Dharmendra Pradhan, M K Stalin in war of words over NEP

NEW DELHI: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday criticised Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin for allegedly attempting to create divisions among states regarding implementation of the new National Education Policy (NEP).

Pradhan's remarks came in response to Stalin's claim that Centre is withholding funds under Samagra Shiksha Scheme from best performing states for their refusal to adopt NEP.

In a statement on X, the education minister acknowledged the benefits of healthy competition among states in a democracy but cautioned against "pitting states against each other to make a point". Pradhan challenged Stalin on the state's "principled" opposition to NEP, posing a series of questions: "Are you opposing education in mother tongue including Tamil? Are you opposing conduct of exams in Indian languages including Tamil? Are you opposing creation of textbooks and content in Indian languages including Tamil? Are you opposed to holistic, multidisciplinary, equitable, futuristic and inclusive framework of NEP?"

Earlier in the day, The Tamil Nadu CM had shared a news report on X, highlighting reduction of Samagra Shiksha funds by Centre for states that have refused to implement NEP.

Stalin questioned Centre's approach to promoting quality education and equity, stating, "Denying funds to best-performing states for refusing to bow to #NEP, while generously rewarding those who are not delivering on the objectives - Is this how Union BJP govt plans to promote quality education and equity? I leave it to the


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