Tamil Nadu's Education Minister Raises Concerns About the New Education Policy: Claims Language Imposition Led to 90,000 Student Failures in Karnataka; Accuses Discrimination in Fund Allocation.
Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu's Education Minister, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, has voiced serious concerns regarding the central government's New Education Policy (NEP). He claimed that 90,000 students in Karnataka failed their board exams due to the imposition of a language. He advocated for making the third language optional, not compulsory. Furthermore, he accused the central government of bias in the distribution of education funds, stating that high-performing states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala are being deprived of funds.
Minister Expresses Concern While Addressing Students
Tamil Nadu's Education Minister, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, leveled serious accusations against the central government regarding the New Education Policy (NEP) during a program held for students on Friday. He stated that the central government's language policy is placing unnecessary pressure on students. He cited the example of Karnataka, where over 90,000 students failed their board exams, attributing this primarily to the forced imposition of an additional language on the students.
The Minister clarified that the study of a third language should be based on the students' choice. It should not be made mandatory under any circumstances. He stated that the purpose of education is to impart knowledge, not to impose a linguistic burden.
Advocates for Making the Third Language Optional
Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi stated that learning a language is essential, but it should be a natural and voluntary process. If an additional language is forced upon a student, it not only lowers their morale but also negatively impacts their academic performance. He emphasized that the Tamil Nadu government would never support a policy that places a linguistic burden on students.
According to him, the example of Karnataka, where 90,000 students failed, proves the impact of a forcibly implemented language policy. To avoid this situation, providing education to students in their mother tongue or primary language would be the best approach.
Accusation of Bias in Fund Distribution Against the Centre
The Education Minister of Tamil Nadu also accused the central government of discrimination in the allocation of education funds. He claimed that states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which are performing exceptionally well in the field of education, are being ignored by the central government.
He said that the central government's ‘Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan’ scheme has set a total of 20 targets. Kerala has topped in all 20 targets, while Tamil Nadu is at the forefront in 19 targets. Despite this, these states are not being given the necessary education funds.
Anbil Mahesh questioned why the central government is ignoring the effective education models presented by the state governments instead of adopting them. He said that this not only reflects bias in the field of education, but also raises questions about the intentions of the central government.
Support for Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's Stance
The minister reiterated that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has already made it clear that the Tamil Nadu government is fully committed to the education of students. The state government will bear the entire educational cost of the students so that no student has to discontinue their studies.
