Tamil Nadu Government Reaffirms Two-Language Policy, Decision on PM SHRI Scheme Pending

The newly formed Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister Vijay has confirmed that the state will continue following its long-standing two-language policy, maintaining Tamil and English as the primary languages taught in schools.

Tamil Nadu School Education Minister A Rajmohan stated that the government has no plans to introduce a third language in the education system, calling the two-language framework one of the core principles of the ruling TVK party.

According to the minister, Tamil will remain the primary language for cultural and regional identity, while English will continue to serve as an important medium for communication beyond the state.

The announcement comes amid ongoing debates around the National Education Policy (NEP) and the Centre’s proposed three-language formula, which has faced strong opposition from Tamil Nadu’s political parties over the years.

The previous DMK government under MK Stalin had also rejected the three-language approach, arguing that it could weaken regional languages and indirectly promote Hindi in non-Hindi-speaking states. The DMK administration had additionally refused to implement the PM SHRI Scheme, alleging that it was linked to the broader language policy agenda of the Centre.

The Vijay-led government has now reiterated that there will be no change to Tamil Nadu’s current language policy. However, the administration has not yet taken a final decision regarding the implementation of the PM SHRI Scheme in the state.

Rajmohan said the government would hold detailed discussions on central schemes and education-related issues before arriving at a formal decision. The minister emphasized that protecting Tamil while ensuring students gain strong English communication skills remains the government’s priority.

The PM SHRI Scheme, introduced by the Centre, aims to develop model schools aligned with the National Education Policy, but several opposition-led states have expressed concerns over certain policy conditions attached to its implementation.