Pathway to Viksit Bharat by 2047 is NEP: Pradhan
This is a political decision of Tamil Nadu," Pradhan said during a press conference here. "We are not imposing any language on anyone. From Classes 1-5, two languages are taught. From Classes 6-10, three languages are taught -- one must be the mother tongue, the other two are the student's choice.;
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan (Photo/ANI)
NEW DELHI:Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday said society has moved far ahead of those attempting to create linguistic divisions in the country and reiterated that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will serve as the roadmap for achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Speaking to reporters after addressing the ‘Dakshinapatha Summit 2025’ at IIT-Madras here, Pradhan said he had engaged with students, teachers and experts over the past two days in Tamil Nadu on the ways to effectively implement NEP. "To achieve Viksit Bharat by 2047, education is the pathway and NEP is central to that mission," he said.
On the Tamil Nadu government's accusation that the Centre has not released sufficient funds for the school education department, Pradhan said the State continued to receive allocations under central schemes, such as the mid-day meal programme. However, on Samagra Shiksha, he pointed out, Tamil Nadu must follow the memorandum of understanding signed by the Government of India and the Government of TN. "The Centre cannot defer its policies to suit the political priorities of individual states. The interest of students must be safeguarded through mutual understanding," he said.
Addressing the language debate, Pradhan noted that Tamil Nadu already follows a multilingual approach in schools, with children learning Tamil, English and other regional languages. "The NEP does not impose any language. From Class I to V, two languages are required, including the mother tongue. From Class VI to XII, three languages are to be taught, again, including the mother tongue. Beyond that, it is the state's choice. Many states governed by non-BJP parties have implemented this policy," he said.
The minister also emphasised that only 10% of Indians speak English, while the vast majority communicate in their mother tongues. Citing Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, he said proficiency in multiple languages would prepare students to compete globally. "Language is always a facilitator. Narrow political arguments cannot stop people from learning more languages," he added.