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Three-Language Policy Row: Tamil Nadu and Samagra Shiksha Funds

24 February 20251 min read
NATIONAL AFFAIRSThree-LanguagePolicy Row: TamilNadu and SamagraShiksha Funds24 February 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

Tamil Nadu declined the PM Schools for Rising India scheme and opposes NEP 2020’s language approach, so the Union Government held back Samagra Shiksha money.

Key facts

  • Amount: ₹2,152 crore.
  • NEP 2020 retains the NEP 1968 three-language formula with flexibility, bilingual teaching and optional Sanskrit, and lets States frame language policies.
  • Tamil Nadu follows Tamil plus English.

Tamil Nadu’s objections

  • The 1937-65 agitations built lasting opposition to Hindi imposition.
  • Limited regional resources could indirectly favour Hindi.
  • Some accuse the Centre of blackmail; a minister said the State must align with the Constitution.

Way forward

  • Dialogue balancing diversity and flexibility.
  • Credit Tamil Nadu’s strong education record.
  • Keep Samagra Shiksha funds out of politics.

Exam angle

  • Issue: Centre-State and linguistic federalism.

Test yourself

1. How much Samagra Shiksha money did the Centre withhold from Tamil Nadu over the PM SHRI dispute?

₹2,152 crore was withheld after Tamil Nadu refused to join PM Schools for Rising India.

2. Under NEP 2020's three-language formula, what is required of the languages chosen?

NEP 2020 gives flexible choice but at least two languages must be native to India.

3. Tamil Nadu's strong opposition to Hindi imposition is rooted in which period of agitation?

The 1937-65 anti-Hindi agitations deepened the opposition.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 23 & 24 February 2025 (15 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizFebruary 2025

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