Two-language policy forever in TN, says deputy CM Udhayanidhi

CHENNAI: Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday strongly condemned Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s statement putting on the balance acceptance of National Education Policy (NEP) promoting a three-language policy to get education funds from the Centre. The DMK leader asserted that the two-language policy in vogue in Tamil Nadu would continue forever.

Talking to media persons after inspecting the boxing academy development works in Gopalapuram, Udhayanidhi said, "It is highly condemnable. Yesterday, the State School Education Minister, along with officials, met me and explained how the Union government has been meeting out a stepmotherly treatment to Tamil Nadu. It was not just in education. Not a single scheme was announced for Tamil Nadu even in the recent Union Budget. However, when states contributing taxes to the Centre seek funds, they say without inhibition that it is unfair. It is highly condemnable. Chief Minister (MK Stalin) has also condemned it."

"Tamil Nadu will always have a two-language policy. Perarignar Anna had proclaimed that we would never accept the three-language policy. No matter how and in what form they try to impose it, the Tamil Nadu government or the people of the State will not allow it (trilingual policy) under any circumstances," Udhayanidhi added.

Asked about all states except Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal accepting the trilingual policy, minister Udhayanidhi said, "Just because everyone across the country embraced, we need not accept it,” he asserted. He added that India is a country of unity in diversity. “India is a Union of various cultures. Every State has an identity and understanding. Tamil Nadu has the maximum gross enrolment ratio in the country achieved through the two-language policy. Top doctors and scientists educated in Tamil medium government schools are doing wonders the world over. So, we cannot compare. We will not accept the three-language policy. People of Tamil Nadu will not accept it either."

On the allegation of the opposition AIADMK that a committee was constituted for PM Shri schools in the DMK regime, the Deputy Chief Minister said, "We only constituted the committee. We did not accept whatever the Union government proposed. The committee did not accept PM Shri schools. What could we do?"