7th March 2025 (11 Topics)
1
Mar
3
Mar
4
Mar
5
Mar
6
Mar
7
Mar
8
Mar
10
Mar
11
Mar
12
Mar
13
Mar
14
Mar
15
Mar
17
Mar
18
Mar
19
Mar
20
Mar
21
Mar
22
Mar
24
Mar
25
Mar
26
Mar
27
Mar
28
Mar
29
Mar
31
Mar
Don’t be fooled – ‘three-language formula’ is about imposing Hindi
You must be logged in to get greater insights. click here to login
Context
The Union government has imposed conditions on Tamil Nadu (TN) to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) and the three-language formula in exchange for the release of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan funds (Rs 2,152 crore). The TN government views this as unconstitutional coercion, undermining the state’s long-standing two-language policy and its commitment to Tamil language preservation.
Dravidian Legacy in Education
- Foundation of Universal Education – The Justice Party government initiated compulsory elementary education for boys and girls in 1920, shaping Tamil Nadu’s progressive educational policies.
- Two-Language Formula Success – Tamil and English as mandatory languages have led to a high literacy rate and a 47% higher education enrolment ratio, exceeding the national average of 28.4%.
- Commitment to Linguistic Choice – TN allows freedom in language learning, evident from institutions like the Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha in Chennai.
Political and Constitutional Concerns
- Coercion in Fund Allocation – The Centre’s demand for NEP implementation as a precondition for educational funds is seen as political blackmail violating federal principles.
- Flaws in the Three-Language Formula – No evidence supports its benefits, and it imposes unnecessary costs while burdening students.
- Threat to Tamil Identity – The policy is perceived as a veiled attempt at Hindi imposition, endangering Tamil linguistic and cultural heritage.
Broader Political Implications
- Systematic Centralization of Power – TN opposes the Centre’s trend of limiting state autonomy, including restrictions on state borrowing and interference through governors.
- Lessons from History – Past attempts at language imposition in Tamil Nadu led to strong resistance and are commemorated annually on January 25 as Language Martyrs’ Day.
- Unwavering Tamil Resistance – Tamil Nadu remains firm in defending its linguistic rights, emphasizing that identity and cultural heritage cannot be altered by coercive policies.
Practice Question
Q. Discuss the implications of the three-language formula on federalism and linguistic diversity in India. Critically analyze Tamil Nadu’s opposition to this policy in the context of constitutional provisions and historical precedents. (250 words)
More Articles
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
