In a bold move, MK Stalin will unveil Tamil Nadu's State Education Policy today, serving as a direct counter to the NEP from the Narendra Modi government.

Today, on August 8, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is set to unveil the much-anticipated State Education Policy (SEP). This new policy is being introduced as an alternative to the National Education Policy (NEP) amidst a backdrop of tension between the DMK-Congress-led state and the Narendra Modi administration over educational matters. In related news, the Supreme Court has lifted a ban imposed by the Madras High Court that prevented the use of the Chief Minister’s name in welfare schemes, providing some relief for the DMK. The Tamil Nadu government, under Stalin's leadership, has been vocal in its criticism of the NEP, particularly targeting its three-language policy and centralized entrance exams. The DMK has labeled the NEP as “regressive,” “anti-social justice,” and an attempt to impose Hindi. So, what can we expect from the SEP? The SEP, which was crafted by a committee led by retired High Court judge Justice D Murugesan and submitted to the government last year, is anticipated to prioritize science education, artificial intelligence (AI), and strong English language skills. It aims to ensure that quality education is accessible to everyone, according to a report from NDTV. One of the key recommendations of the policy is to base admissions on consolidated marks from Classes 9 and 10, effectively eliminating the need for entrance exams for arts and science colleges. This move directly contradicts the NEP's push for a standardized entrance system. The state government has condemned this approach as coercive, arguing that it punishes states for exercising their constitutional rights in education. The launch of the SEP comes at a time when the Centre is withholding ₹2,152 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, citing Tamil Nadu's refusal to adopt the NEP. The state has criticized this as an infringement on its rights, emphasizing that education is a concurrent subject. On the other hand, the Union government insists that the NEP is designed to improve the quality of education, enhance the global competitiveness of Indian students, provide flexibility in language learning, and reduce the over-reliance on English.

NEWS