‘Saffron Policy’: Stalin Criticizes NEP, Warns of Impact on Tamil Nadu’s Education System

‘Saffron Policy’: The chief minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, criticized the National Education Policy (NEP) Wednesday, referring to it as a "saffron policy" and alleging that it is only serving the interests of promoting Hindi and not the development of the country at large.

"National Education Policy is not education policy; it is saffron policy. The policy is not created to develop India but to develop Hindi. We are opposing the policy as it would destroy the Tamil Nadu education system completely," Stalin said while addressing a rally at Thiruvallur.

He further claimed that the NEP denied recognition to reservation, which he regarded as a facet of social justice. "NEP denies assistance amount to SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes," he alleged while public meeting.

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Stalin also added that the Centre has denied Tamil Nadu from its share owing to the fact that the state has not accepted NEP. "We are asking for your tax share, which we paid with our efforts. What is the problem with this? Is it fair to threaten without releasing funds for the welfare of 43 lakh schools? As we didn't accept NEP, they are refusing to release funds that belong to Tamil Nadu. We would have welcomed the scheme if it brought everyone into education. But is NEP like that? NEP has all the factors that remove people from education. This is how this policy is, and that's why we are opposing it," he said.

The centerpiece of the NEP debate becomes the three-language formula, which Tamil Nadu believes would lead to Hindi imposition in the state. Stalin previously claimed that the policy favors Hindi above regional languages and is degrading the state's autonomy and linguistic diversity.

The central government, however, has maintained that the NEP would promote multilingualism, giving flexibility in language impartation. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has dismissed Hindi imposition, stating that the policy allows states to select their languages of choice.

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On delimitation, Stalin said the BJP is attempting to increase the number of MPs in friendly states for its own advantage. "BJP is attempting to sustain power by winning in northern states," he said.

He further added, "BJP is trying to increase the number of MPs in states of their influence and develop the party. DMK will stop it."

Stalin also stated that with this delimitation, the BJP intends to destroy the federal structure, that is, "even if we lose our lives, you will never make us bow down to your fascism."

"Let's gather whole India against BJP fascism. BJP's casteist thoughts neglect social justice to our people and destroy communal harmony. If we fail to stop this now, then it can't be stopped ever. Let's gather India as a team under social justice, federalism, secularism, and state rights. If we gather like a team, then only India can be saved," he said.

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