Tamil Nadu echoes CM Stalin’s views on three language policy

Under the Central Government's Integrated School Education Scheme, financial assistance is provided to state governments. However, the 4th installment of Rs. 249 crore for the 2023-24 academic year and Rs. 2,152 crore for the 2024-25 academic year, totaling Rs. 2,401 crore, has not yet been released by the Central Government. This delay has caused a severe financial crisis for the Tamil Nadu government.
In this situation, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s statement that education funds will be provided to Tamil Nadu only if it accepts and implements the three-language policy and the National Education Policy (NEP) has added fuel to the fire. Such a condition is seen as a threat to federalism.
The Economic Survey presented in Parliament at the end of January praised Tamil Nadu’s Home Search Education Scheme, highlighting its positive impact. Instead of encouraging the state’s successful education efforts, the Central Government is retaliating by withholding funds. If anyone thinks Tamil Nadu will remain silent, they are mistaken.
Yesterday, Chief Minister MK Stalin strongly condemned the Central Government’s actions in a speech in Cuddalore, calling it a form of political blackmail. He declared:
"Isn't it blackmail to say that education funds will be given only if we accept the three-language policy? Isn't that politics?"
He further warned Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who claimed that Tamil Nadu is losing ₹5,000 crore by rejecting the PM Shri scheme:
"It takes just a second for us to say that we will not give the taxes you collect from Tamil Nadu. Don't forget that!"
CM Stalin then issued a stern warning:
"Do not disturb the hornet’s nest. Do not test the unique identity of the Tamil people! As long as long as the DMK exists, as long as Muthuvel Karunanidhi Stalin exists, no anti-Tamil activities will be allowed in this land!"
His words resonate deeply with Tamils not only in Tamil Nadu but across the world.
The Central Government should remember the 1965 anti-Hindi agitation in Tamil Nadu and respect the sentiments of the Tamil people to avoid further unrest.
It is no exaggeration to say that CM Stalin’s Cuddalore speech was a war cry against the three-language policy. Tamil Nadu has made its decision. Now, the ball is in the Central Government’s court.
How will Prime Minister Modi's government respond? Let's wait and see!