No going back: Stalin reiterates two-language formula, releases Tamil Nadu education policy

Chennai: Asserting that Tamil Nadu will continue to follow the two-language policy of Tamil and English and that there was no going back, Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday released the state’s first Education Policy that lays stress on helping students to think and act instead of making them memorise the syllabus with an eye on exams.

Stalin’s reiteration comes amid a tug of war between the DMK government and the BJP dispensation at the Centre over the latter’s refusal to release funds under the Samagara Shiksha (SS) scheme for the former not implementing the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The DMK government had in March this year said it would prefer foregoing funds from the Centre rather than compromising on the two-language policy, which is in force in Tamil Nadu since 1968. The Stalin government has also moved the Supreme Court seeking immediate release of the funds (Rs 2,152 crore) under the SS Scheme.

The DMK dispensation had in 2021, immediately after coming to power, declared that it wouldn't implement the NEP 2020 and it was Stalin’s idea to formulate an exclusive education policy for Tamil Nadu in line with the state’s social justice agenda. He appointed a committee in 2022 under the chairmanship of retired judge D Murugesan with members from various fields – the report was submitted to the government in 2024.

The release of the report comes just months before the state faces the crucial assembly elections in April-May 2026.

Designed keeping in mind Tamil Nadu’s unique character and is aimed at preparing students for the future with a vision, the policy has decided to do away with board exams for plus-one to reduce the burden on the students and to give them time to prepare for the plus-two exams.

The policy besides laying focus on education, physical training, and Tamil language, also stressed on infrastructure development at the school education level by proposing a model school at every panchayat union. It also stressed that students should be creative thinkers and pushed the need for going beyond learning.

“We will not allow regressive thoughts in our education. Our policy aims to ensure education for all and education that imparts rational thoughts. We will create a platform for students to compete with international standards of education,” Stalin said. He also felicitated 901 students from government schools across the state who secured admissions to premier institutions, including IITs, NITs and other top universities in the country.

Priding over the fact that about 75 percent of students who passed the plus-two exams this year have enrolled for higher education, Stalin said his government’s aim will be to take it to 100 per cent in the coming years.

Stalin further highlighted that 75% of students who passed the Class XII exam this year in Tamil Nadu enrolled for higher education and expressed his aim to raise this figure to 100% in the coming years.

The DMK government feels the NEP which proposes a three-language policy, conducting public exams for third, fifth, and eighth standards, and a four-year degree program are not in line with the current education model.