Dharmendra Pradhan Insists Tamil Nadu Accept MoU For Samagra Shiksha Funds, Dismisses Fears Of Language Imposition

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday (21 September) restated that Tamil Nadu must sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) proposed by the Centre if it is to receive funds under the Samagra Shiksha programme.

Speaking at a press conference at the Indian Institute of Technology–Madras, he cautioned that the State could not prioritise politics over students’ interests.

“You have to accept the MoU offered by the Government of India. Because the Government of India abides by its policies. It has to be mutual. You cannot put your political priority above the interests of Tamil Nadu students. This is not a good thing. I am ready to go ahead with all kind of cooperation. But there has to be some discipline. There has to be mutual respect,” he was quoted as saying in The Hindu.

The MoU requires adoption of the three-language formula, a condition that runs counter to Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy.

When asked about this, Pradhan remarked that more than two languages were already being taught in some schools and added, “It is your political stand. It is up to you!”

He emphasised that the National Education Policy (NEP) did not impose any language, insisting, “No language will be imposed by the Government of India on any State. They are a little bit politically motivated. They are creating a fear psychosis in society. It is for them to answer.”

Pradhan also noted that funds had been allocated to Tamil Nadu for mid-day meals and adult literacy, while issues linked to the RTE Act were subject to court directions.

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