Tamil Nadu Says No To Three-Language Formula Amid NEP Push. Can States Decide Their Own Policy?
Tamil Nadu Says No To Three-Language Formula Amid NEP Push. Can States Decide Their Own Policy? Written By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 11:12 IST
Tamil Nadu Says No To Three-Language Formula Amid NEP Push. Can States Decide Their Own Policy? Written By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 11:12 IST Tamil Nadu wants to continue with its existing two-language policy under which students in state schools primarily study Tamil and English Rapid Read The two-language formula has been central to Tamil Nadu’s political identity since the anti-Hindi agitations of the 1960s. Tamil Nadu has once again made it clear that it will continue with its decades-old two-language policy, resisting the three-language formula proposed under the Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The latest flashpoint emerged amid discussions around the PM SHRI school scheme and central education funding, with the state government reiterating that it would not dilute its position on language policy. Tamil Nadu School education minister A Rajmohan, while speaking to Deccan Herald, said the state would continue the policy of teaching only Tamil and English in schools. “Two-language policy is not just a policy of the Tamil Nadu government, it is also one of the fundamental principles of the TVK. We are clear that the state will continue to follow the two-language policy and there is no change in that," he said. ALSO READ | ‘Playing Language Game In The Age Of AI’: Parents Say CBSE’s 3-Language Policy An ‘Additional Burden’ But what exactly is the three-language formula? Why does Tamil Nadu oppose it so strongly? And can a state legally refuse to implement a national education policy? What Does Tamil Nadu Want? Tamil Nadu wants to continue with its existing two-language policy under which students in state schools primarily study Tamil and English. The state has consistently opposed compulsory introduction of a third language in government schools, particularly because of fears that it could eventually lead to Hindi becoming mandatory in practice.
According to Moneycontrol, Tamil Nadu’s political leadership argues that the current model has worked effectively for decades, students should not be burdened with another compulsory language, and states should retain autonomy over education and language policy. The two-language formula has been central to Tamil Nadu’s political identity since the anti-Hindi agitations of the 1960s. What Is the Three-Language Formula Under NEP? The three-language formula is not new. It was first recommended by the Kothari Commission in the 1960s and later adopted in the Policy on Education in 1968, according to The Week. Under the NEP 2020, students are expected to learn three languages. At least two of those languages must be Indian languages and states theoretically have flexibility in choosing the languages. NDTV reported that the Union government maintains that Hindi is not compulsory, no language will be imposed, and the policy merely promotes multilingualism. The NEP also allows students to learn other Indian or foreign languages at later stages. Then Why Is Tamil Nadu Opposing It? The fear of “Hindi imposition" remains the core issue. Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian parties argue that while the policy appears flexible on paper, in practice the third language in non-Hindi states usually becomes Hindi. The state’s opposition is rooted in historical anti-Hindi agitations that shaped modern Tamil politics. Many political leaders view the three-language formula as a “backdoor" mechanism to expand Hindi influence nationally. Tamil Nadu also argues that the policy is asymmetrical. Its leaders say that students in southern and non-Hindi-speaking states are expected to learn Hindi, but Hindi-speaking states rarely teach Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu or other southern languages with equal seriousness. Critics in the state argue that this creates a one-sided linguistic expectation favouring Hindi-speaking regions, Moneycontrol reported.
For Tamil Nadu, the issue is no longer just educational. The state sees language policy as tied to federalism, cultural identity, and state rights. That is why even rival Dravidian parties such as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam have historically defended the two-language system. Vijay’s TVK is now part of the bloc. What Does The Centre Say? The Centre insists that NEP does not impose Hindi, states are free to choose languages, and multilingualism benefits students nationally. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has argued that students should have the opportunity to learn another Indian language and that Tamil Nadu should not deny students that choice, The Times of India reported. Supporters of the NEP also argue that knowledge of additional Indian languages can improve mobility and employment opportunities, and many private schools in Tamil Nadu already teach three languages voluntarily. Can Tamil Nadu Legally Oppose NEP? Yes, to a significant extent. Education falls under the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution, meaning both the Centre and states can legislate and frame policy on the subject. What also adds teeth to the argument is that NEP itself is a policy framework, and not a constitutional amendment or an automatically binding law. That gives states substantial flexibility in implementation. Tamil Nadu therefore argues that it is fully within its constitutional rights to continue with its own school language structure. Can The Centre Pressure States? While the Centre may not directly force implementation immediately, it does have indirect mechanisms of influence. One major issue has been the linking of education funding and schemes to NEP implementation. According to Moneycontrol, Tamil Nadu has accused the Centre of withholding funds under schemes such as Samagra Shiksha because the state has not fully aligned with the NEP framework.
The Union government, meanwhile, argues that centrally programmes like PM SHRI schools are meant to function as NEP-aligned model institutions. This has turned the language issue into a broader Centre-state political confrontation. Is Tamil Nadu Opposed To Learning Hindi Itself? Not entirely. Many students in Tamil Nadu voluntarily learn Hindi through CBSE schools, private institutions, coaching centres, and language academies. The political resistance is usually framed not as opposition to learning Hindi, but opposition to compulsory state-backed imposition. Critics of the state government, however, argue that students in Tamil Nadu may lose opportunities because of the rigid two-language structure. What Happens Next? Tamil Nadu is unlikely to abandon its two-language formula easily because the issue carries deep political, emotional and historical significance in the state. For the Centre, meanwhile, the NEP’s three-language framework is being projected as a flexible multilingual model rather than a Hindi-imposition project. The standoff is now evolving into a larger debate over federalism, cultural autonomy, Centre-state relations, and who ultimately controls education policy in India. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 19, 2026, 11:12 IST News explainers Tamil Nadu Says No To Three-Language Formula Amid NEP Push. Can States Decide Their Own Policy? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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