Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for opposing the National Education Policy (NEP-2020). He accused Stalin of having a narrow mindset and misrepresenting progressive reforms as threats to support his political agenda. Pradhan firmly declared that there is no "question of imposing any language on any state or community" in a three-page letter to Stalin. 

“NEP 2020 upholds the principle of linguistic freedom and ensures that students continue to learn in the language of their choice. In fact, one of the core objectives of the policy is to revive and strengthen the teaching of Indian languages, including Tamil, which have been gradually sidelined in formal education over the decades,” wrote the minister. Pradhan was responding to Stalin's letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, in which the chief minister of Tamil Nadu accused the National Education Policy of being "fundamentally unacceptable" for tying the two centrally sponsored programs, PM SHRI Schools and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), together. "The letter sent to the PM is a complete negation of the spirit of cooperative federalism promoted by the Modi government. Hence, it is inappropriate for the state to view NEP 2020 with a myopic vision and spin progressive educational reforms into threats to sustain their political narratives," Pradhan stated.

"The continued opposition to NEP 2020 for political reasons deprives students, teachers and educational institutions in Tamil Nadu of the immense opportunities and resources that this policy offers. The policy is designed to be flexible, allowing states to customise its implementation to suit their unique educational needs," he added. "Centrally supported programs like Samagra Shiksha are aligned with NEP 2020," Pradhan highlighted. He added, "PM SHRI schools have been conceptualised to be NEP exemplar schools." On Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the three-language formula, Pradhan clarified that the policy does not impose any language.

"Many non-BJP states have implemented the progressive policies of NEP despite political differences. NEP 2020 aims to broaden the horizon, not narrow them," he wrote. “I would, therefore, request you to rise above political differences and look into the matter holistically, keeping in mind the interest of our young learners,” the minister urged. Highlighting the significance of linguistic legacy, Pradhan said that NEP-2020's "deep and unwavering respect for India's rich linguistic heritage" is a key component. “The policy ensures that every student has access to quality education in their mother tongue, reinforcing the fact that Tamil is not just a regional identity but a national treasure,” he added. The letter comes during a tense debate between the central government and Tamil Nadu over the implementation of NEP-2020.

Recently, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin accused Education Minister Pradhan of "blackmailing" the state by linking the release of education funds to the policy’s implementation. Stalin opposed the Centre’s stance, stating that education falls under the Concurrent List and that Tamil Nadu’s request for funds is a rightful claim, not a special favour.

On Friday, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin responded to the Union Education Minister, stating that the state will continue following the two-language policy. He also emphasised that Tamil Nadu is only asking for its rightful share of funds from the Centre, which comes from the taxes it contributes. "We are asking our (share of) funds, about Rs 2150 crore. They (Centre) want us to accept NEP and the 3-language policy. Tamil Nadu has always been opposed to three language policy, so what is there to do politics," he asked. "Tamil is our right, please understand who is doing politics," the DMK leader told reporters.