Chennai, Aug 2025 — In a major move amid the ongoing language policy debate, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday unveiled the state’s new education policy, reaffirming the government’s stand on retaining the two-language formula — Tamil and English — in schools.
Speaking at the launch event, Stalin emphasized that the policy was designed to promote “samathuva kalvi” (education for equality) and “pagutharivu kalvi” (education with rational thinking), aiming to prepare students to meet international education standards.
Felicitations for Top Performers
As part of the event, the CM honored 901 government school students who secured admissions to prestigious institutions, including IITs, NITs, and other leading universities across India.
Highlighting the state’s progress, Stalin said 75% of Class XII graduates in Tamil Nadu have enrolled for higher education this year. He set an ambitious goal to push this figure to 100% in the coming years.
Why Tamil Nadu Introduced Its Own Education Policy
The State Education Policy (SEP) was developed by a committee chaired by retired High Court Judge Justice D. Murugesan, who submitted the final report in 2024.
The decision to create a state-specific policy comes after months of protests against the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) introduced by the Centre. The DMK-led state government has consistently rejected the NEP, calling it “against social justice” and alleging that it seeks to impose Hindi through its three-language formula.
Legal Battle Over NEP Implementation
In May 2025, the Tamil Nadu government filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking a declaration that the NEP 2020 and the PM SHRI Schools Scheme cannot be enforced without the state’s consent.
The plea alleges that the Centre withheld 2,200/- crore in funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme due to the state’s refusal to implement the NEP. Tamil Nadu is now demanding the release of 2,291.30/- crore, along with 6% annual interest on 2,151.59/- crore from May 1 until payment is completed.
The state government has argued that linking the release of central education funds to the NEP and PM SHRI Schools Scheme is “unconstitutional, arbitrary, and illegal.” It insists that the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 requires the Centre to disburse its 60% share of grants before the start of each academic year.
Key Takeaways from Tamil Nadu’s State Education Policy
Retains Tamil + English as the only languages in school curriculum.
Focuses on equality-based and rational thinking education models.
Aims for 100% higher education enrollment for Class XII graduates.
Positions the state’s policy as an alternative to NEP 2020.