Pradhan slams Stalin’s ‘linguistic imposition’ claim over 3-language formula

In a sharp political retort, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin over his remarks on the recently unveiled CBSE curriculum, which speaks about introducing a three-language formula from Class 6. Stalin termed the curriculum a covert move to impose the Hindi language. Pradhan said describing the National Education Policy (NEP) as “linguistic imposition” misrepresents a progressive and inclusive reform, creating unnecessary fear and confusion.

Stalin had argued that under the guise of promoting “Indian languages,” the BJP-led NDA government is aggressively advancing a centralising agenda that privileges Hindi while systematically marginalising India’s rich and diverse linguistic heritage. “The so-called three-language formula is, in reality, a covert mechanism to expand Hindi into non-Hindi speaking regions. For students in southern states, this framework effectively translates into compulsory Hindi learning. Yet, where is the reciprocity? Will students in Hindi-speaking states be mandated to learn Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam — or even languages like Bengali and Marathi?” he said.

The Tamil Nadu CM said that the Union Government appears determined to impose Hindi, brushing aside the legitimate, consistent, and democratic concerns raised by Tamil Nadu and several other states.

In response, Pradhan stated that NEP 2020 is a step toward “linguistic liberation”, emphasising education in the mother tongue so that every child, including Tamil-speaking students, can excel in their native language. He added that portraying the policy as compulsory Hindi undermines opportunities for students to become multilingual and globally competitive. According to him, multilingualism would strengthen Tamil rather than weaken it.

Pradhan also said the NEP promotes all languages equally, aligns with constitutional values, and seeks to improve on the existing two-language system. He highlighted implementation efforts through initiatives like Samagra Shiksha, teacher training, and institutional strengthening.

Criticising Stalin further, Pradhan alleged that the Tamil Nadu government had delayed the establishment of PM-SHRI Schools by not signing the required Memorandum of Understanding, despite earlier commitments. He said this had denied many underprivileged students access to better infrastructure and quality education.