Fadnavis Critiques Stalin on National Education Policy Understanding
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Synopsis
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis criticized Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin for lacking understanding of the National Education Policy (NEP) before seeking clarity from PM Modi. He emphasized the NEP's flexibility regarding language choices and questioned Stalin's stance on bilingual education.
Key Takeaways
- Fadnavis emphasizes the need for understanding NEP.
- NEP promotes multilingualism, not compulsory language.
- Maharashtra open to various language choices.
- Stalin's criticism reflects public sentiment on Hindi policy.
- Clarifications sought from Union government.
Mumbai, April 22 (NationPress) In a forceful reply to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that before he seeks clarifications from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he should possess a profound comprehension of the National Education Policy (NEP).
Fadnavis urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to thoroughly examine what the NEP entails by providing the relevant link.
“Before requesting clarifications from Hon PM Narendra Modi ji, you need a deep understanding of the National Education Policy. First, you must study what exactly NEP is! Here is the link for your reference - https://education.gov.in/national-education-policy,” Fadnavis stated on X.
He emphasized that the NEP does not mandate or make compulsory any specific language choice, but rather encourages the study of any two Indian languages, aside from English, from a selection of three.
“Regarding Maharashtra, we are open to Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Sanskrit, or any language of the student’s preference as the third language. The critical question is why you are not receptive to multi-lingualism and why it poses a problem if someone chooses to study in Hindi,” Fadnavis remarked.
Fadnavis' remarks were in response to Stalin's post on X, which was shared on Monday, stating: “Facing considerable backlash for imposing Hindi as the third language, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis now asserts that only Marathi is obligatory in the state. This clearly reflects his fear of the widespread public disapproval against the imposition of Hindi in non-Hindi speaking states.”
He also mentioned that PM Modi and the Union Education Minister should provide clarity. “Does the Union government formally support his stance that no language other than Marathi is compulsory in Maharashtra as the third language under the National Education Policy? If so, will the Union government issue a clear directive to all states affirming that the NEP does not necessitate the compulsory teaching of a third language? Will the Union government release the Rs. 2,152 crore it unjustly withheld from Tamil Nadu on the grounds that the state must comply with the mandate of teaching a mandatory third language?”
Fadnavis’ response followed shortly after Maharashtra Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse stated amidst the ongoing controversy that, for the time being, Hindi will not be mandated as a compulsory third language in classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi schools, but will remain optional.
