Image: IANS NEW DELHI: With 18 days to polling, Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin has sharpened a familiar electoral plank, accusing the Centre of pushing Hindi through CBSE’s NEP-aligned three-language rollout. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan hit back, calling the charge a political cover and pitching NEP as a mother-tongue-first, flexible multilingual model. The clash has turned a curriculum change into a high-stakes political faultline, forcing parties to pick sides on identity, federalism and access.Stalin’s broadside targets CBSE’s phased rollout from Class VI in the 2026-27 academic session. He argues the “so-called” three-language formula effectively becomes “compulsory Hindi” for non-Hindi states, while Hindi-speaking regions face no comparable mandate to teach Tamil or other southern languages, raising questions of parity and fairness.DMK has also sought to draw AIADMK and its NDA allies into the debate, asking them to clarify their stand.Pradhan dismissed the charge as a “tired attempt” to mask governance failures, asserting that multilingualism strengthens, rather than dilutes, regional languages. He maintained that portraying flexibility as imposition risks narrowing opportunities for students in an increasingly interconnected economy.CBSE’s proposed structure makes a third language mandatory from Class VI, with two Indian languages in the mix. NEP retains the three-language formula but promises “greater flexibility” and states “no language will be imposed on any state,” leaving choices to states, regions, and learners.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool PakistanIndia Buys Iranian Oil After 7 Years, No Payment Hurdles Reported“Violation Of Article 21”: Owaisi Slams UCC, Says It Interferes With Religious FreedomAmid Strait Of Hormuz Tensions, Iran Calls India A ‘Cherished Partner’ As Ships Transit Safely‘Three Allegations, Zero Truth’: Raghav Chadha Counters AAP After Shock Deputy Leader Snub‘Came Through Solidly’: S Jaishankar Flags Global Risks, Says India Emerged Resilient Amid CrisisIran War, LPG Crisis Row Expose Congress Rift As Leaders Counter Rahul Gandhi’s Stand OpenlyIndia Navigates Hormuz Crisis With New Route As UN Resolution On Shipping Hits Major Roadblock123Photostories7 pricey ingredients you can easily make at homeLord Ganesha mantras that you should chant everyday’Friends’, ‘Breaking Bad’, ‘The Office’ and more: Iconic TV quotes and catchphrases that became a part of everyday lifeFive funniest sitcom characters ever: George Costanza, Michael Scott and moreEarly cancer symptoms that often feel harmless: Warning signs people ignore and when to see a doctorTop 5 areas in Kochi for residential living and property investment11 iconic Indian dishes that have a cult following across the country7 Paulo Coelho quotes that will change the way you think about love6 simple hacks to reduce your induction cooking billBuying your first diamond? 5 golden rules you absolutely need to know123Hot PicksPakistan Petrol CrisisRuturaj GaikwadKick StreamerShashi TharoorStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingAllahabad High CourtOrissa High CourtTamil nadu pollsBengal PollsAnil RathodToll PaymentRaghav ChaddaHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news
NEW DELHI: With 18 days to polling, Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin has sharpened a familiar electoral plank, accusing the Centre of pushing Hindi through CBSE’s NEP-aligned three-language rollout. Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan hit back, calling the charge a political cover and pitching NEP as a mother-tongue-first, flexible multilingual model. The clash has turned a curriculum change into a high-stakes political faultline, forcing parties to pick sides on identity, federalism and access.Stalin’s broadside targets CBSE’s phased rollout from Class VI in the 2026-27 academic session. He argues the “so-called” three-language formula effectively becomes “compulsory Hindi” for non-Hindi states, while Hindi-speaking regions face no comparable mandate to teach Tamil or other southern languages, raising questions of parity and fairness.DMK has also sought to draw AIADMK and its NDA allies into the debate, asking them to clarify their stand.Pradhan dismissed the charge as a “tired attempt” to mask governance failures, asserting that multilingualism strengthens, rather than dilutes, regional languages. He maintained that portraying flexibility as imposition risks narrowing opportunities for students in an increasingly interconnected economy.CBSE’s proposed structure makes a third language mandatory from Class VI, with two Indian languages in the mix. NEP retains the three-language formula but promises “greater flexibility” and states “no language will be imposed on any state,” leaving choices to states, regions, and learners.
