Tue Jan 20 15:04:15 UTC 2026: ## Tamil Nadu Government Rejects UGC’s Third Language Mandate, Citing Hindi Imposition Concerns

The Story:

The Tamil Nadu government has strongly opposed a recent circular from the University Grants Commission (UGC) mandating the teaching of a third language in all higher educational institutions. In Governor R.N. Ravi’s address, deemed to have been read in the Assembly on January 20, 2026, the government conveyed its firm stance against what it perceives as an indirect attempt to impose the Hindi language. The state government emphasized its commitment to the two-language formula, a policy established in 1968, and vowed to resist any alterations to this policy.

The state’s stance underscores a long-standing disagreement with the Union government’s education policies regarding language. The Tamil Nadu government has consistently rejected the three-language formula, even when facing financial burdens due to withheld grants. This latest opposition reflects the state’s unwavering commitment to protecting the Tamil language and preserving its cultural identity.

Key Points:

  • The Tamil Nadu government opposes the UGC‘s mandate for a third language in higher education.
  • The government views the mandate as an attempt to impose Hindi.
  • Tamil Nadu is committed to the two-language formula established in 1968.
  • The state government has rejected the three-language formula despite financial pressures.
  • The Tamil Nadu Assembly has previously passed resolutions opposing the imposition of Hindi, including one in 2022.

Key Takeaways:

  • Language policy remains a contentious issue between the Tamil Nadu government and the Union government.
  • The Tamil Nadu government prioritizes the preservation of the Tamil language and its cultural identity.
  • The two-language formula is a deeply ingrained policy in Tamil Nadu with strong historical roots.
  • The UGC mandate has reignited long-standing concerns about linguistic imposition.
  • The event emphasizes the importance of balancing national educational policies with regional linguistic sensitivities.

Impact Analysis:

The Tamil Nadu government’s firm opposition to the UGC’s mandate has significant long-term implications. This event is likely to further strain relations between the state and the Union government. It may also spur other states with similar linguistic concerns to voice their opposition to the three-language formula. This event could further ignite the debate on national education policy and potentially lead to further demands of autonomy from southern states to protect and promote regional languages. The central government will need to navigate this issue carefully, seeking to reconcile its national objectives with the imperative of respecting linguistic diversity and regional sensitivities.

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