it means rejecting funds. He argues the policy lacks constitutional backing and would set Tamil Nadu “back 2,000 years”.

Way Forward

Education, a concurrent subject, requires Centre-State collaboration. Open talks are essential to address Tamil Nadu’s concerns.

Practical Compromise: The Centre could allow phased implementation or provide resources for regional languages to avoid Hindi dominance.

Acknowledge Tamil Nadu’s Success: The state’s two-language policy has driven strong educational outcomes, such as a 47% Gross Enrollment Ratio (2021–22), proving multilingualism is not a prerequisite for success.

Decouple Funding from Policy Disputes: Samagra Shiksha funds should not be withheld over language policy disagreements, as this harms students and educational access.

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NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY (NEP) 2020

Source: 

THE HINDU