Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Slams DMK Over NEP, Sparks Uproar in Parliament
HY News
10 March, 2025 04:53 pm IST
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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday launched a fierce attack on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) over its opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) and the ongoing three-language formula debate. Accusing the DMK of misleading the people of Tamil Nadu, Pradhan alleged that the party is indifferent to students' welfare and is instead focused on stirring up linguistic divisions.
"They are not committed to the students of Tamil Nadu. They are ruining their future," Pradhan said, further accusing the DMK of engaging in divisive politics. "Their only job is to raise language barriers. They are doing politics. They are doing mischief. They are undemocratic and uncivilised," he added.
His remarks, made during Question Hour in the second leg of the Budget Session of Parliament, triggered strong protests from DMK MPs, leading to a 30-minute adjournment. Pradhan also criticized the Tamil Nadu government for reversing its decision on the PM SHRI scheme. "The Tamil Nadu government had initially agreed to sign the MoU. But now they have changed their stand. Many non-BJP-ruled states, including Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, have signed the agreement," he said.
In the Rajya Sabha, tensions escalated further as DMK MPs staged a walkout after raising concerns over the three-language policy and delimitation. Union Health Minister JP Nadda slammed the opposition, accusing them of irresponsible behavior and suggesting that they should take a refresher course on parliamentary rules. "Daily adjournment notices by opposition members are a vicious design to demean the institution of Parliament," Nadda said, asserting that the government was ready to debate all issues under established rules.
Amid the political storm, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin lashed out at Pradhan, asserting that Tamil Nadu would never succumb to pressure over the NEP. "The tree may prefer calm, but the wind will not subside," Stalin said, accusing the Centre of reviving a fight it could never win. He maintained that the state would not accept the imposition of Hindi under any circumstances.
The Centre reiterated that there was no plan to impose Hindi and accused Stalin of politicizing the issue. It emphasized that NEP 2020 is built on the pillars of access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability, ensuring an inclusive and progressive education system.
Hitting back at Stalin’s claims, Pradhan had earlier written to the Chief Minister, urging him to reconsider Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the policy. "The continued opposition to NEP 2020 for political reasons deprives students, teachers, and educational institutions in Tamil Nadu of the immense opportunities and resources this policy offers. The policy is designed to be flexible, allowing states to customize its implementation to suit their unique educational needs," he wrote.
The escalating war of words between the DMK and the Centre highlights the deepening divide over the NEP, with Tamil Nadu standing firm against what it perceives as an attempt to erode its linguistic and educational autonomy.
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