Wed Mar 12 14:53:00 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu CM Accuses Centre of Hindi Imposition, Withholds Funds in Education Policy Row

**Chennai, March 12, 2025** – Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin escalated his attack on the central government Wednesday, accusing the BJP of using the National Education Policy (NEP) to promote Hindi at the expense of Tamil and other regional languages. He described the NEP as a “saffronisation policy” aimed at developing Hindi, not India, and claimed the central government’s withholding of ₹2,150 crore in funds for state-run schools is an attack on the nation’s federal structure.

Stalin’s criticism follows a month-long dispute with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He accused Pradhan of “blackmail” and “arrogance,” citing the withholding of funds as leverage to implement the NEP. The Chief Minister directly questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing the BJP of political revenge for electoral defeats in Tamil Nadu and acting dictatorially by undermining states’ rights.

Stalin argued that the NEP, far from improving education, would harm the Tamil Nadu education system by forcing Hindi on students. He emphasized that the state, with its successful two-language system (Tamil and English), has thrived without Hindi. He further stated that Tamil Nadu had agreed to participate in the central government’s PM SHRI school initiative, but only under certain conditions which were not met.

The BJP counters that the NEP will benefit Tamil students travelling to other states and denies forcing Hindi as a third language. They accuse the DMK of politicizing the issue ahead of next year’s Assembly elections. Pradhan previously accused the DMK of creating a false narrative to obstruct students’ academic progress. The DMK has filed a privilege motion against Pradhan for making factually incorrect statements in Parliament regarding the PM SHRI initiative.

The ongoing dispute highlights the deep-seated sensitivity surrounding language in Tamil Nadu, where anti-Hindi sentiments remain strong following past agitations. The clash underscores the growing tension between the state and the central government over the NEP and its implications for regional languages and federalism.

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