Inappropriate to Spin Progressive Reforms Into Threats: Dharmendra Pradhan Hits Back at Stalin Over NEP 2020 Row

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, urging the state to reconsider its opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. In response to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi , Minister Pradhan criticised Stalin's viewpoint, stating that it is inappropriate for the state to view NEP 2020 narrowly and misinterpret progressive educational reforms as threats to support their political narratives. Pradhan also emphasised that the policy is flexible and should be approached without political bias. 

The letter addressed Stalin's concerns about Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's statement, stating that Tamil Nadu's 'Samagra Shiksha' funds would not be released unless the state adopts the 'three language' policy outlined in NEP 2020. 

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The letter reads, "... It is imperative that the state government rises above politics and prioritize policies that empower our students. The NEP 2020 is a transformative vision that seeks to elevate India's education system to global standards while preserving and strengthening our linguistic and cultural diversity.” 

“The letter sent to the PM is a negation of the spirit of cooperative federalism... NEP 2020 aims to broaden the horizons, not narrow them. I would request you to rise above political differences and look into the matter holistically keeping in mind the interest of our young learners. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said in the letter" Dharmendra Pradhan said in the letter. 

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin’s Letter to PM Modi 

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the release of 'Samagra Shiksha' funds for the state. 

The letter mentioned Stalin's concerns regarding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's statement, where he indicated that Tamil Nadu's 'Samagra Shiksha' funds would not be released unless the state implements the 'three language' policy outlined in NEP 2020. 

The current Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led government has been consistently demonstrating criticism against the Central government for imposing Hindi in the state. They have also alleged that the Centre is withholding funds intended for implementing the NEP (New Education Policy). 

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