Chennai: Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu on Saturday opposed the three-language formula for schools in the state, as stated in the draft national education policy presented by K Kasturirangan Committee to the central government.
Popular social media platform, Twitter, is flooded with messages against the policy. #StopHindiImposition and #tnagainsthindiimposition were among the top trends in India region.
Speaking to reporters here, DMK Lok Sabha member Kanimozhi said her party would oppose any such move.
Reacting to the formula, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said, "No language should be imposed and those who are interested can learn any language of their choice".
S Ramadoss, founder of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), said Hindi should not be imposed in Tamil Nadu.
The Kasturirangan Committee has recommended teaching of Hindi, English and one regional language in the non-Hindi states. For Hindi-speaking states, the committee has recommended teaching of Hindi, English and one of the modern Indian languages from other parts of the country.
However, it has not specified what would be the modern Indian language. Tamil has been accorded the classical language status by the central government.
Minister clarifies
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar Saturday clarified that the committee had only prepared a draft report and no decision has been taken on implementing it.
He asserted that no language should be imposed on anyone.
The draft of the new National Education Policy, proposed by the panel constituted by Javadekar when he was HRD minister in the previous Modi government, had suggested teaching of Hindi in non-Hindi speaking states.
"The committee has submitted its report. The draft has been prepared but government has not taken any decision. It is just a misunderstanding. We will only take a decision after feedback on the draft has been received," Javadekar told reporters.