Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin over his opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), accusing him of having a “myopic vision” and turning “progressive reforms into threats to sustain political narratives.”

 In a three-page letter addressed to Stalin, Pradhan categorically stated that there is no “question of imposing any language on any state or community.”

 “NEP 2020 upholds the principle of linguistic freedom and ensures that students continue to learn in the language of their choice. In fact, one of the core objectives of the policy is to revive and strengthen the teaching of Indian languages, including Tamil, which have been gradually sidelined in formal education over the decades,” the minister wrote.

 Pradhan was responding to Stalin’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, in which the Tamil Nadu CM objected to linking the two centrally sponsored initiatives—Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and PM SHRI Schools—with the National Education Policy, calling it “fundamentally unacceptable.”

 “The letter sent to the PM is a complete negation of the spirit of cooperative federalism promoted by the Modi government. Hence, it is inappropriate for the state to view NEP 2020 with a myopic vision and spin progressive educational reforms into threats to sustain their political narratives,” Pradhan stated.

 “The continued opposition to NEP 2020 for political reasons deprives students, teachers, and educational institutions in Tamil Nadu of the immense opportunities and resources that this policy offers. The policy is designed to be flexible, allowing states to customise its implementation to suit their unique educational needs,” he added.

Defending the policy, Pradhan emphasised that “centrally supported programmes such as Samagra Shiksha are aligned with NEP 2020” and that “PM SHRI schools have been conceptualised to be NEP exemplar schools.”

 On Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the three-language formula, Pradhan clarified that the policy does not impose any language.

 “Many non-BJP states have implemented the progressive policies of NEP despite political differences. NEP 2020 aims to broaden the horizon, not narrow them,” he wrote.

 “I would, therefore, request you to rise above political differences and look into the matter holistically, keeping in mind the interest of our young learners,” the minister urged.

Highlighting the importance of linguistic heritage, Pradhan asserted that a central pillar of NEP-2020 is its “deep and unwavering respect for India’s rich linguistic heritage.”

“The policy ensures that every student has access to quality education in their mother tongue, reinforcing the fact that Tamil is not just a regional identity but a national treasure,” he added.

The letter comes amid a heated exchange between the Centre and Tamil Nadu over the implementation of NEP-2020.

 Stalin recently accused Pradhan of “blackmail” after the minister linked the release of education funds to the policy’s implementation. The Tamil Nadu CM challenged the Centre’s stance, arguing that education falls under the Concurrent List and that the state’s demand for funds was a right, not a favour.

 Later on Friday Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Friday hit back at Union Education Minister and asserted that the state will only follow the 2-language policy.

 The state was seeking only its due share of funds from the Centre from the taxes paid by it, he said.

 “We are asking our (share of) funds, about Rs 2150 crore. They (Centre) want us to accept NEP and the 3-language policy. Tamil Nadu has always been opposed to three language policy, so what is there to do politics,” he asked.

 “Tamil is our right, please understand who is doing politics,” the DMK leader told reporters.