Amid the ongoing language row, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday rolled out the state's own education policy and stated that they will continue to follow the two-language formula - Tamil and English in schools.
Stalin released the new state education policy Anna Centenary Library Auditorium.
"Through this education policy, we don't want students just to mug up, but think and get educated. Physical education will be taught along with studies. Importantly, I want to say firmly that we will follow two-language police and it is our firm policy," Stalin said, informing that smart classed will be introduced under the newly released SEP.
He added, "We will never allow anyone to stop education. We will not allow pirooku (reactionary thinking) in our education. Our state education policy aims to create samathuva kalvi (equality) and will be a pagutharivu kalvi (one with a rational thought). This will serve as a platform to compete with international standards of education."
He said that his government aims for the 100 percent admission of school students in higher education, which currently stands at 75 percent, ANI reported.
The SEP was drafted by a committee set up by the state government and chaired by retired High Court Judge Justice D Murugesan, who submitted the report in 2024. The policy has since been implementation and was released on Friday, according to ANI.
The move comes after months of protests against the National Education Policy (NEP) promoted by the Centre. The DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has consistently opposed the NEP, calling it “against social justice” and an attempt to impose Hindi on the state.
Tamil Nadu has refused to implement the NEP and especially opposed Centre's three-language formula, centralised entrance exams, and early standardised testing.
Earlier in May, the state government filed a plea in the Supreme Court over the alleged withholding of about Rs 2,200 crore in central funds, which it linked to its refusal to adopt the NEP. The plea asks the court to declare that the NEP 2020 and the PM SHRI Schools Scheme are not binding on the state unless it formally agrees on them.
(With inputs from ANI)
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
