Context:

Recently, the central government has made it clear that unless Tamil Nadu agrees to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the state will not be provided financial assistance of Rs 2,000 crore sanctioned under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. This decision has further deepened the already ongoing federal tussle between the Center and the state government over the education policy.

About Three-Language Formula in NEP 2020: 

• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 retains the three-language formula from the 1968 NEP, but introduces greater flexibility, addressing concerns, especially from non-Hindi-speaking States like Tamil Nadu. The policy allows States to choose their three languages, with the requirement that at least two must be native to India. This shift provides non-Hindi-speaking regions the freedom to avoid Hindi, a significant change from earlier mandates.
• NEP 2020 prioritizes bilingual education, advocating for instruction in students' mother tongue alongside English. This aims to maintain cultural connections while enhancing cognitive benefits. It also highlights Sanskrit as an optional language, offering a revival of the classical language, though questions remain about its practical implementation due to limited resources.

Tamil Nadu’s Opposition

• Tamil Nadu has historically resisted the imposition of Hindi, starting with the 1937 protests against making Hindi compulsory. Violent protests in 1965 and 1968 further reinforced the state's stance. Political parties fear that despite NEP 2020's flexibility, practical challenges would make Hindi the default third language, sidelining regional languages like Tamil.
• NEP's flexibility might still lead to Hindi dominance due to practical issues, such as a shortage of language teachers. The central government's promotion of Hindi, including a ₹50 crore fund for Hindi teachers in non-Hindi-speaking states, has intensified these concerns, especially as no similar initiatives are made to promote South Indian languages.

The Way Forward

A dialogue between the Centre and Tamil Nadu is essential to resolve the issue. While Tamil Nadu's two-language policy has led to strong educational outcomes, imposing the three-language policy could disrupt this success. A balanced approach that respects regional autonomy while aligning with national goals is necessary to ensure that the policy serves all states effectively.

Conclusion:

NEP 2020’s three-language formula aims to promote multilingualism but faces significant resistance, particularly from Tamil Nadu, due to fears of Hindi imposition. A practical, cooperative approach to language education is essential to ensure that the policy respects regional diversity while fostering national unity and educational progress.