The two-language policy of Tamil Nadu—requiring both Tamil and English as modes of instruction in schools—has been an integral part of the state's education and cultural base. For half a century and more, it has deviated from the three-language formula of the central integrating Hindi, English, and the regional language.

The publication of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has again triggered protests in Tamil Nadu with the state strongly resisting what it perceives as an imposition of Hindi. The article explores the long history of the state's policy, its clashes with the central government in response to NEP 2020, as well as the wider education and federal implications of the current controversy.
 
Historical opposition to imposition of Hindi
The two-language policy of Tamil Nadu was a response to the imposition of Hindi—a movement enforced in the mid-20th century. Both cultural affiliation and international interaction are accorded high priority through the focus on Tamil and English.

The Contribution of C.N. Annadurai
In the 1960s, Tamil Nadu under the leadership of Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai became an focal point of protests against Hindi. Annadurai, the iconic leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), argued that English alone was enough as the language of all India since "What serves to link us with the outside world is certainly capable of performing the same function inside India as well." His argument was reflective of an aspiration to safeguard Tamil culture against perceived cultural domination from the north. In 1968, Tamil Nadu explicitly adopted the two-language formula and rejected the central government's three-language formula in the National Policy on Education 1968.
 
Rejection of the Three-Language Formula
The three-language formula suggested by the Kothari Commission (1964–66) and adopted in 1968 stipulated Hindi-speaking states to teach Hindi, English, and one modern Indian language-most preferably from the south-and non-Hindi language-speaking states to teach regional language, Hindi, and English. Tamil Nadu refused to adopt this formula, with Annadurai demanding it would be accepted only on the basis of all state governments agreeing on it-a requirement never met. The policy was seen as endangering the prestige and cultural heritage of Tamil.

Cultural Significance
The two-language policy became an icon of Tamil Nadu's pride in its linguistic heritage and self-determination. Not an intellectual decision alone but also political in nature, it has been supported unanimously by successive governments, including the present-day DMK government under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The two-pronged thrust in Tamil and English has allowed for students to interact internationally while maintaining the application of Tamil as the language of learning.

Conflict With Central Government On Account Of NEP 2020

The introduction of NEP 2020 has reignited language in education concerns between the central government and Tamil Nadu. Although the three-language formula in the policy has been termed flexible, Tamil Nadu perceives it as an attempt to propagate Hindi.
 
Tamil Nadu's Position
Tamil Nadu has strongly opposed the language provisions of the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP 2020), contending that its two-language approach is both pragmatic and successful. Chief Minister Stalin and other state authorities cite Tamil Nadu's 93.5% (as of 2021) literacy rate and its educational success as proof of the policy's success. The state believes such an addition of Hindi would marginalize Tamil and divert attention from Tamil and English. In a letter to the Union Minister of Education, Tamil Nadu Higher Education Minister K.P. Anbalagan reaffirmed the state's determination to continue with the two-language framework.

Funding Tensions
The confrontation heightened as the central government held back funding from the Samagra Shiksha scheme—a flagship school education program—over Tamil Nadu's failure to implement NEP 2020. Tamil Nadu labeled it as coercion in response as it accused the Centre of resorting to economic coercion in order to impose policy. The move deepened divisions between central and state powers and exposed latent power struggles.

Central Government's Position
The central government, in the form of BJP authorities, denies it has plans to impose Hindi. BJP state vice-president Vanathi Srinivasan made it clear that the Official Languages Rules (1976), which grant Tamil Nadu some language exemption, are intact. Still, the Centre has called for Tamil Nadu to rethink its approach in line with new educational advances. Tamil Nadu perceives these requests as hidden moves to implement the three-language policy.

Broader Context
This controversy is part of an overall trend of tension between centralized power and state autonomy within India's federal system. Karnataka and West Bengal have made comparable objections. Tamil Nadu's refusal can inspire more opposition nationwide. The issue is reconciling educational policy in a linguistically complex nation with 22 official languages and countless dialects.
 
Educational and Federal Consequences
The two-language policy of Tamil Nadu has significant implications not only for education but also for India's federal power balance.

Educational Outcomes
The policy is said to have improved the state's education infrastructure. Focusing on Tamil as well as on English has seen the state achieve a 93.5% literacy level (2021) and excel in higher education and employment. Being proficient in English empowers students to succeed worldwide, while learning Tamil cultivates roots. Critics of the three-language formula suggest that learning a third language may stretch thin constrained educational resources and weaken the focus on core subjects at the expense of overall educational quality.

Federalism and State Autonomy
The language policy issue raises essential issues of Indian federalism since education is an area of concurrent jurisdiction according to the Constitution. Tamil Nadu interprets the Centre's insistence on one policy as an intrusion on state jurisdiction. The delay in releasing Samagra Shiksha funding emphasizes charges of central interventionism and raises issues about cooperative federalism. Tamil Nadu's opposition demands more deliberation and consensus in policymaking in plural societies.

Comparing with Other Models
The policy of Tamil Nadu has usually been compared with Singapore's bilingual policy, stressing both the mother tongue and English. Singapore's system has been praised for gearing students for global integration, but Tamil Nadu's policy has also been seen as efficient with less availability of resources compared to prosperous states like Gujarat or Maharashtra. However, some have countered that Tamil Nadu's educational performance is less than Singapore's, citing room for growth.
 
National and International Perspectives
In most countries worldwide, mother-tongue education is emphasized in primary stages of education, followed by an international language such as English. Tamil Nadu follows such a model. Nevertheless, the objective of the three-language formula to promote national integration through multilingualism has been controversial.

Its lopsided implementation in India—where Sanskrit is prescribed as the third language in Hindi regions—has been attacked for not really strengthening communication between the provinces, as have observed scholars such as Harold F. Schiffman. However, The two-language policy of Tamil Nadu is not just a curriculum outline—it's an expression of identity.

Its success at creating literacy and world-readiness testifies to its pragmatic merit. But the controversy surrounding NEP 2020 indicates deeper issues in terms of national integration versus regional self-rule. Even as Tamil Nadu resists the three-language formula, the implications of the debate can reshape India's overall education policy and federalism. The way forward must encompass valuing diversity of language and transparent discussions between state and national governments to make education inclusive and equitable for all.

References

1. Three-language formula – Wikipedia Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-language_formula (Last visited on May 15)
2. What is Three-Language formula? A brief analysis - Jagran Josh Available at: https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/three-language-formula-1600256605-1 (Last visited on May 15)
3. Three-language Policy Under NEP 2020 - Next IAS Available at: https://www.nextias.com/ca/current-affairs/24-02-2025/three-language-policy-under-nep-2020 (Last visited on May 15)
4. Tamil Nadu's two language formula carries Centre's endorsement - The Hindu Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/tamil-nadus-two-language-formula-carries-centres-endorsement/article61707862.ece (Last visited on May 15)
5. Tamil Nadu will continue with two-language policy, state informs Centre - Times of India Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-will-continue-with-two-language-policy-state-informs-centre/articleshow/77977410.cms (Last visited on May 15)

Written By: Isha Taneja
Email: [email protected]