Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has reiterated his strong opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) on Saturday, declaring that he would not implement it even if the central government offered Rs 10,000 crore in funds to the state.
Speaking at an event organised by the Parents-Teachers Association in Cuddalore, Stalin stated that Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the NEP was not limited to concerns over the imposition of Hindi but also stemmed from several other factors that could have major consequences for students and the social justice system.
He criticised the policy for introducing a screening test for admissions to arts and science colleges, similar to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical courses.
He also expressed concerns over the provision allowing students to discontinue their studies. “Permitting students to discontinue studies is akin to asking them not to study,” he said.
Stalin emphasised that the state government was not against any language but opposed its imposition.
“We are not opposed to any language but will remain firm in opposing its imposition. We are not opposing the NEP only for the attempt to thrust Hindi but for several other reasons as well. The NEP is regressive. It will drive students away from schools,” he said.
He further alleged that the policy would result in the denial of financial aid currently provided to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Backward Class (BC) students.
He also criticised the introduction of public examinations for students in the third, fifth, and eighth standards, along with the proposal for a common entrance test for arts and science college admissions.
“The Centre says Tamil Nadu will get Rs 2,000 crore if the state implements the NEP. I wish to say that we will not agree to the NEP even if the Centre offers Rs 10,000 crore. I will not allow the NEP and commit the sin of pushing Tamil Nadu backward by 2,000 years,” Stalin said.
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